In a world where love is forbidden, one girl must fight for her heart and freedom through deadly trials in the first book of a new dystopian romantasy duology from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Elle.

Welcome to The Heart Trials.
The prize is love.
The cost is everything.

In Ethyria the highborn may love; the lowborn may only feel what the Benevolent allows.

Saltblood lowborn Axira Merreri survives the decaying districts by keeping her heart locked tight, couriering goods by day—and smuggling the ruler’s euphoric Heartfillers to the highborn by night. Until a drop goes wrong and her execution looms.

When she strikes a dangerous bargain to steal something from the Tournament of Hearts, a ruthless dating competition to gain highborn citizenship, she enters. Not for love. For freedom. But as the twisted allure of the competition turns deadly, an unexpected connection cracks her defenses, forcing her to confront a truth she fears: In a regime built on engineered happiness, the most dangerous weapon she has is her heart.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Elle delivers a breathless series opener that is bold, bone-chilling, and wholly original. For fans of the cutthroat competition of The Hunger Games, Love Island, and Powerless, this dystopian romantasy explores what happens when the heart becomes the empire’s sharpest blade.

From New York Times bestselling author J. Elle comes a modern-day YA romantic fantasy series opener about a glamorous magical world of social elites, forbidden love, and a dark magic that could destroy it all.

BURY YOUR SECRET OR DIE FOR IT.

17 year-old Quell has lived her entire life on the run. She and her mother have fled from city to city, in order to hide the deadly magic that flows through Quell’s veins. 

Until someone discovers her dark secret.

To hide from the assassin hunting her, and keep her mother out of harm’s way, Quell reluctantly inducts into a debutante society of magical social elites called the Order that she never knew existed. If she can pass their three rites of membership, mastering their proper form of magic, she’ll be able to secretly bury her forbidden magic forever. 

If caught, she will be killed.

But becoming the perfect debutante is a lot harder than Quell imagined, especially when there’s more than tutoring happening with Jordan, her brooding mentor and— assassin in training. 

When Quell uncovers the deadly lengths the Order will go to defend its wealth and power, she’s forced to choose: embrace the dark magic she’s been running from her entire life or risk losing everything, and everyone, she’s grown to love.

Still, she fears the most formidable monster she’ll have to face is the one inside.

Brimming with ballgowns and betrayal, magic and mystery, decadence and darkness, House of Marionne is perfect for readers who crave morally gray characters, irresistible romance, dark academia, and a deeply intoxicating and original world.

Seductive magic. Deadly betrayal.

Don’t miss the explosive finale of the dark, romantic fantasy of the New York Times-bestselling House of Marionne series, which #1 bestselling author Alex Aster praises as "a sweeping fantasy brimming with magic, secrets, and romance."

The stunning first printing of Fortress of Ambrose will feature a gorgeous designed case and exclusive metallic endpapers!

With the future of the Order clouded in uncertainty, and the evil within its ranks coming to the surface, Quell Marionne has nowhere left to turn.

Everyone Quell cares about is gone and she still can’t escape the powerful legacy that wants to destroy her. But when she uncovers an earth-shattering revelation, she must choose: be the hero the magic world needs or save Jordan.

Meanwhile, a darkness festers inside Dragunheart Jordan Wexton. His path to survival means becoming the monster he was bred to hate, if he can overcome the power rotting within himself.

In a world where the line between proper and forbidden magic blurs, Quell and Jordan, along with two unlikely allies – bitter assassin Yagrin Wexton and magicless Heir Nore Ambrose, must navigate a treachero's path where freedom hangs by a thread. Can love tip the scales toward freedom? Or will rivalries and deadly betrayals shatter their hearts and destroy the world they once knew?

“Make a way out of no way” is just the way of life for Rue. But when her mother is shot dead on her doorstep, life for her and her younger sister changes forever. Rue's taken from her neighborhood by the father she never knew, forced to leave her little sister behind, and whisked away to Ghizon—a hidden island of magic wielders.

Rue is the only half-god, half-human there, where leaders protect their magical powers at all costs and thrive on human suffering. Miserable and desperate to see her sister on the anniversary of their mother’s death, Rue breaks Ghizon’s sacred Do Not Leave Law and returns to Houston, only to discover that Black kids are being forced into crime and violence. And her sister, Tasha, is in danger of falling sway to the very forces that claimed their mother’s life.

Worse still, evidence mounts that the evil plaguing East Row is the same one that lurks in Ghizon—an evil that will stop at nothing until it has stolen everything from her and everyone she loves. Rue must embrace her true identity and wield the full magnitude of her ancestors’ power to save her neighborhood before the gods burn it to the ground.

About the author: J. Elle was born in Houston, Texas, and is a first-generation college student with a bachelor’s in journalism and MA in educational administration and human development. An advocate for marginalized voices in both publishing and her community, J. Elle’s passion for empowering youth dates back to her first career in education. She’s worked as a preschool director, middle school teacher, and high school creative writing mentor. In her spare time, she volunteers at an alternative school, provides feedback for aspiring writers, loves on her three littles, and cooks up dishes true to her Texas and Louisiana roots. Wings of Ebony is her first novel.

The dazzling romantic fantasy world of House of Marionne continues in this dark and deadly sequel full of forbidden magic, devastating lies, and broken hearts.

A must read for fans of Stephanie Garber, Leigh Bardugo, and Alex Aster.

Unleash the darkness. Claim your power.

Quell Marionne’s explosive final Rite of Induction to House Marionne sent shockwaves through the magical world, unearthing long buried secrets and her own deadly power. But she paid a steep price: her family and her love. Fleeing Chateau Soleil for House of Perl, for once Quell is celebrated instead of shunned. She has finally found somewhere to belong. But secrets lurk in every House, and Quell’s quest to find her mom threatens to lead her deeper into the shadows.

Assassin Jordan Wexton, second-in command of the Dragun brotherhood, must protect the source of all magic, the Sphere. Yet the biggest threat to the Sphere is Quell Marionne—the girl he loved, until she claimed the deadly, outlawed toushana. As the Sphere cracks and war brews among the Houses, can the only way to save the world be to kill his own heart?

Now, these two lovers-turned enemies must confront their competing ambitions and conflicting loyalties. Or die. The future of magic hangs on their decision.

The year is 2008 and eighteen year old Kenni, and her best friend Saylor are Brooklyn's hottest thing walking. Kenni, looking for a man to wife her up and spoil her, and Saylor, looking for a man to put her onto the hustle. Both have different goals, but same outcome; money. While Kenni is giving every hustler with money her attention, Haze, her neighbor is in love with her. Kenni could care less about Haze because his braids are nappy, sneakers are dirty and he doesn't live in a big mansion, he lives in the apartment next to hers in Marcy Projects. After finally be tired of Kenni playing him, Haze decides to let her see what the life of a hustler's wife is really about. When Bridge comes onto the block and locks eyes with Kenni, he knows that he has to make her his. Bridge, A Kingpin from Maryland, decided to spend his summer in Brooklyn, and make money at the same time. Once his eyes are set on Kenni, he can't forget the beauty, and he won't stop until he makes her his. Being Bridge's girl comes with a lot more than money, clothes and cars. And Kenni soon finds out that being a hustler's girl isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Darren is Bridge's cousin, and has eyes for Saylor. While Darren works for Bridge, he still has enough money to spread around. Especially to his wife and children in Philly. Saylor and Darren enter a dangerous situation where any one of their hearts could end up broken. While Darren just wants a side piece in Brooklyn for the summer, Saylor wants to learn the drug game and be on top, while being with Darren. The golden rule Saylor makes Darren promise is not to break her heart... Will Darren break the rule? Or, will he become so caught up in Saylor that he's ready to leave his wife? Two girls with two different goals, but one thing for sure; All The Dope Boys 'Gon Feel Her.

Explosive, sensual, and unapologetically raw, Rich and Rotten delivers Jahquel J.’s signature blend of passionate romance and high-stakes family drama—where love is the most dangerous game, and trust is the rarest luxury.

In Greenwich Pointe’s world of Black wealth and power, Tatiana Rich has everything money can buy—except freedom. When her kingpin father forces her into a strategic marriage with the Sterling dynasty’s heir, she begs Nazir Kane—the man she fell for during her college years—to run away with her.

By morning, he’s vanished without a word.

A decade later, Tatiana is rebuilding her life after her husband Karim’s tragic death. While raising their daughter and growing her luxury spa empire, an assassination attempt on her father brings an unexpected guardian: Nazir Kane—now a powerful security specialist assigned to protect her family.

Living under the same roof as the man who shattered her heart is torture enough. But as old flames reignite, darker truths emerge about the father who controlled her and the husband she mourned.

With enemies closing in and whispers that her husband’s death wasn’t an accident, Tatiana must decide if the man who once betrayed her is the only one who can save her now . . .

