Auryn Hadley

ON THE FIRST DAY SHE MET HER MATCH. THEN SHE KILLED 16 MEN. Tossed into the gladiator arena, the delicate girl in the fancy pink dress should have been the first to die. Leyli had other plans. Surviving was at the top of her list. Revenge was a close second. Having grown up behind the sheltered walls of the Oberhame Palace, she knew what the crowd wanted. Norihame had built their culture from the scraps of their neighbors. Gladiators were just one part. Evidently, political coups were another, and she'd just become a pawn in the games of men. But why was she still alive? They'd killed her brother, the heir to the throne. Had they gotten to her father? Was the king dead? In the cell beside her, the Lion of Lenlochlien was impressed. The first day, they all cried. Men, women, it didn't matter. But this one was different. Her tears didn't slow her down, they just made her stronger, and when he looked in her eyes, he saw it. Her desperation was feral. It meant she wouldn't hesitate to do what she had to. She might be cornered, but that bitch was the kind that would bite. When he offered advice, she took it. When he told her how to be better, she tried. When she kept coming back after each round, he dared to hope that she'd survive. He had no idea that he was about to become her best weapon. Leyli didn't just want to live through the games, she wanted to protect her father's throne, but to do that, she had to become someone else. She couldn't be the Princess of Norihame. The Lion had to make her a Wolf. Chained side by side, he'll show her how to be a killer. She'll give him a reason to keep fighting. Together, they'll learn that it takes a friend to survive. ** When We Were Kings is a complete novel without a cliffhanger ending. **

It’s a treacherous road to belonging—and once you find it, you could lose everything. In an exotic world caught in the throes of a seemingly endless war, a nation of terrorists under the thumb of an evil Emperor has set out to systematically destroy every race but their own. And they’re just about to succeed. Lauded fantasy author Auryn Hadley (The Demons’ Muse romantic fantasy series) compellingly blends heart-stopping action-adventure, heart-breaking ethics, and toe-curling sensuality, all through the lens of a Daenerys Targaryen-esque lead—the likes of which the fantasy genre hasn’t yet seen. When you were once a slave, freed only to become a ruthless warrior, "belonging" seems a trite concept. A pipe dream, the stuff of naive fairy tales. But not for Salryc Luxx. Private Luxx—Sal for short—is iliri, a member of an untamable race surreptitiously dubbed "their kind" by humans and bred thousands of years ago to protect them. Humans consider them expendable, barely more than animals. Freaks. But in a karmic twist of fate, they’re also one of mankind’s most feared predators. Abused and enslaved, the only control Sal has over her life is what military unit she serves with – if she's good enough to be accepted – and the only one to consider her is the best in the land, the Black Blades. Everyone has secrets, and the Blades are no different. But acceptance into the Blades gives Sal something she never expected—the family she’s never had, and with it, the undying protection of seven of the greatest warriors the world has ever seen. It also gifts her a devoted line of potential mates. Many of her fellow warriors will submit to the bloodlust that overtakes her in the heat of battle and can only be quenched by rough, passionate lovemaking (making way for the steamiest of love scenes). Though it’s not all war and sex. Sal very gradually cultivates deeply loving, evolving relationships with each of the Black Blades, which morphs as a unit into a reverse harem as sweet as it is fierce, and as protective as it is impassioned. But belonging has its own price. Each of the Blades would die to protect Sal. And it’s only a matter of time before the enemy moves to use this against her.Author Hadley has crafted a unique epic fantasy—and an absolute roller coaster of emotions. Her heroine, Sal, is as loving as she is ferocious, and the demons she battles—and the way she beats them—underlie a delicate exploration of the ethical and political battles we face in every war we fight. Hadley’s clever takes on racial prejudice are subtle, yet damning—and her idea of sexual politics is a rip-roaring turn-on. Every female reader will want to be Sal… and every male, like the guys in the book, will fall for her. The first book in the Rise of the Iliri series. BloodLust does not end with a cliffhanger. It does contain adult themes, thus may not be suitable for younger readers.

