🌺Hello, From Xanthe Walter
12th August, 2025
Greetings, my lovelies!
In this newsletter:
- Early reviews are in for The Quarterlands, and they’re all terrific! The Quarterlands is the final book (sob) in my epic Dark Water series and launches on September 9th (all the nines!).
- So, if you wanted to wait until the series was complete before buying, now is a great time to plunge in and get caught up in time for that final book release.
- Calling everyone on Tiktok! If you’ve loved the book series so far, please help me out by liking and commenting on my Dark Water posts and reposting them! I want Dark Water to reach all the people out there who will love it as much as you do. THANK YOU! Here’s my Tiktok profile.
- Want to join my STREET TEAM? Have you been reading and enjoying the Dark Water series? If so, I’d love to have you on my street team. Duties: posting and reposting about my books on social media. That’s it really. Sign up here!
In other news:
- The featured author in this newsletter is Steven A. Coulter with Passageway 3. When love transcends time and danger lurks in every shadow, can a young warrior protect those he loves while navigating the chaos of multiple worlds?
- There’s the usual fabulous selection of themed MM book fairs and sales promos for you to enjoy ❤️.
The Lost Zone – Extract
- The cover for The Quarterlands is below – isn’t it beautiful?
- Damonza Studio designed all the book covers in the series, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with them.
- I asked for a distinctive different colour wash on each cover, and to feature a specific landmark in the background, while Alex and Josiah take it in turns to feature in the foreground.
- This time, it’s Josiah’s turn. This is fitting because he’s an absolute POWERHOUSE in The Quarterlands. I can’t WAIT to hear what you think of one of his actions in particular…
- I love that Damonza captured a golden age of sci-fi vibe, but also a very modern LGBTQ+ take too, blending the two genres together.
- They really are amazing designers, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.
- What do you think of it? Hit the reply button to let me know!
- The Quarterlands launches September 9th. Pre-order your copy now!
- Content Warning!!! The Quarterlands contains some dark scenes and themes, so be sure to check out the Content Advisory page if you have concerns.
When you can finally be yourself after years of hiding who you truly are…
Alex stumbled around the room like a drunk person, arms wrapped around himself, veering between maniacal laughter and heart-wrenching sobs, his entire frame shaking.
Josiah longed to comfort him, but he knew Alex needed this—to let it all out. For years, he’d worn that mask, pretending he had no feelings, no opinions, and was happy to do whatever his owner ordered.
His body couldn’t contain the emotions as he hollered, sobbed, and screamed, then laughed like a lunatic. Years of suppressed feelings were so desperate for release that they felt tangible.
Finally, Alex looked up, his face red and streaked with tears.
“What would you like me to do?” Josiah asked softly. “Do you want to be alone? Or held? Would you like food, or just to sit?”
“Choices?” Alex whispered. “I haven’t had those in years.”
“You have them now, and with me, always,” Josiah said fiercely. “Do you understand?”
“Yes.” Alex grabbed the sofa and pulled himself shakily to his feet, staggering over and falling into Josiah’s arms.
Josiah held him tightly, kissing his hair. “I’ve got you, love. Let it out. Let it all out,” he murmured as Alex pressed his face into his shoulder, exhausted, his body heaving with the raw aftermath of his outburst.
Just a reminder that:
- The Dark Water series must be read in this order:
Crocodile Tears | Ghost Eye | The Lost Zone | The Quarterlands - Dark Water contains dark adult themes and scenes. Check the content advisory listed in the Author’s Notes for each book if you have concerns.
The Quarterlands – Early Reviews
“God, it’s finally over… but why does it have to be over already?? 😢
I dove into this book the moment it hit my library and absolutely inhaled it… a wonderful conclusion to this story arc.” Susanne ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Truths finally emerge, and the ripple effect, caused by those revelations, impact everyone down to their core. I read this in a single sitting, unable to set it aside for real life. Highly recommended series with wonderful twists and turns all the way through it.“ Karen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Everyone, and I mean everyone, gets their perfect ending… I loved how even at the very end of the book I was on my toes wondering how things were going to truly end up… LOVE LOVE LOVED this entire series… I’m sad, i’m happy, ahh I miss it already!!” Laurie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I never saw the ending coming and what an unexpected twist. This series will keep you at the edge of your seat the entire time. A brilliant read that I would highly recommend.” Lisa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Another fantastic continuation of one of the best series I have read in a while. I love the mystery, romance, hurt, and a very touch-starved man. The story between Josiah and Alex is written so beautifully. The conclusion of this story was so fantastic. I felt what they were going through; that’s how well Xanthe Walter writes her books.“ Nicole ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was the perfect ending. What an absolutely epic tale this series was. I am so glad I took the journey!! This series is going to be a frequent reread for me for the foreseeable future. It is definitely one of my top reads of the year!!“ Alissa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This whole series has been amazing and book 4 was no exception. The climatic ending and all the twists, turns and secrets. The characters are done so well and the world building pulls you in.” Sara ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🧑🏻🤝🧑🏻 Featured Author
I feature another MM author’s work in each newsletter to share the MM love. In this newsletter, it’s Steven A. Coulter, with Passageway 3.
When love transcends time and danger lurks in every shadow, can a young warrior protect those he loves while navigating the chaos of multiple worlds?
Darwin McQuaid finds himself caught between dueling realities: the ordinary life of a high school student and the extraordinary responsibilities of a Guardian-in-training. After a courageous act thrusts him into the public eye, Darwin becomes the focus of a media frenzy, just as an alien ship hurtles toward Earth. With his enigmatic lover, Daruk, and the gifted Fae, Haldir, by his side, Darwin must navigate the perils of newfound fame while also preparing for the looming threat of invasion.
And, when an assassination attempt at a high-profile fundraiser endangers the President’s life, Haldir’s timely intervention reveals a tangled conspiracy that puts them all at risk. As the trio races to uncover the truth, they must harness their unique abilities to shield their loved ones from the escalating dangers that surround them.
As the countdown to the alien ship’s arrival accelerates, will Darwin and his friends be prepared to confront the dual threats—both extraterrestrial and domestic? Or will they fall victim to the forces that endanger everything and everyone they hold dear?
📚 Book Promotions
Below is a selection of themed book promotions – mostly MM romance – but make sure before downloading. Many of the titles are free or available through Kindle Unlimited – but again, please check. Your next favourite read could be just a click away!
I feature another MM author’s work in each newsletter to share the MM love. In this newsletter, it’s Steven A. Coulter, with Passageway 3.
When love transcends time and danger lurks in every shadow, can a young warrior protect those he loves while navigating the chaos of multiple worlds?
Darwin McQuaid finds himself caught between dueling realities: the ordinary life of a high school student and the extraordinary responsibilities of a Guardian-in-training. After a courageous act thrusts him into the public eye, Darwin becomes the focus of a media frenzy, just as an alien ship hurtles toward Earth. With his enigmatic lover, Daruk, and the gifted Fae, Haldir, by his side, Darwin must navigate the perils of newfound fame while also preparing for the looming threat of invasion.
And, when an assassination attempt at a high-profile fundraiser endangers the President’s life, Haldir’s timely intervention reveals a tangled conspiracy that puts them all at risk. As the trio races to uncover the truth, they must harness their unique abilities to shield their loved ones from the escalating dangers that surround them.
As the countdown to the alien ship’s arrival accelerates, will Darwin and his friends be prepared to confront the dual threats—both extraterrestrial and domestic? Or will they fall victim to the forces that endanger everything and everyone they hold dear?
🎧 Xanthe’s Audiobook Recs
I’m going a bit off-piste with this one because it isn’t an MM romance (gasp!) but it is sort of adjacent.
I’m a massive Luke Evans fan. I adored him as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast and have followed his career avidly. I particularly loved him in Professor Marston and the Wonder Women, The Great Train Robbery and The Pembrokeshire Murders. I saw him in Backstairs Billy onstage for my birthday a couple of years ago, and he was brilliant.
His life story is fascinating, particularly growing up gay in a Jehovah’s Witness family in the Welsh valleys. I loved his autobiography, Boy From the Valleys, so that’s my audiobook pick in today’s newsletter. I found the first half in particular, utterly compelling. As a bonus, he reads it himself!
Boy From the Valleys on Audible.com
Boy from the Valleys on Audible.co.uk
👨💻👩💻Do You Want To Be On My ARC Team?!
As an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) member, you’ll get a free copy of my upcoming books, in eBook or audiobook form (your choice) before they are officially released. In return, you will be expected to leave an honest review on sites like Amazon and Goodreads. This is important, so please only apply if you can do this. Find out more by clicking on the link below.
Xanthology
Want to dive deep into the plotty twists and turns of the Dark Water series with fellow fans? Or discuss your favourite pairings—Josiah and Alex, Rick and Matt, Luke and Sebastian, and all the others?
Then join Xanthology, my friendly Facebook community, where you’ll find the latest news, engaging discussions, and my weekly Chatterday posts.
headboard showing off. No stars!
🐈⬛ Do Not Recommend!
I went back to London recently to care for a couple of friends who were going through a tough time. When I returned to Somerset, Indy and Coco ‘helped’ me unpack. DO NOT HIRE THE COCO-INDY UNPACKING COMPANY! They are rubbish! All they do is sit in your suitcase and prance around on your
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👋 That’s All, Folks!
Until next time, my lovelies!
XOXO
Xanthe
PS Remember to download The Worlds of Xanthe Walter to read the first two chapters of Crocodile Tears!
