Next Week: Shannon Mayer and Cassidy Ellis Salter at Forbidden Planet in London!


Next week, Forbidden Planet are hosting an event featuring Shannon Mayer, Cassidy Ellis Salter and Danielle Knight! Taking place at the FP Megastore in London on March 13th, at 5:30pm, you can find full details on their website — it is a ticketed event, which you will need to buy in advance.

Shannon Mayer is the author of, most recently, NEVERTHORN — the first novel in the Of Quirks and Curses series, out now in paperback, eBook, and audiobook, published by Penguin/Michael Joseph. Here’s the synopsis…

Harlow is a 29-year-old wizarding school dropout who is blackmailed into returning to Neverthorn Academy to help defend against the dark wizard Nocta.

So now she’s stuck retaking all the classes she didn’t pass the first time and being mentored by the annoyingly sexy Professor Typhon.

But Typhon and the other professors are hiding a secret and Harlow needs to figure out what it is and fast.

Because Nocta is coming for Neverthorn and Harlow might be the only one who can stop him.

Otherwise the world as she knows it will be destroyed forever.

Cassidy Ellis Salter is the author of THESE SHATTERED SPIRES, due out next week. Published by Bloomsbury in the UK and North America, it’s the first in the Wyrdos series. Here’s the synopsis…

In a rotten and bloody world, four magical rivals are forced to work together to avoid certain death in a deadly competition. Gothic, visceral and utterly compelling, These Shattered Spires is the first book in the Wyrdos trilogy.

Beneath a tooth-filled sky, the world rots.

At the heart of the decaying world is Fourspires Castle, home to arcanists from across the four magical disciplines: bone, blood, botany and stone.

When the king is assassinated, chaos erupts. To seize the crown, arcanists and their human familiars are dragged into the Slaughter – a deadly competition, where survival means killing and death is the only escape.

Amidst the bloodshed, four rival familiars must work together … Taro, a bone witch still obsessed with her ex. Nixie, a botanical familiar with a ghost living in her bedroom. Elliot, a cursed and vengeful blood familiar and Alix, banished from the stone arcania tower and shrouded in secrets.

Together, the four Wyrdos are not just fighting to survive, but to lift the curse upon their world. There must be more to the sky than a dome of teeth and spittle; there must be something beyond the decay of Fourspires…

Zeno represents Shannon Mayer in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Shannon Mayer’s NEVERTHORN Out Now in New UK Paperback Edition!


NEVERTHORN, the acclaimed first novel in Shannon Mayer‘s Of Quirks and Curses series, is out today in a new UK paperback! Published by Penguin, here’s the synopsis…

Harlow is a 29-year-old wizarding school dropout who is blackmailed into returning to Neverthorn Academy to help defend against the dark wizard Nocta.

So now she’s stuck retaking all the classes she didn’t pass the first time and being mentored by the annoyingly sexy Professor Typhon.

But Typhon and the other professors are hiding a secret and Harlow needs to figure out what it is and fast.

Because Nocta is coming for Neverthorn and Harlow might be the only one who can stop him.

Otherwise the world as she knows it will be destroyed forever.

The second novel in the series, HEATHERMOOR, is due to be published in the UK by Michael Joseph, on July 23rd. (Cover and details to come!)

Here are just a few of the reviews NEVERTHORN has received so far…

‘Full of secrets, second chances and slow-burn romance, Mayer’s dark academia romantasy sets the scene for what promises to be a spellbinding fantasy trilogy.’ — Culturefly

‘If you like your heroes messy, your professors brooding, and your fantasies dark, Neverthorn is for you. Prepare to fall. Hard. Like, it’s gonna hurt.’ — Darynda Jones, New York Times Bestselling author

‘This is a super fun, action-packed magical Academy adventure— perfect for readers of books like Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy, but who want a main character who is a little bit older, seasoned, and absolutely hilarious!’ — C. N. Crawford, author of The Hallowed Games duology

‘Neverthorn is for the women who’ve lived, bled, and clawed their way to survive. Dark academia gets a savage, spellbinding twist—and Harlow Daygon is the chaotic queen we didn’t know we needed.’ — K. F. Breene, USA Today bestselling author of the Shadowspell Academy series

Zeno represents Shannon Mayer in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

NEVERTHORN UK Paperback Edition Out in Three Weeks!


On February 2nd, Penguin are due to publish the UK paperback edition of NEVERTHORN, the acclaimed first novel in Shannon Mayer‘s Of Quirks and Curses series!

Harlow is a 29-year-old wizarding school dropout who is blackmailed into returning to Neverthorn Academy to help defend against the dark wizard Nocta.

So now she’s stuck retaking all the classes she didn’t pass the first time and being mentored by the annoyingly sexy Professor Typhon.

But Typhon and the other professors are hiding a secret and Harlow needs to figure out what it is and fast.

Because Nocta is coming for Neverthorn and Harlow might be the only one who can stop him.

Otherwise the world as she knows it will be destroyed forever.

The second novel in the series, HEATHERMOOR, is due to be published in the UK by Michael Joseph, on July 23rd. (Cover and details to come!)

Here are just a few of the reviews NEVERTHORN has received so far…

‘Full of secrets, second chances and slow-burn romance, Mayer’s dark academia romantasy sets the scene for what promises to be a spellbinding fantasy trilogy.’ — Culturefly

‘If you like your heroes messy, your professors brooding, and your fantasies dark, Neverthorn is for you. Prepare to fall. Hard. Like, it’s gonna hurt.’ — Darynda Jones, New York Times Bestselling author

‘This is a super fun, action-packed magical Academy adventure— perfect for readers of books like Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy, but who want a main character who is a little bit older, seasoned, and absolutely hilarious!’ — C. N. Crawford, author of The Hallowed Games duology

‘Neverthorn is for the women who’ve lived, bled, and clawed their way to survive. Dark academia gets a savage, spellbinding twist—and Harlow Daygon is the chaotic queen we didn’t know we needed.’ — K. F. Breene, USA Today bestselling author of the Shadowspell Academy series

Zeno represents Shannon Mayer in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

M.A. Wardell’s HUSBAND OF THE YEAR is Out This Week in Paperback!


The paperback edition of M. A. Wardell‘s HUSBAND OF THE YEAR is out this week in North America and in the UK! It’s the highly-anticipated, fourth and final instalment in the author’s acclaimed Teachers in Love series. Here’s the synopsis…

Family isn’t only about blood. It’s about the people we choose.

Olan Stone wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with kindergarten teacher Marvin Block. And his daughter, Illona, can’t wait to call Marvin her stepfather. They’re bashert—meant to be. However, as the big day approaches, family tensions and unresolved issues put their future together in jeopardy.

Marvin thought he and Olan had everything all figured out. But he’s realizing that their whirlwind romance may not be the foundation for a lifetime commitment after all. As they struggle through the changes that life is throwing their way, will they be drawn closer together or farther apart?

The novel is published by Forever in North America (today) and Penguin in the UK (Thursday, but you may be able to find copies in bookshops already). Both publishers have also published the first three novels in the series: TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS, and NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS.

‘M.A. Wardell’s stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big, warm hug.’Alice Osman, bestselling author of Heartstopper

‘This story reminds us that love grows, evolves, and expands to encompass more than we can ever imagine.’ — Adib KhorramUSA Today bestselling author of It Had to be Him

M.A. Wardell’s HUSBAND OF THE YEAR Out in Three Weeks!


M.A. Wardell‘s highly-anticipated new novel, HUSBAND OF THE YEAR is out in three weeks! Due to be published by Forever in North America (November 18th), and Penguin in the UK (November 20th), it’s the fourth novel in the Teachers in Love series. Here’s the synopsis…

Exploring themes of love, family, and parenthood, Husband of the Year is a trade paperback original publication featuring all the characters you’ve met and grown to love and is the highly anticipated final installment in the Teachers in Love series—from an author whose “stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big, warm hug” (Alice Oseman, bestselling author of Heartstopper).