Online, you can be anyone you want. If only real life was that simple. Kate's determined to learn how to be an independent woman. For too long, she's let herself be pushed around - sometimes literally - by men. For the first time in her life, she finally has control of her own decisions. Too bad it's never that easy. Her goals are simple: get a job and build a life she can be proud of. That's it. The problem is that no matter how much she tells herself she's better off alone, she can't help but feel something for the deep voice she talks to every night in her favorite game. Knowing he lives on the other side of town isn't helping. It wouldn't take much to fall for this guy. He's perfect. So is the man who works across the hall. He's not her boss. He just owns the company she works for. Not only is he rich, charming, and sexy, he's also real, unlike her gamer guy - and for some reason, he's taken an interest in her. But falling for him would be a bad idea. After all, they work together. Still, no girl in her right mind would refuse someone who looks that good in a suit. But she's not the only one with secrets. Some things are supposed to remain online, yet when her job sends her to a gaming convention to represent the company, she knows it won't stay that way. Secrets are about to come out. Unfortunately, the ones that will hurt the most aren't hers. The Gamer Girls series features strong women and the men who love them. Contains graphic language and situations that are suitable for a mature audience. This book is a standalone novel which moves forward a larger story. TRIGGER WARNING: discussions of rape and assault, domestic violence, addiction, suicidal tendencies, phobias, bullying, cyber harassment, violence, and more.

The test results are back, and they say it's cervical cancer. As if that isn't bad enough, getting laid off from her job means Mackenzie can't afford to pay her bills, including the medical ones! She's convinced it's the worst day of her life. Not even meeting that Super Hot Guy from the coffee shop can make it better. Or can it? Ryan has been trying to get the nerve to talk to her for months. Her art is amazing. It's exactly the type of thing he'd like to ink onto his skin forever. For the first time, the beautiful artist wasn't lost in her work. Nope, she was lost in something else. Something that brought tears to those gorgeous eyes. It's the excuse he needs to finally get up the nerve and talk to her. She needs a shoulder, and he's more than willing to give it - plus a job that lets her use her art. Mackenzie never expected to be working in a tattoo parlor, but it will pay the bills, and being around Ryan is pretty nice. Maybe too nice. His shy smiles make her stomach flip, or that could be the chemo. It all comes back to the cancer, so why should she even try? The Super Hot Guy is her boss, and maybe this is as good as her life is going to get... because the cancer's getting worse. Mackenzie may want to protect him, but Ryan isn't going to lose the girl. Not because he's her boss, not because he's too scared to make a move, and he's certainly not going to let some disease screw this up. She thinks the cancer is going to win, but he has other plans. He just needs one more day to prove it, but she may not give him that option. **This book contains some mature situations and is recommended for readers 18+**

In order to win, sometimes you have to risk everything. The incel group, Kings of Gaming, has hit too many of the top gamers. In big ways or small, they've all suffered. For Special Agent Jason Raige, this case has become his life – in ways he never expected. These victims are now his friends. They've been there when he needed them the most, and he's made them his informants. Together, they're a virtual army made of geeks and hackers. One he's about to unleash on the men who are trying to destroy any woman they can. Until KoG targets Jason's fiancée. That's the biggest mistake they've ever made. If these fools think this will make him back off, they're about to get a big surprise. Fighting battles online is one thing, but when it's taken to the real world? That puts them in his crosshairs. For years, he's done everything right, played within the rules, and obeyed the law. Going after the people he loves? Screw justice. Those fools have no idea what kind of monster they've just unleashed. This is going to be a death match. One way or another, the game is over. The Gamer Girls series features strong women and the men who love them. Knowledge about gaming and/or gamer culture is not necessary to enjoy this story. Graphic language and situations that are suitable for a mature audience are included. GAME OVER is the wrap-up of the series and concludes the story. TRIGGER WARNING: discussions of gun violence, racism, transgender issues, stalking, bullying, cyber harassment, excessive violence, assault, mental health issues, and more. This is a love story, but finding love isn't always easy.

Some things are worth fighting for. Riley's life is better than it's ever been before. She has the love of her life, a family made from those she cares about, an adorable "little" rescue dog, and even her horse business is doing pretty good. Everything is great. Everything is wonderful. At least on the surface. But an online hate group has her in their crosshairs. She's made a fool of them too many times, and now they're out for blood. The literal kind, not the virtual stuff. When they say they want to "frag" her, they aren't talking about online kills in a video game. Now, the threats have moved to real life – with real guns. While she has an army of friends willing to fight beside her, she wasn't ready for this. She'd prepared for some bullying. Maybe a few more embarrassing stories to come out. But this? Real people are being hurt. People she cares about might be next. Picking a fight online is one thing, but is her need to prove that women deserve respect really worth taking a risk this big? Someone's going to get hurt. And she's terrified it won't be her. The Gamer Girls series features strong women and the men who love them. Knowledge about gaming and/or gamer culture is not necessary to enjoy this story. Graphic language and situations that are suitable for a mature audience are included. FRAGGED is a standalone novel which moves forward a larger story. TRIGGER WARNING: discussions of gun violence, bullying, cyber harassment, stalking, slut-shaming, and more. This is a love story, but finding love isn't always easy.

