Tessera

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · last wk.

Yaaaas, Via! Thanks for letting me (coughcoughbullycough) influence you to write an anthology piece, too.❤️ I’ve got to get moving on my “Basic Bitch” sapphic werewolf story. The deadline is coming on fast! #shortstory #sapphics #cozyparanormalromance #author @rainbowcrate.bsky.social

Via Luino@viathewordwitch.bsky.social · last wk.

Rainbow Crate: We’re looking for short stories about cozy queers. Me: I’m going to write one! Also me: “Sahar never meant to make her lovers commit murder, but somehow, she was always blamed anyways.” 😏😏😏 #writer #shortstory #queer #cozyfantasy @rainbowcrate.bsky.social

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · last mo.

Check out the @smashwords.bsky.social Summer/Winter Sale. My e-book is half off and there are a lot of great deals! 😉 #booksky #readingsky #indieauthor #indiebook #tamlin #retelling #faerietale #romance #romantasy #sale #2026debuts

A banner with “Smashwords July Summer/Winter Sale” written over a summer-themed beach on the left and a winter-themed copse of pines on the right.

A copy of My Thorns For Your Roses is below that with a red “50% off” ribbon.

“Check it out! There are some really nice discounts.”

Scenes For Every Season
Spring stargazing - gold stars
Dancing around a bonfire - small fire
Fall feast - autumn leaves
"Snowed" in - hot cocoa mug

Back blurb:
A husband is a necessary inconvenience to escape larks complicated home life, but when a faerie roots a rose in her flesh, the whole village assumes it's from a mysterious suitor.
Lark must convince the petty bastard to remove the blossom, but the faerie forest is full of danger - and newfound desire

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 2w ago

Just a reminder of the Summer/Winter sale! Get lots of e-books between 25-75% off. There’s even a section of free books to check out. 👀 #booksky #readingsky #indieauthor #indiebooks #summerwintersale #smashswords

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES@kargyres.bsky.social · last mo.

Check out the @smashwords.bsky.social Summer/Winter Sale. My e-book is half off and there are a lot of great deals! 😉 #booksky #readingsky #indieauthor #indiebook #tamlin #retelling #faerietale #romance #romantasy #sale #2026debuts

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 2w ago

You can adopt your copy of MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES, my adult #retelling of the Scottish faerie tale “Tam Lin” at books2read.com/MyThornsForYourRoses or by ordering through your favorite local bookstore. As the first in a trilogy, MTFYR can stand alone, but the story will continue next year.

Find the Best Indie Books at Books2Read.com

books2read.com

Mia V. Moss@magicrobotcarnival.com · 2w ago

They're cold, alone, and terrified. This year, won't you give a small press debut a warm space on your shelf? Or if you can, adopt 2 or more, as small press debut books are social creatures and do better in a multi-book home. #booksky 📚💙 #indiebooks

Mia V. Moss @magicrobotcarnival.com · 2w ago

They're cold, alone, and terrified. This year, won't you give a small press debut a warm space on your shelf? Or if you can, adopt 2 or more, as small press debut books are social creatures and do better in a multi-book home. #booksky 📚💙 #indiebooks

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · last mo.

This video was too perfect, I had to respond! MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES is my adult #retelling of the 500+ year-old Scottish #faerietale #Tamlin. For fans of Naomi Novik, Kell Woods, and Heather Fawcett. #readingsky #booksky #romantasy #indieauthor #indiebook #faeromance #pettycurses #adult

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · last mo.

Check out the @smashwords.bsky.social Summer/Winter Sale. My e-book is half off and there are a lot of great deals! 😉 #booksky #readingsky #indieauthor #indiebook #tamlin #retelling #faerietale #romance #romantasy #sale #2026debuts

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 2mo ago

#readingsky #indiebooks #indieauthor #2026debuts

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES@kargyres.bsky.social · 2mo ago

#HappyPride from my two idiots (affectionate)! ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 My Thorns For Your Roses is a #TamLin #retelling in the spirit of the original Scottish #faerietale. Shapeshifting and all. Available in-store at Morgenstern Books & Café, The Crafty Bookstore, Beguiled Books, and A Novel Romance.

A picture of the My Thorns For Your Roses cover with the caption “While these two pass as a straight couple” over a beige background with a brown rose pattern.

The book is labeled with “shapeshifter” on Tamlin’s side and “emotionally constipated eldest daughter” on Lark’s side

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 2mo ago

#HappyPride from my two idiots (affectionate)! ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 My Thorns For Your Roses is a #TamLin #retelling in the spirit of the original Scottish #faerietale. Shapeshifting and all. Available in-store at Morgenstern Books & Café, The Crafty Bookstore, Beguiled Books, and A Novel Romance.

The My Thorns For Your Roses cover on top of a beige background with a brown rose pattern with the silhouettes of a cape, oak tree, griffon, horse, woman, and owl surrounding the book.

