Today's Featured Books

Free online: Winter Solstice Writing Ritual. No experience necessary! Join for an evening of creativity and connection. This online event will guide you through a series of writing prompts and exercises to honor the longest night of the year. Celebrate the turning of the seasons and tap into inner wisdom through the power of words. No writing experience necessary, just bring an open heart and a willingness to explore. Saturday, December 21, 7:00 PM EST. 

"Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise." ~Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on a FREE e-book: Stalin's Army of Apes, a science-fiction/alternate-history novel based on actual events that asks the question, "What if Stalin's deadliest weapon wasn't nuclear, but genetic?"

★★★★★ "A crazy mashup of sci-fi, thriller and mystery." ~Goodreads Review

Stalin's Army of Apes

What if Stalin's deadliest weapon wasn't nuclear, but genetic?

In the frozen wastelands of Siberia lies a secret that turns the Cold War into a blood race. While the world watches for missiles, Stalin and ruthless scientist Ilya Ivanov hunt for something far more dangerous—the power to create Humanzees—monsters engineered for destruction.

Professor Benjamin Fioretti's groundbreaking ape research is about to win him a Nobel Prize. But when his work catches the CIA's attention, he's dragged into Russia's darkest secrets. There, he uncovers the savage truth—Stalin and Ivanov are using his own research to breed an army of super soldiers.

Based on the true events of disturbing genetic experiments conducted by Stalin's chief scientist, Ilya Ivanov, in the 20th century, Stalin's Army of Apes follows one man's descent into a nightmare where loyalty crumbles and nothing is what it seems. As Benjamin races to stop his creation from being unleashed, he must face an impossible question: In a world where science and power collide, how far is too far?

About the Author

Free online: PEN/Dau Best Debut Short Stories 2024. Join six winners of the 2024 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers as they read selections from their award-winning stories. Thursday, December 19, 7:00 - 8:30 PM EST. 

“Storytelling is the essential human activity.” ~Edward O. Wilson

Surrounded by holiday cheer that feels painfully out of reach, Luciana hides her heartache behind a flawless façade until a chance encounter with family friend Oliver Amador changes everything. Both yearning to escape their pasts, they strike a one-night deal to create the perfect Noche Buena together. As their connection deepens through shared stories, slow dancing, and steamy kisses, they must decide if they have the courage to embrace a new beginning or let their pasts overshadow the magic of the moment. 4.7 stars, 10 ratings. From $4.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Kristina Bogard arrives at her father’s Kansas outpost, eager for the adventure she’s long imagined. But the reality of the broken tribes she encounters dampens her dreams—until she meets Tahiska, a proud and striking warrior. Though his heart is consumed by a quest for vengeance against the men who murdered his father, he can’t resist the green-eyed beauty fluent in his language. As their forbidden passion grows, they must navigate the dangerous divide between their worlds while keeping their love a secret. 4.5 stars, 500+ ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Navy SEAL Garrett Flynn becomes Hollywood star Marlene Parks' bodyguard after a sudden attack at her charity event, but his dark past may hold the key to the killer’s motives. Marlene, haunted by personal loss and disillusioned with love, struggles to balance her rising career and the escalating danger. As the connection between Marlene and Garrett deepens, Marlene must decide if she can trust her heart to a man whose life is steeped in the very risks she fears most. 4.1 stars, 900+ ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

"A stunning portrait of joy, grace and beauty." ~BookLife. Sachi Kubo-Sanchez leaves behind a stifling marriage and a conservative hometown for the bustling energy of New York City in a quest for healing and self-discovery. Balancing the challenges of motherhood, online dating, newfound sexuality, and an unexpected job, Sachi's journey is filled with complexities and surprises in a heartfelt and inspiring tale of courage, self-acceptance, and personal growth. 4.7 stars, 43 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Winner of the Readers' Favorite 2024 Gold Medal for General Non-Fiction. If you have ever felt the weight of overstretched commitments, sacrificing precious time with loved ones or neglecting your own well-being in the relentless pursuit of success, it's time to challenge the status quo, redefine your relationship with work and success, and quiet quit in order to fully live. Learn how to take back your time, energy, and life through ethical disengagement. 4.6 stars, 67 ratings. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

In the Mile High City, a sinister force equipped with advanced surveillance and mind control technology sets its sights on Jack Wicker, determined to destroy him or erase him from history. As Jack battles powers beyond his understanding, his only ally is an enigmatic figure who refuses to reveal their name. Hailed as a modern blend of 1984 and The Most Dangerous Game, this gripping tale pits an ordinary man against extraordinary evil. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Set in the Shock Pepper realm, this fantasy, sci-fi epic spans multiple storylines, mind-bending twists and gray characters. The first part of this series sets the base for how the storylines intertwine and clash, spreading across time and universes. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

New release: Three rugged cowboys. One magical Christmas. When I’m sent to a secluded Nebraska ranch for a second chance after prison, I expect a fresh start—not to end up snowed in with three sinfully hot cowboys. Their heated gazes promise things I’ve only dreamed of, and before long, the snow isn’t the only thing melting. A sexy, stand-alone, reverse harem romance filled with humor, danger, and generous amounts of love. HEA guaranteed. 4.7 stars, 33 ratings. $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Freedom Fleet Series Launch & Giveaway!