The last thing a broken girl needs is perfection. Love isn't something Dez has time for. Simply staying alive is too much work. Even worse, the thing trying to get her is something she can't outrun: her own dark thoughts. Three years after the incident, she's only getting worse. Even the thought of casually brushing up against another person triggers her panic attacks, yet everyone says she should be fine. They call her a survivor, but this feels more like a downward spiral - until a random encounter brings her face to face with the one person who might understand. Chance needs a miracle, and he's decided she's the only thing that can save his crumbling game company. Her, the broken girl with way too many issues. She agrees to help but has three conditions. First, no one will touch her - ever. Second, no drug tests, because she won't pass. Third, when she's done, he won't try to stop her from quitting. Those are her rules, and to Dez, this isn't just a game. Except he has his own problem. Chance needs contact to feel whole, and she can't handle the idea of being touched. There's no way this situation can work. Plus, if her secrets come out, she won't be the miracle he needs. But can her flaws finally help? Or is this game over?

- 2022 Expanded Edition - By reader request, Hope is a full-length epilogue novel to show what comes after the Rise of the Iliri series ends. The war is over. The dead have been laid to rest. Peace is on the horizon, and Anglia is a country that needs to be put back together. After a failed coup, a new king who's spent more time away from the country than on his throne, and two new kingdoms sharing the same space, it's starting to feel like combat was easier to handle. But Dominik Jens has an idea. What this country needs is a celebration to unite the three species. He has one in mind, but he's not quite sure it's going to fly. The nobles hate the idea, the iliri love it, and the grauori haven't responded. They're too worried about the Orassae's grandchildren, who are due to be born at any time. Peace isn't made from drawing lines in the sand. It's all about erasing them. That's how Hope is built, and it's the only way for Anglia to move forward together. Luckily, they have plenty to spare. This 140,000 word story is in addition to the complete and finished series (Books 1 - 10). It was written for the readers who wanted to re-visit the characters they have grown to love as they settle in after the war. Like all the books in the Rise of the Iliri series, this is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the illiri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.

- 2022 Expanded Edition - In the final stretch of the war, the rules are changing faster than Anglia can keep up. The Kaisae of all Iliri is gone. Her mates are holding the army together. Her dreams are changing everything, and Sal? She's not done yet. The Emperor has taken too much from her. Life, loves, and much of her happiness. All she has left is desperation – and blind trust. But she's not alone. She never has been. If the iliri want to finally know peace, she's going to need some help. For once, the success of their species is out of her hands. Ryali has promised to handle the situation in Dorton. This leaves the King free to focus on the assault of Terric. Elite units are lining up to help. The end of the war is near, but can Anglia truly make this happen? The fight is the least of their concerns. Killing a man is easy. Changing minds? That's going to be impossible. And yet it's the whole reason the iliri have risen to finally be seen as equals. If this is going to work, it's going to take more than ayati – more than the fate the iliri believe controls the world. It's time for the pattern to change. Like all the books in the Rise of the Iliri series, this is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the iliri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, it may be unsuitable for humans under 18. Due to the subject matter of this series, be aware of triggers for racial injustice, persecution, and various forms of discrimination.

- 2022 Expanded Edition - HISTORY DECREES SHE MUST DIE -- OR LOSE HER MIND All Kaisaes must die, Sal has heard this for a little too long. The difference is that she's not like all Kaisaes. Somehow, those two things must cancel each other out, right? But her researcher has discovered a lot more than old books. It seems there's a coup slowly brewing while the army is on the other side of the country. Which means that things aren't only falling apart in her mind. They're also crumbling at home, and while Sal may not be responsible for the politics of the humans in her country, she still owes them. They're as much her people as the survivors of the Emperor's extermination. Humans, iliri, grauori - the three species of this world can't keep lines between them. Their cultures are colliding, and winning the war won't be enough to smooth all the tensions. If all three species want to survive in the new world they're making, then changes need to start now. Big changes. The kind that are going to hurt, because there is an answer. It's been staring her in the face this whole time. But she can't do it alone. Like all the books in the Rise of the Iliri series, this is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the illiri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.

- 2022 Expanded Edition - VICTORY IS AT HAND! ALL THEY NEED IS A MIRACLE… This eighth book in the Rise of the Iliri sci-fi / fantasy series, is just as much steamy romance as it is espionage-tinged action-adventure thriller. Being a woman while leading the army has drawbacks. It's even worse for a Kaisae. To avoid hormonal confusion and keep the Black Blades from instinctively tearing their male allies apart, Anglia is at a standstill - and Sal hates it. The last thing the enemy needs is another advantage, and with Merriton on the horizon, this battle is very personal. Someone has been helping the enemy. The trick will be figuring out who, stopping them, and securing the CFC's largest economic powerhouse without destroying the entire country. The problem? Ayati's no longer playing fair. The rules have changed, but will Sal figure it out in time? Like all the books in the Rise of the Iliri series, this is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the illiri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.