Family isn’t only about blood. It’s about the people we choose.

Olan Stone wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with kindergarten teacher Marvin Block. And his daughter, Illona, can’t wait to call Marvin her stepfather. They’re bashert—meant to be. However, as the big day approaches, family tensions and unresolved issues put their future together in jeopardy.

Marvin thought he and Olan had everything all figured out. But he’s realizing that their whirlwind romance may not be the foundation for a lifetime commitment after all. As they struggle through the changes that life is throwing their way, will they be drawn closer together or farther apart?

To celebrate the release, the author will be embarking on a North American book tour! Full details can be found here, but below is a brief run-down…

The other three novels in the acclaimed series — TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS, and NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS — are also published by Forever and Penguin.

NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS by M.A. Wardell Out Today in a New UK Edition!


A new UK paperback edition of NAPKINS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS by M. A. Wardell is out today! Published by Penguin, it’s the third novel in the author’s acclaimed Teachers in Love series. Here’s the synopsis…

Kent Lester is proud of the joyful, thriving learning community he’s created as principal of Lear Elementary School. But seven years after his divorce, he’s ready to focus on his personal life and spread his bisexual wings. Things get off to a rocky start when Kent’s first date is an uptight control freak – although that doesn’t stop them tangling some sheets.

Vincent Manda never seems able to move past the friend zone, and besides, he’s not sure anyone can handle his OCD. But that night with the bearded, older Kent revealed a side of Vincent he’d never experienced before. And he’s equal parts scared of and desperate for a repeat.

When Lear’s test scores take a nosedive, Kent finds himself under the microscope. Forced to implement new software to monitor and collect school data, he’s horrified to discover that Vincent is working on the project. With his last install ending less than ideally, Vincent’s job depends on this one succeeding – and butting heads with the principal won’t help.

Vincent and Kent need to view each other in a new light, but that could change their futures forever.

The first two novels in the series — TEACHER OF THE YEAR and MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS — are out now, also published by Penguin. The fourth novel, HUSBAND OF THE YEAR, is due to be published by Penguin in the UK, on November 20th.

‘M.A. Wardell’s stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big warm hug.’ — Alice Oseman, author of Heartstopper

‘Wardell’s writing is filled with tenderness, delectable heat, and characters so real they feel like friends.’ Adib KhorramUSA Today bestselling author of It Had to Be Him

The Teachers in Love series is published in North America by Forever.

New Paperback Edition of M. A. Wardell’s MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS Out Now in the UK!


The UK paperback edition of M. A. Wardell‘s MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS is out today! The second novel in the author’s Teachers in Love series, it is published by Penguin. Here’s the synopsis…

Sheldon Soleskin should be having a horrible day. Even though he’s been unexpectedly transferred to a new school right before the holidays, has only one day to set up his new classroom, and just discovered his twin sister’s been hiding an invitation to his ex-boyfriend’s Christmas Eve wedding, he’s still ready to take on the world with a smile on his face and a skip in his step.

Theo Berenson just wants to be left alone to his custodial duties. But when the chipper new first-grade teacher needs help moving furniture the Sunday after Thanksgiving, he’s forced to do something he detests. Help. To make matters worse, Theo’s overbearing parents are coming for Hanukah in a few weeks, and he’s told them he has a boyfriend. Except he doesn’t. Because who would want to date an oaf like Theo?

Working together, these opposites discover they might be able to help each other out. Agreeing to be each other’s dates, they become friends as they practice for their upcoming events. But when all the rehearsing starts feeling a little too real, and both men’s pasts come roaring back to haunt them, will they be able to pull off the ultimate holiday masquerade?

