Bittersweet Breadcrumbs by Aster Rye

Doria James never meant to stumble into Vespertine Books, a hidden gem of a bookshop, and she certainly never meant to leave with a volume of fantasy romance stories. But, after meeting the shop’s handsome owner, Miles Oak, she does just that. Soon she’s returning for more than just books. She’s returning for the mystery that is Miles. Every book he lends her seems to draw her closer to him, but as strange things begin to happen, Doria discovers a darkness hanging over the cozy space she has come to adore, as well as the man chained to it. Interweaving several fantasy romance short stories, Bittersweet Breadcrumbs is a tantalizing tale that will ensure you never look at bedtime stories the same again. Note to readers: This is the first book in a duology and readers should be aware it ends on a slight cliffhanger. Some portions of this novel have been available in draft format on Kindle Vella.