- 2022 Expanded Edition - HER MIND IS MORPHING BY THE MINUTE…PREPARE TO HAVE YOURS BLOWN! With Parliament's blessing, Sal is heading back to where it all started: Fort Landing. This time, however, she's the one in charge, and the Conglomerate of Free Citizens' military won't like that. Not that she cares. Her only goal is to win this war. Or so she thinks. But seeing the faces of people who were once like her, all but enslaved to the system, the Kaisae of all Iliri can't ignore it. Then again, now that she has the power she always dreamed of, it should be easy to make things right for her species. It's not. Humans aren't quite ready to give up their power. Some are even willing to destroy everything to keep it. Sal just has to figure out who is trying to sabotage her mission, which would be a lot easier if her insanity could hold off a little longer. Like all the books in the Rise of the Iliri series, this is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the illiri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.

- 2022 Expanded Edition - THE FINAL SHOWDOWN IS NEAR…BUT WHO IS THE REAL ENEMY? She worked for them, bled for them, and nearly died for them humans in the Conglomerate of Free Citizens. For her entire life, they refused to let her forget that she was the inferior species, but things have changed. With the alliance of the two strongest nations on the continent - which she leads - her former country needs her help. They just don't know how to ask. They demand that she brings her army to assist them. But Salryc Luxx isn't the same downtrodden slave she used to be. She has risked - and lost - so much to free her people from oppression, and now the Conglomerate expects her to obey like a well-trained dog? It's time they learn that humans aren't the dominant species anymore. Political games and human prejudice can't stop her from getting the revenge she deserves - or from showing her people that the iliri are no longer pets. Like all the books in this series, Rise of the Iliri is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the illiri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.

- 2022 Expanded Edition - This is what the Black Blades spent their lives fighting for. Their people have learned what hope tastes like. Humanity has finally recognized them as more than just beasts to be discarded, and they're winning. With millions of grauori pouring down form the mountains, nothing can stand in their way. Once little more than a unit of soldiers, the Black Blades have become the saviors of their entire species. It's all because of Salryc Luxx. The last Kaisae of the Iliri, chosen only because the Emperor slaughtered the rest of her kind, she has nothing left to lose - or so she thought - but the Emperor is done playing games. He knows who she is, and he's not ready to give up. He's determined to make her pay. In her darkest hour, Sale's past will come back to haunt her, the Blades will pull together, and borders become unimportant. Survival will require the one thing the Kaisae of all Iliri has refusing to give up. Like all the books in this series, Rise of the Iliri is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the illiri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.

Nothing will get in her way. Not even him. The last thing Riley needs in her life is a man. Especially not one who thinks he's better than her. With her neon dreads, a few tattoos, and a chip on her shoulder the size of the draft horses she loves so much, Riley insists she doesn't care about anyone's opinion but her own. She just didn't expect this guy to be so… Sexy? Understanding? Amazing! And yes, Void is everything she's ever wanted. He's also her competition, and if she wants to save the family farm, she can't get distracted by his ripped body, sultry smile, or those sweet words that are quickly destroying the anger that got her this far. Everyone else may be playing a game, but Riley? She's playing for keeps. He just wasn't the challenge she thought she'd accepted. The Gamer Girls series features strong women and the men who love them. Contains graphic language and situations that are suitable for a mature audience. This book is a standalone novel which moves forward a larger story. TRIGGER WARNING: discussions of rape and assault, domestic violence, addiction, suicidal tendencies, phobias, bullying, cyber harassment, violence, and more.

- 2022 Expanded Edition - DISASTER! THE BLACK BLADES DISBANDED, AN ALLIANCE IN TURMOIL... The meeting of allied nations should have been something to celebrate. Instead, Sal dreads what will happen when Dominik Jens, the King of Anglia, arrives. If her court martial isn't over, he'll hear every last detail about how she betrayed him. From her own lips, she'll have to tell him that she was the assassin who put him on his throne. And that will destroy the only ally the iliri have - unless the Blades can find a way to stop this. The Conglomerate only cares about their political aspirations, but for the Black Blades, this is worth fighting for. Parliament's only option is to disband the Blank Blades before they rebel. Never mind that the elite military unit saved their country over and over. When the iliri's "immoral" lifestyle is brought to light, one Representative claims it's proof that the beasts need humans to control them. And while prejudice has always been stronger than logic, there's one thing even stronger: trust. That's the only thing that can hold their pack together now. The Blades must trust their ancestors, their fellow countrymen, and those who are willing to risk everything for the chance to defeat the Emperor - but he's always one step ahead. Like all the books in this series, Inseparable is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the iliri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.