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the release of Freedom Fleet, a new science fiction series from best-selling author Daniel Arenson that asks, "What if World War II had been fought in space?"

To celebrate the launch, the author is giving away a commemorative coin. Forged from an ounce of pure silver, the coin features aliens and the message, "Invasion is Here." This unique coin is perfect for sci-fi fans or collectors of precious metals.

Freedom Fleet

What if World War II had been fought in space?

In 1944, a secret Nazi experiment split the universe in two. In our universe, we won. Hitler died. Freedom prevailed. But in a parallel universe, the Nazis discovered the atom bomb first...and conquered the world. The light of freedom perished, and the Nazi shadow spread across Earth, the solar system, and the stars.

In 2207, a portal opens between the two universes. One universe of freedom. One of tyranny. And through this portal flies the Weltraumwaffe, the space fleet of the Third Reich.

James King was enjoying his retirement. He once commanded the Freedom Fleet, an armada of starships tasked with defending Earth. In his fifty years of service, Admiral King fought many battles. But he never faced anything like this.

He is old. Tired. Battle-worn. But he must don the uniform again. He must lead the Freedom Fleet once more. Or the shadows of our past will swallow us all.

WWII rages again. This time in space. The Freedom Fleet will face off against the Weltraumwaffe. Freedom or tyranny—only one can win.

Bonus Offer: Three Free Novels!

About the Author

Daniel Arenson is an author, bookworm, and proud geek. The Huffington Post has called his writing "full of soul." His books have sold more than 1 million copies around the world, and he has written nearly 100 novels set in the Everrealms, a multiverse of worlds. His series include:

MINTARI — Dinosaurs. Majestic giants. They've captured our imagination for generations. On planet Mintari, they live again.

EARTHRISE — They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. But we will fight back! Start reading with Earth Alone, the first novel.

STARSHIP FREEDOM — The starship Freedom is just a museum ship... until the aliens attack.

REQUIEM — An ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Start reading with Requiem's Song.

KINGDOMS OF SAND — Enter a world of sand and splendor, a world where gladiators battle in the arena, where legionaries and barbarians fight for glory, and where empires rise and fall. Start reading with Kings of Ruin.

MOTH — Discover Moth, a world torn between day and night--its one half drenched in eternal daylight, the other cloaked in endless darkness.

To learn more, visit DanielArenson.com.

Free online: MOMA Virtual Art Tour. Join Art Historian Caterina Pierre for a virtual visit to the Museum of Modern Art's current exhibition entitled Life Dances On: Robert Frank in Dialogue. Best known for his 1958 photography book entitled The Americans, the exhibition will focus on the six decades of art Frank produced after that significant publication. Wednesday, December 18, 11:00 - 11:45 AM EST. 

“When people look at my pictures I want them to feel the way they do when they want to read a line of a poem twice.” ~Robert Frank

Selena, a 24-year-old grappling with feelings of emptiness and self-doubt, agrees to surgery to remove the scars on her back—marks she secretly cherishes. But just before the procedure, she is inexplicably transported to the 11th century, where time twists and reality blurs. Amidst the chaos, Selena must confront challenges that force her to reevaluate her life and discover newfound strength. This tale weaves destiny and choice together, exploring how our paths are shaped by both fate and the power to redefine our own journeys. From $4.99 - SHOP NOW / 

In bustling 1990s Toronto, brothers John and Carmine Cippione inherit their Italian immigrant father’s small HVAC company. Eager to elevate the business and chase a life of luxury, they partner with a powerful land development firm to expand their reach. But when a ruthless rival schemes to bankrupt them, the brothers face losing everything—their father’s legacy, their reputation, and even their morals. As tensions rise, they are drawn into a treacherous world of betrayal, adultery, and murder, fighting to survive in a high-stakes battle for redemption and success. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW / 

New release: A compelling, character-driven odyssey, perfect for fans of intelligent, literate suspense. Aging billionaire Rex Atwater is on a mission to reshape history with a chilling act of anti-terrorist terrorism: the nuclear annihilation of Mecca. He recruits an ex-Special Forces ace and a zealous para-military brigade, led covertly by weary FBI agent Boyce Hammond. But as the plan inches unexpectedly closer to reality, deadly betrayals force loyalty and duty to clash. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Break free from the chains of resentment, heal emotional scars, and move forward with compassion and strength. This transformative book is your guide to reclaiming your emotional well-being, no matter how deep the wounds may be. "A powerful guide to letting go and finding peace." ~Amazon Review. 4.7 stars, 67 ratings. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /