Today's Featured Books

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on books of the Time Runner Series from author Paul Darden:

• Rise of the Runners - FREE!
• Rise of The Runners: Winds of Ora Grant - $2.99
• Freedom Runner - From $9.99

★★★★★ "Beautiful, emotional, and engaging." ~Goodreads Review

Bonus: Visit the SeriousPensPublishing Shop for book bundles, posters, merchandise, and more.

Rise of the Runners
Genres: Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Teen & Young Adult Fiction
4.6 stars, 34 ratings on Amazon.com
42 pages
Ebook price: FREE!



Duante Elliot is a brilliant young boy who has everything a child could want. His days in New York City are fast-paced but perfect for him—until his life comes crashing down when a series of events takes away the world he loves the most.

Moving back to the Bronx is a big change. Duante is destined for greatness, but his future is in doubt because Duante is unsure if life is worth living. Duante has to find the courage to get through troubled times, and he finds hope when a light emerges in the midst of the darkness and paves the way for healing.

Life is about choices, and making the right ones will unleash Duante's full potential or drag him into a dark world to do the unthinkable. His destiny is far more significant than he or anyone around him can ever imagine. 

Rise of the Runners: Winds of Ora Grant
Genres: Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Teen & Young Adult Fiction
60 pages
Ebook price: $2.99



Duante Elliot finds himself processing life nearly a year after an unspeakable loss. To escape it all, he finds himself in Jamaica where he has a chance encounter with Ora Grant and Valentina Sánchez.

The world of the Runners is expanding as Duante takes another step to becoming a Runner in a journey that encapsulates the thrill of adventure, the weight of responsibility, and the warmth of camaraderie among those who serve.

Freedom Runner
Genres: Teen & Young Adult Fiction
4.67 stars, 6 ratings on Goodreads
294 pages
Hardcover: $27.99
Paperback: $15.99
Ebook: $9.99



Duante Elliot's life has been anything but ordinary including ups and downs no child should have to endure. But everything changes forever when he turns sixteen years old...

Duante leaves his house and heads to school with his best friends, as he has done countless times. He expects to continue to thrive at Antioch Academy, making his family proud and finding the peace he once had. But Duante mysteriously vanishes after hanging out with his friends.

Lost, alone, and confused, Duante has to figure out how to survive. He wants to get back home, if possible. He also needs to harness his newfound abilities and uncover the truth behind the journey. In short, Duante must overcome tragedy, accept his destiny, and embrace the runner within.

Paul C. Darden teaches 7th and 8th grade school social studies in The Bronx, New York, making him part of the 2% of black male teachers nationwide. He is also owner of SeriousPensPublishing, and creator of the seven-book Time Runner Series and the five-book Oneirology Chronicles.

Though relatively new to the world of publishing, Paul is not new to writing; he has been creating engaging content for his students for years. His books are an extension of his teaching and a solution to the lack of representation in literature and the classroom. 

Learn more at SeriousPensPublishing.com, and be sure to follow Paul online: 

Free online: Black Mountain Institute Reading & Conversation with Cherry Lou Sy, author of Love Can’t Feed You. Wednesday, April 16, 3 PM EDT, 12 PM PDT. 

“There are as many forms of love as there are moments in time.” ~Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

Winner of the 2024 Discovery Editors' Choice Award. When a supposedly cursed traditional Japanese instrument arrives at the British School of Kyoto, strange things start to happen. A phantom geisha appears, a star student vanishes, and cryptic symbols cover the campus. Jessica Hunter, a seasoned globetrotter trying to adapt to life at BSK, and Kenta Higashi, a local boy with his own connection to the missing student, suspect a sinister force is at play. Book 1 in the series. 4.3 stars, 500+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

"Masterful." ~Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Prize. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Emery Merrick presses a pistol to his temple. Then there's a knock at the door. Billionaire Thaddeus Drake hires Emery to write his biography. But Emery soon discovers Drake heads a secret society that aims to fulfill prophecy and sacrifice the Earth to a bloodthirsty God. Can a suicidal reporter save humanity...and himself? Recognized by the Hoffer Awards, Writer's Digest, Literary Titan, Readers' Favorite, and more. Book 1 in the series. 4.3 stars, 81 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

In 1855, eighteen-year-old Czanna flees Hungary and journeys to the American West. When she learns of her parent's death in Hungary, she sings a prayer to the mountains. Blackfeet scout Stands Strong is captivated by Czanna's song and beauty, and in bringing her aid, they fall in love. Can they overcome their cultural divide, or are their fates destined to only briefly intertwine? 4.4 stars, 250+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Malcolm Merrill is a successful executive at a prestigious advertising firm in Los Angeles. He has a beautiful wife, a gorgeous home, expensive cars, and power at his disposal. So what could possess someone who has it all to attempt suicide? Find out in this novel that chronicles the life of a man whose perfect world suddenly crumbles beneath him—a man forced to come to terms with all he sacrificed on his rise to the top: his family, his friends, and his soul. "Moving and inspiring." ~Amazon Review. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Jamison is a Gold Coast boy who desperately wants to visit his dad in Paris. When a friendly dragon offers to help, Jamison has no idea what is in store. He must deal with four eccentric dragons. Also, he must survive a hot air balloon crash, a cyclone, and getting lost in Shanghai. Will he find his dad? Will he ever feel that he is truly home? A book that will delight dragon lovers of any age. 4.8 stars, 13 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Magic, friendship, and destiny collide at Rune Academy. Bri’s newfound title of The Witch of Algiz is cursed and creates tension with other students. As Bri feels the pulsating power of Runes beneath her fingertips, the academy buzzes with uncertainty as she navigates the precarious path between light and shadow. Will she succumb to use dark magic and endanger the academy and her newfound friends? Embrace the magic and bonds of unexpected friendships within this paranormal YA academy fantasy series. 4.4 stars, 89 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