- 2022 Expanded Edition - HER ONLY CHOICE IS TO CHANGE HER WORLD… The leaders of her own country despise her kind. They assume that Salryc Luxx and ever iliri crossbred are nothing more than expendable. But, if they can do the job, then the Conglomerate of Free Citizens is happy to use them. They win either way. So they sent Sal to Anglia without pack. She can no longer hear their thoughts and can't smell her brothers. It's just her and Cyno killing their way across unending expanses of snow-covered mountains. Her mission is to assassinate the current king and replace him with someone sympathetic to the Conglomerate, but Sal wants more. And she gets it. In a land where iliri are a myth, she's treated like a hero. Here, the people don't know they should hate her. All they know is that she may be the only thing standing between Anglia and the Terran Empire. To them, she may very well be their salvation. If she's going to do this, she'll make sure at least one government on the continent supports her people. She just has to figure out how - without getting herself killed. Lurking deep in the icy wilderness may be the answer she needs. And it speaks her language. Like all the books in this series, Rise of the Iliri is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the iliri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.

- 2022 Expanded Edition - EVERY MAN WANTS HER. MANY WANT TO KILL HER. Good luck to them…. For the first time in her life, Sal has a place to belong, and it feels so right. The iliri live in packs. The Black Blades is hers. But humans see them only as a military unit, and one with a little too much influence. To keep the "scrubbers" from gaining an advantage, humans will do anything - and none of it good. The only people they can trust are themselves. But this time, they need help. Eight elite soldiers aren't enough to stop the bride headed to Anglia. If that country get two thousand kilos of steel, it'll change the tide of war, and the Conglomerate of Free Citizens will be caught in the middle. The Black Blades have to trust someone, but their only options are humans. Hopefully, their "friends" aren't as dangerous as the enemy. Like all the books in this series, Rise of the Iliri is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the iliri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.

Even Heroes need to be saved sometimes. Special Agent Jason Raige is a complete failure as an FBI agent, but it wasn't like they gave him a choice. He could serve his country or sit in a military prison. He chose to serve. Now, they have him on a case that's impossible to solve. Still, he won't give up. Catching these bastards is the only way he knows to keep his own demons at bay. The doctors call it PTSD. He calls it living hell. Even worse, the only one he can talk to about it is his service dog. Until he meets her. All of this was supposed to be a boring side mission, and even speaking to her is crossing so many lines, but he doesn't care. Fuck the rules. Finally, he's found someone who makes him feel whole. He knows he should stay away, but this time, he can change the story. He can finally stop things before it's too late. But doing so will break him. And there's not a whole lot left to put back together. The Gamer Girls series features strong women and the men who love them. Knowledge about gaming and/or gamer culture is not necessary to enjoy this story. Graphic language and situations that are suitable for a mature audience are included. COLLATERAL DAMAGE is a standalone novel which moves forward a larger story. TRIGGER WARNING: discussions of gun violence, racism, cyber harassment, stalking, mental health issues, and more. This is a love story, but finding love isn't always easy.

They look like us, know all about us, and can even blend in perfectly. That doesn't make them human. When an alien science vessel crashes into the shore of Haven, Hailey has a front row seat. Little does she know that her normal life is about to be turned upside down by the man she bumps into on her way home. He looks completely human. He isn't. He also can't stop thinking about her. There’s something about this girl but he can’t quite figure out what it is. Humans are aggressive and primitive, but she’s nothing like that. He only knows because he can't make himself stay away from her. And she's the only one not getting sick. Because the crash brought more than just strange aliens to Earth. It also released bacteria that humans have never experienced. The clock is ticking and human medicine can't even detect the pathogens spreading through the population. Humanity’s only hope for survival lies with one alien doctor - and he needs a miracle. Lucky for him, it comes in the form of the woman he can’t get enough of. Helping him might kill her. Not helping definitely will. Introducing her to the rest of his people? Well, it might be the riskiest move yet - because he won't be the only one unable to resist her allure. But if they want to get back to their homeworld, sacrifices will need to be made. Her life. His love. Their people. The entire world. Something has to give. The only question is what. Bioluminescent is a 140,000 word complete story that is the beginning to a new epic series by Auryn Hadley. This is a slow burn romance with multiple love interests so may not be suitable for all readers.