“In a time of increasing loneliness, this book provides a steady guide, teaching us how to foster closeness, show up intentionally, and genuinely care for the people in our lives."—Nedra Glover Tawwab, author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace

From New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Elle comes a vulnerable exploration of the friendships that shape us, stretch us, and sometimes wound us. With her trademark wisdom and storytelling, Alex invites us to not only celebrate but to examine the relationships in our lives, from the friends who matter most to the ones we should re-examine.

This book offers hard-won wisdom on:

* Recognizing when people-pleasing and self-silencing have become a pattern.

* Understanding that honesty—while sometimes painful—is a bridge to real intimacy or necessary endings.

* Letting go of the belief that we earn love by shrinking ourselves.

* Honor the sacred friendships that restore and heal us.

The Company We Keep offers readers permission to evolve in their friendships and reminds us that the people we surround ourselves with are not only mirrors, but key companions on the lifelong journey of healing, self-trust, and belonging. Alex shares her unflinching journey of learning to stop abandoning herself in the name of loyalty, to take ownership of the energy she brought into relationships, and to tell the truth—even when it cost her comfort. The Company We Keep is not just about cultivating our most meaningful friendships—it’s about becoming a better friend to ourselves first.

Celebrate the release of Forged by Blood, a Nigerian inspired fantasy novel with debut author, Ehigbor Okosun! 

ABOUT THE EVENT

When: Friday, August 11th at 7:30 PM

Where: Kindred Stories' Reading Garden

How: RSVP ONLY to reserve your seat or RSVP WITH BOOK to support the author and our programming.

ABOUT THE BOOK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yoshon Santana once ruled Brownsville, Brooklyn with an iron fist. When his fiancée fell ill, he stepped back and allowed his sister, Yolani, to take his place. After her death, the streets no longer fulfilled him. The same streets he gave everything to seemed to offer him nothing in return. From a distance, he now watches as Yolani runs things his way.

With a possible girlfriend on the horizon, Yoshon finds himself wanting something different. At thirty-eight, he is ready for a wife, children, and the white picket fence surrounding his mansion. Every woman he meets fails to hold his interest until one night during one of New York's infamous blizzards. He comes across a woman and her young son sleeping in a car. Offering his help to the beautiful stranger changes his life, though he does not realize it at the time.

Twenty-five-year-old Golden was once accustomed to cars, mansions, and money. That life came crashing down when her husband, Grand, decided she deserved bruises to match the luxury he provided. After packing up and disappearing with her son, Golden returns to her hometown, hoping to reconnect with the grandmother she left behind. When things do not go as planned, she finds herself working two jobs, washing up in public restrooms, and sleeping in her 2004 Nissan Maxima with her seven-year-old son, Gyan.

There is no such thing as a guardian angel, especially one wearing Timberlands and driving a Tesla. The question is, will Golden lower her guard and pride enough to accept Yoshon's help, or will she continue struggling on the same Brownsville streets she once escaped?

Hazel is married to Yolani and loves her wife deeply. What she cannot tolerate is the constant disrespect and Yolani's unwavering loyalty to the streets. Hazel is tired of coming second to the life Yolani refuses to leave behind. While running her nail shop, an old boyfriend resurfaces and begins to complicate things. Will Hazel turn back to her past, or will she fight for the marriage she vowed to protect?

Yolani stepped into her brother's size thirteen Timberlands and runs the streets the way she sees fit. With a frustrated wife at home, women constantly within reach, and more money than she can spend, settling down is the last thing on her mind. What she has yet to understand is that the same streets she controls are the same ones that can swallow you whole. With a secret weighing on her, will the truth finally come to light? And when it does, will Hazel remain by her side, or walk away in search of the love she truly deserves?

In How We Heal, bestselling author Alexandra Elle offers a life-changing invitation to heal yourself and reclaim your peace. In these pages, readers will discover essential techniques for self-healing, including journaling rituals to cultivate innate strength, accessible tools for processing difficult emotions, and restorative meditations to ease the mind.

Alex Elle elegantly weaves together themes like self-healing, mindfulness, inner child work, and boundary setting and presents the reader with easy-to-follow practices that have changed her life and the lives of the thousands of people she has taught. Her 4-part framework for healing will appeal to anyone who wants a clear process, while the compelling personal stories leave the reader feeling connected and ready to begin again.

Complementing the practices are powerful insights from Alex Elle's own journey of self-discovery using writing to heal, plus remarkable stories of healing from a range of luminary voices, including Nedra Tawwab, Morgan Harper Nichols, Dr. Thema Bryant, Barb Schmidt, and many more.

Brimming with encouragement and delivered with Alex Elle's signature warmth and candor, How We Heal is a must-have companion for anyone that wants to unlock their inner wisdom and confidence to heal on their own.