“There is no hetero explanation for these two idiots”

The cover of My Thorns For Your Roses on a beige background with a brown rose pattern. At the top left of the cover is the pansexual flag; and the bottom right is the demisexual flag. The caption reads “Happy Pride” in rainbow lettering.

Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Hawaii just passed the first state law in the country banning corporations from making political donations in state elections. Now a Koch-backed legal group is suing to overturn it. Big Money won't get out of our politics without a fight — one that we the people must win. (via @levernews.com)

Alt CDC (they/them)@altcdc.altgov.info · 2mo ago

In upsetting news you may have missed - ~40 detainees in a California concentration camp have been on a hunger strike since *mid-May* Their demands? Basic rights: access to clean food and water and adequate medical care This is happening in our country. We should all be ashamed.

Immigrant Rights Advocates are Fasting in Support of ICE Detainees on Hunger Strike - The San Fernando Valley Sun

Michelle Arkin has been fasting intermittently in support of immigrants on a hunger strike at two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in San Bernardino County. This week, the […]

sanfernandosun.com

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 2mo ago

My book bounced around a bit - from Upcoming Events, to Local Authors, to the Pride display. Now, its home is in ✨ Fantasy ✨ There are 2 on the shelf now, but if you happened to snag one before I came in to sign them, just drop your copy off with the cashier at and pick it back up once it’s signed.

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 2mo ago

If these quotes interest you, check out my adult #retelling of the Scottish faerie tale “Tam Lin,” MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES. 👀 Out now! #booksky #readingsky #newreleases #tamlin #mtfyr #indiebook #indieauthor #2026debuts #romantasy #faeromance

“Early praise for my debut novel” over the cover of My Thorns For Your Roses.

“Faithful to the lore where it matters… and interesting where it diverged.”

“This book felt very much like an adult version of a fairy tale and I enjoyed the style very very much.”

“The fact the author didn’t shy away from the inherent queerness of being a shapeshifter made me extremely happy.”

“The romance is my favorite kind - a sweet and affect slow burn, both tender and loving.”

“I absolutely adored this book. It brought back a whimsy in me I had long forgotten.”

“I loved the intimacy, the little ways they showed their care for one another.”

“This book… has some of my favorite shapeshifting representation ever; it felt like Nimona to me. The shapeshifting is not just a skill or a trick; it is part of the character.”

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 3mo ago

I’ve done it again and I told myself I wouldn’t keep swapping scenes around. What do you all think? #authorsky #writingsky #authorproblems #drafting #editing

Help an author out - Which opening grabs your attention most?

There is a picture of a ballot being put into a ballot box below.

Option 1: “For the fifth time that week, Seabhag melted into a gelatinous mass on the floor.”

There is a puddle graphic beneath the quote.

Option 2: “It was not every morning I awoke with a bear on top of me, but that morning I had two.” There are two brown bear emoji faces beneath the quote.

Searching for a crumb of context? *Peeking emoji*

You’ll have to read book 1 *Wink emoji*

There is a picture of the My Thorns For Your Roses cover with Lark and Tamlin to the left.

Books2read.com/MyThornsForYourRoses

The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Rep. @brotherjones.bsky.social in Montgomery: “We’re here united to take on this new confederacy, 60 years after the Selma March… because we know their intent is to dismantle everything gained during the civil rights movement.”

David Farrier @davidfarrier.com · 3mo ago

new zealander everlee wihongi was due to meet with her lawyer yesterday. then ICE moved her to their most notorious tent facility in texas: 3000 people, highest death rate, most sexual assaults. and today, she disappeared off the system. please RT: www.webworm.co/everleehasdi...

Everlee Has Disappeared

Everlee Wihongi was transferred by ICE to the notorious "Camp East Montana" at Fort Bliss, Texas. Then she disappeared.

webworm.co

Matt Seybold @mattseybold.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Retractions never get proportional attention. This one should.

Influential study touting ChatGPT in education retracted over red flags

The retracted study on ChatGPT in education was already cited hundreds of times.

arstechnica.com

Scott MacFarlane @macfarlanenews.bsky.social · 3mo ago

It’s staggering How swiftly states in the South can still move to stymie Black voters And how ready they were to do so

The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Rep. @brotherjones.bsky.social burns a confederate flag in the rotunda after the House passed 9-0 maps stripping Memphis of representation… #Memphis #JimCrow @MarshaBlackburn @GovBillLee

Just A Grandmom🇺🇸@grandmompa.bsky.social · 3mo ago

❤️📚❤️📚❤️📚❤️📚❤️📚❤️📚❤️

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Thanks, Diana! My Thorns For Your Roses debuts May 5th! ❤️ #indieauthor #booksky #2026debuts #indiebook #readingsky #preorder #tamlin #retelling #faerietale #romantasy #demisexualrep #shapeshiftingloveinterest #mtfyr

Shoutout to Diana with Bookmanager for getting my metadata corrected.

Now Canadian readers can find (and pre-order) MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES.

Ashton Pittman @ashtonpittman.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Today's U.S. Supreme Court ruling is a permission slip to Southern states to return to Jim Crow-style districting. Except it won't be limited to Southern states.