The novel is also available in eBook. The first and third books in the series — TEACHER OF THE YEAR  and NAPKINS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS — are also available in eBook now (book one available in paperback, too).

The North American paperback edition of MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS was published on Tuesday, by Forever!

UK Paperback Edition of Caitlyn Wilson’s ALL THE DEVILS Out in Two Weeks!


The UK paperback edition of Catelyn Wilson‘s acclaimed ALL THE DEVILS is out in two weeks! Due to be published by Penguin, on August 28th, here’s the synopsis…

On the day of the funeral Andy is shocked to discover one thing: the person in that casket is not her sister.

Violet is alive.

Convinced her sister’s elite boarding school is covering up the truth, Andy enrols at Griffith Academy to discover what really happened and find Violet.

After discovering a cryptic note from her sister, Andy must follow a set of clues to unlock the truth. This will bring her into contact with secret societies, ancient magic, demons and monsters. And a charming senior named Jae Han who has his own reasons for finding out what happened to Violet…

Soon Andy realises the price she must pay to bring her sister home is darker and more dangerous than she ever could have imagined.

ALL THE DEVILS is the first novel in the author’s Sisters of the Occult series. The second novel, ALL THE WICKED, is due to be published by Michael Joseph in the UK, on November 6th, 2026.

‘ALL THE DEVILS is eerie, intense, and mysterious with immersive world building and mythology. The fast pace kept me turning pages, and I’d follow Jae pretty much anywhere.’Stacia Stark, bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series

‘A deliciously dark and atmospheric read. I tore through this gothic tale of a sister’s love and the monsters she will face to unearth the shocking truth.’ — Frances White

Zeno represents Catelyn Wilson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Emily Rath’s PUCKING STRONG Out Now in the UK!


PUCKING STRONG, the fourth novel in Emily Rath‘s acclaimed Jacksonville Rays series, is out today in the UK! Published by Penguin, here’s the synopsis…

Teddy O’Connor has made a terrible mistake. He’s followed the man who holds his heart halfway around the world – Henrik Karlsson, the star forward of the NHL’s Jacksonville Rays.

As the team doctor, Teddy’s determined to keep things professional. Until that is, Henrik needs Teddy to marry him…

With the tragic passing of his sister back in Sweden, Henrik must take on guardianship of his young niece. But the Swedish Government won’t let him take over custody alone – enter Teddy.

With the new hockey season about to start, the Rays PR Director needs them to make this marriage look real. The team’s public image, their jobs, and Henrik’s custody agreement depend on it.

But the Rays don’t need to worry – the problem isn’t that Teddy has to fake his love, the problem is that it’s very real.

The first three novels in the series are also available (in print and eBook editions), published by Penguin in the UK: PUCKING AROUND, PUCKING WILD, and PUCKING SWEET.

Zeno represents Emily Rath in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Emily Rath’s PUCKING STRONG out in Four Weeks!


The UK edition of PUCKING STRONG, the fourth novel by Emily Rath in the acclaimed Jacksonville Rays series, is out in four weeks! The novel is due to be published by Penguin, on July 24th. Here’s the synopsis…

Teddy O’Connor has made a terrible mistake. He’s followed the man who holds his heart halfway around the world – Henrik Karlsson, the star forward of the NHL’s Jacksonville Rays.

As the team doctor, Teddy’s determined to keep things professional. Until that is, Henrik needs Teddy to marry him…

With the tragic passing of his sister back in Sweden, Henrik must take on guardianship of his young niece. But the Swedish Government won’t let him take over custody alone – enter Teddy.

With the new hockey season about to start, the Rays PR Director needs them to make this marriage look real. The team’s public image, their jobs, and Henrik’s custody agreement depend on it.

But the Rays don’t need to worry – the problem isn’t that Teddy has to fake his love, the problem is that it’s very real.

The first three novels in the series are out now: PUCKING AROUND, PUCKING WILD, and PUCKING SWEET.