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 3mo ago

There’s still a bit of time left to pre-order My Thorns For Your Roses for Indie Bookstore Day! Snag a copy with The Crafty Bookstore or Morgenstern Books to get a complementary art bundle! ❤️ #indiebookstoreday #indieauthor #booksky #Retelling #romantasy #tamlin #bookhaul #indiesky #readingsky

A photo of Terry Pratchet’s The Shepard’s Crown, Roshani Chokshi’s The Swan’s Daughter, Amal El-Mohtar’s The River Has Roots, and Jennifer Mendula’s The Geomagican. There is also an event card with “Kristen Argyres (My Thorns For Your Roses)” shown for May 12th at 6 PM. Finally, a tote bag with the words “Read books, fight fascism” in shades of blue and green.

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Do you want a pretty book with gorgeous art loot? Pre-order My Thorns For Your Roses through Morgernstern’s to receive an art bundle! Art credit to @grey0295.bsky.social as always! #booksky #indieauthor #preorder #characterart #faerietale #indiebookstoreday2026 #indiebookstore #retelling #mtfyr

Loot!

Assorted character art stickers, a signed book plate, a 5x7 illustration print, and a double-sided bookmark.

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 4mo ago

My Thorns For Your Roses is finally available for pre-order! Although you can order form all these big bookstores, ordering through Morgenstern’s Books & Cafe in Bloomington, IN will get you special book loot. 😉 #2026debuts #faerietaletellings #preorder #indieauthor #indiebook

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 4mo ago

I remember the shock when my publisher told me someone from WD reached out. It’s bittersweet publishing MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES without the woman who believed in me. 💔

A screenshot of the “Breaking In” article of the May/June 206 Writer’s Digest issue. An arrow points to Kristen’s interview section of the article featuring MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES.

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 4mo ago

My Thorns For Your Roses debuts on May 5th! #booksky #indiebooks #indieauthor #2026debut #retelling #faerietales #tamlin #romance #fantasy #faeromance Cover by @grey0295.bsky.social ❤️

“4 Weeks Left” superimposed on the “My Thorns For Your Roses” book cover.

For lovers of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett, Hannah Whitten’s For The Wolf, and Kell Woods’ After the Forest.

“Tropes” retelling; annoyances to lovers; faerie tale romance; love as a choice, not fated; small town rumors; hidden world; a curse of inconvenience; caster of the inconvenient curse; no chosen one

“Tasty Morsels” - intimate dance scene; stargazing; faerie deals gone right… and very, very wrong; two year story timeline; the power of words; healing from trauma: minor faerie lord; daughter of a retired war hero; original songs

Kristen Argyres || MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES @kargyres.bsky.social · 4mo ago

I forgot to make an official announcement regarding the publication delay for My Thorns For Your Roses. I still hope to find my readers. Thanks again to my cover artist @grey0295.bsky.social #2026DebutAuthors #indieauthor #tamlin #faerietale #fairytale #retelling #booksky #romance #fantasy

The back and front covers of My Thorns For Your Roses by Kristen Argyres.

On the left is the back cover: The four seasons are represented in the four corners with an apple tree with a face on the left side border and a fox with an apple in his mouth on the right.

On the right is the front cover: Two people are facing one another. On the left is Tamlin, who is tall with long, wavy brown hair with primroses in it. The faerie wears a plaid in various shades of green with leafy embellishments. Tamlin’s smiling down at the woman, gently holding her chin with his thumb.

Lark, the woman on the right, has long, tawny hair tied halfway back with a thin ribbon, a white rose behind her left ear. She wears a long sleeved dress in a sandy color and holds a basket full of flower in the crook of her arm. Lark is looking up at Tamlin.

The two are surrounded by rose bushes in pastel colors.

The image is framed in black with an intricate bronze border. In the foreground there is the title in white letters with purple borders: “My Thorns For Your Roses” with the author’s name “Kristen Argyres” below.

In small text above the woman, next to the man’s head are the words “The Cairnwood Reel Series.”

Update: On February 20th, my publisher passed away unexpectedly in her sleep. Her husband decided to dissolve Conquest and revery book rights back to the authors.

Rather than query and find a new publisher, I've made the decision to self-publish.

My Thorns For Your Roses will be available May 5th, 2026.

Mike Luckovich @mluckovich.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Indie Book Spotlight @bookspotlight.bsky.social · 6mo ago

🧙 wild witches 🐦‍⬛ a crow (or two) 🔮 portal fantasy 🐈‍⬛ a cat who wanders in 👨‍❤️‍👨 true love 🗡️ revenge 👑 evil faeries 🔖 universal link: mybook.to/rlEOgP 💌 itch.io link: rebecca-crunden.itch.io/enlil-aris-t... 📖 goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/23... [ #booksky ]

Cover for ‘Enlil and Aris: The Complete Collection by Rebecca Crunden’. Cover is purple, yellow and orange with white font. Image shows two silhouettes of men with a crow above them, the sun behind.