Zeno represents Emily Rath in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

M.A. Wardell’s TEACHER OF THE YEAR Out in Three Weeks!


In three weeks, a new edition of TEACHER OF THE YEAR by M. A. Wardell will be published! To be published by Forever in North America and Penguin in the UK, here’s the synopsis…

This steamy friends-to-lovers gay romance explores what happens when a kindergarten teacher falls for a student’s single father — while overcoming trauma and dealing with anxiety — perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Anita Kelly. 

Those who can, teach. Marvin Block is one of the best kindergarten teachers out there. And despite his anxiety, Marvin’s life is sweet. He knows what he wants. And what he wants is the Teacher of the Year Award. Not just for himself – his school needs him to win.​

Returning from break, the New Year finds Marvin all set to welcome a new pupil to his class. But when Illona walks in with her cute-as-hell single dad beside her, Marvin’s focus starts to slide. Sure, his students always come first, but he deserves to have a life outside the classroom, too, right?​

As their friendship starts to deepen, Marvin realizes Olan has the potential to teach him things about love he never thought possible. But with the Teacher of the Year award and his school’s future on the line, now’s not the time for anything complicated.​ Education has always been Marvin’s world. And he needs to keep a cool head if he wants to win the award and save his school. But will it be worth it if he loses Olan in the process?​

With Olan’s past and Marvin’s present colliding, their experiment in love hangs in the balance. Marvin knows what he wants out of life. But now he’s forced to consider what he wants out of love. Will Marvin chalk the relationship up to experience? Or can they revise their story into a textbook romance?

Now with bonuses including a new epilogue and artwork of the characters.

Forever and Penguin will also be re-issuing MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS and NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS. Later this year, they will also publish a new novel in the series, HUSBAND OF THE YEAR.

Coming Soon: NEVERTHORN by Shannon Mayer!


Announced last week, we’re happy to share the details for NEVERTHORN, the next novel from Shannon Mayer! Due to be published in the UK by Michael Joseph Books, on July 24th, here’s the synopsis…

Welcome to Neverthorn Academy.

Where a bunch of magical school misfits are about to save the world.

Or, more likely, die trying…

Since dropping out of Neverthorn Academy, after the death of her mother, Harlow Daygon has been working as an enchanted-jewel thief.

The last thing she expects is for the school to make an offer she can’t refuse: come back to Neverthorn and join seven others with secret magical abilities in House Phoenix. There, they’ll be trained in potions, rune casting and combat.

Because Nocta – a powerful dark wizard who has been plaguing the magical realm for decades – has the mortal world in his sights, and the students of House Phoenix are all that stand in his way.

But Harlow failed at Neverthorn once before. And nothing reminds her of this more than tall, brooding Typhon – Harlow’s old classmate and nemesis – who is now the professor tasked with unlocking her own, special power.

Except Harlow is sure that Typhon and the other professors are hiding a dark secret.

One she must figure out before Nocta arrives to bring about the end of the world…

NEVERTHORN will also be available in a Waterstone’s special edition, with fantastic sprayed edges…

Zeno represents Shannon Mayer in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Coming Soon: PUCKING STRONG by Emily Rath!


In case you missed it, yesterday Penguin unveiled the UK edition of PUCKING STRONG, the fourth novel by Emily Rath in the Jacksonville Rays series! The novel is due to be published on July 24th. Here’s the synopsis…

Teddy O’Connor has made a terrible mistake. He’s followed the man who holds his heart halfway around the world – Henrik Karlsson, the star forward of the NHL’s Jacksonville Rays.

As the team doctor, Teddy’s determined to keep things professional. Until that is, Henrik needs Teddy to marry him…

With the tragic passing of his sister back in Sweden, Henrik must take on guardianship of his young niece. But the Swedish Government won’t let him take over custody alone – enter Teddy.

With the new hockey season about to start, the Rays PR Director needs them to make this marriage look real. The team’s public image, their jobs, and Henrik’s custody agreement depend on it.

But the Rays don’t need to worry – the problem isn’t that Teddy has to fake his love, the problem is that it’s very real.

The first three novels in the series are out now: PUCKING AROUND, PUCKING WILD, and PUCKING SWEET.

M.A. Wardell’s Teachers in Love series out now in UK eBook edition!


The first three novels in M. A. Wardell‘s Teachers in Love series are out now in the UK! The eBook editions of TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS, and NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS are available from all eBook retailers, published by Penguin. As in North America, the paperback editions will follow in June, September, and October, respectively).

Here’s the synopsis for the first novel, TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Love: Not as easy as ABC.

They were supposed to keep things casual. Who’d expect they’d be schooled in love?

Those who can, teach. Marvin Block is one of the best kindergarten teachers out there. And despite his anxiety, Marvin’s life is sweet. He knows what he wants. And what he wants is the Teacher of the Year Award. Not just for himself – his school needs him to win.

Returning from break, the New Year finds Marvin all set to welcome a new pupil to his class. But when Illona walks in with her cute-as-hell single dad beside her, Marvin’s focus starts to slide.

Sure, his students always come first, but he deserves to have a life outside the classroom, too, right?

As their friendship starts to deepen, Marvin realizes Olan has the potential to teach him things about love he never thought possible. But with the Teacher of the Year award and his school’s future on the line, now’s not the time for anything complicated.

Education has always been Marvin’s world. And he needs to keep a cool head if he wants to win the award and save his school. But will it be worth it if he loses Olan in the process?

With Olan’s past and Marvin’s present colliding, their experiment in love hangs in the balance. Marvin knows what he wants out of life. But now he’s forced to consider what he wants out of love.

Will Marvin chalk the relationship up to experience? Or can they revise their story into a textbook romance?

Alice Oseman, the author of Heartstopper, has said, ‘M.A. Wardell’s stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big warm hug.’

The audiobook editions are also out now, narrated by Kirt Graves and Mark Sanderlin. The North American editions are published by Forever (out now in eBook and audio editions).

UK Editions of M.A. Wardell’s Teachers In Love Series out in Two Weeks!


In two weeks (February 13th), Penguin is due to the first three novels in M. A. Wardell‘s Teachers in Love series in the UK! The eBook editions of TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS, and NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONSwill be available from all eBook retailers. As in North America, the paperback editions will follow in June, September, and October, respectively). The novels were self-published sensations, so it’s great that they’ll now have a chance to find even more new readers!

Here’s the synopsis for the first novel, TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Love: Not as easy as ABC.

They were supposed to keep things casual. Who’d expect they’d be schooled in love?

Those who can, teach. Marvin Block is one of the best kindergarten teachers out there. And despite his anxiety, Marvin’s life is sweet. He knows what he wants. And what he wants is the Teacher of the Year Award. Not just for himself – his school needs him to win.

Returning from break, the New Year finds Marvin all set to welcome a new pupil to his class. But when Illona walks in with her cute-as-hell single dad beside her, Marvin’s focus starts to slide.

Sure, his students always come first, but he deserves to have a life outside the classroom, too, right?

As their friendship starts to deepen, Marvin realizes Olan has the potential to teach him things about love he never thought possible. But with the Teacher of the Year award and his school’s future on the line, now’s not the time for anything complicated.

Education has always been Marvin’s world. And he needs to keep a cool head if he wants to win the award and save his school. But will it be worth it if he loses Olan in the process?

With Olan’s past and Marvin’s present colliding, their experiment in love hangs in the balance. Marvin knows what he wants out of life. But now he’s forced to consider what he wants out of love.

Will Marvin chalk the relationship up to experience? Or can they revise their story into a textbook romance?

The audiobook editions are out now, narrated by Kirt Graves and Mark Sanderlin. The North American editions are published by Forever (out now in eBook and audio editions; paperback editions to follow in the same months).