One reckless spell. One ruthless vampire. One very big problem. Alara spent years building The Caffeinated Cauldron. When the former owner retired, the cafe was supposed to be hers. Instead, she’s stuck serving lattes to the vampire who stole it. If he won’t sell, she’ll take matters into her own hands. A little illegal potion never hurt anyone, right? Except when her spell backfires, and suddenly, he’s looking at her like she might be dessert. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of author WL "Bud" Gorman, including the Assassins and Angels Series of thrillers.

★★★★★ "Very enjoyable." ~Barnes & Noble Reviewer

Bonus #1: Assassins and Angels Book 1 is available as a FREE download!

Bonus #2: Get a free novella by signing up for Bud's mailing list. 

Assassins and Angels: Book 1
Genres: Thrillers, Suspense, Action
Ebook price: FREE!



Strong men. Strong women. Dangerous times.

In the aftermath of a conflict with Russia in the arctic, Canada has fragmented, leaving provinces on the edge of chaos and anarchy. The Premier of Ontario makes a bold but controversial decision: She hires professional security contractors to assist her limited police resources.

Steven Grace is the leader of Sabre—a multinational team of former special forces operators hired to support The Premier's efforts to re-unite Canada. But the going is tough. Organized crime, outlaw bikers, white supremacists, 'adrenaline jihadis', and assassins are all controlled by one man...the man responsible for Grace's court martial and disgrace during the arctic conflict.

In the end, Steven Grace wants redemption...from his former country, from a father who disowned him, and from the former fiancée he left behind.

Assassins and Angels: Book 2
Genres: Thrillers, Suspense, Action
Ebook price: $0.99



Steven Grace and Sabre Team are still grinding it out.

A sniper at a city hall riot...weapons smugglers in a swamp...a confrontation at a biker bar...bounty hunters...a vigilante group…these are the challenges that Steven Grace and his team of security contractors must deal with as they continue to support the Ontario Premier's efforts to re-unite Canada. But first, the Premier must win an election in her own province where criminal organizations are causing uncontrollable chaos.

Steven Grace is a highly competent leader, but his life is not without problems. In addition to leading dangerous missions, he must deal with a disease that neutralizes his body at inopportune moments, a mother who is seriously ill, a father who wants nothing to do with him, and a tenuous relationship with his former fiancée.

Assassins and Angels: Book 3
Genres: Thrillers, Suspense, Action
Ebook price: $0.99



Steven Grace and Sabre Team are back…with an expanded mission. 

To be successful, the team must deal with the ongoing violence and criminality across all of Ontario that is secretly controlled by Grace's nemesis, sociopathic former army general Alan Flint. In fast-breaking operations, Grace and team must destroy protected weapons caches, deal with criminal biker gangs, save Premier Marcus from an attempt on her life, stop an elite bomb-maker, and face a group of ruthless mercenaries hired by Flint. In addition, Grace continues to face challenges in his personal life, including a former fiancée who appears to be in a relationship with another man.

With all of this facing him, Steven Grace knows his life is going to change.

The Brickbox
Genres: Literary Fiction, Humorous Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction
Ebook price: $0.99



Sometimes hope lives in the most unexpected place.

Jude Zander is a shy, inexperienced small-town girl who has disguised herself as a boy and is on the run from an abusive father. She desperately wants to find her mother who left her without warning. After Jude arrives in the big city, she is confronted by hookers, bikers, and street punks. Her only contact in the city is an aunt who wants nothing to do with her.

Alone and without survival skills, Jude drifts on the streets until she meets Rags and Gunner, two old panhandlers who offer her a place to stay at an old abandoned warehouse they call The Brickbox where Jude meets a diverse group of battered and discarded street people whose resilience, humanity, and humor surprise her. They all do their best to help Jude—all except an ex-cop who wants Jude gone.

When Jude is ultimately forced to face her oppressive father in court, her street friends search for the one witness who can save her.

WL (Bud) Gorman is a former Canadian army officer who dealt with interesting challenges and demanding situations in many parts of the world, including Europe, India, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. In a second career, he wrote and helped to direct exercises for the Canadian military using various computer simulations and role-playing productions. Today, Bud enjoys Chinese brush painting, tying fishing flies, and is learning to play rock and roll guitar. He and his wife live in the country between two small towns not far from Ottawa. Visit wlgormanstories.com to learn more, get a free novella by signing up for Bud's mailing list, and be sure to follow him online: 

Free online: GetLit! Festival. The GetLit! Festival is Washington State’s longest-running annual literary festival, featuring a diverse lineup of highly sought-after authors and local literary talent. The Festival concludes this Sunday with a full day of online events! Sunday, April 13, 9 AM to 6:30 PM PDT. 

"She read books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live." ~Annie Dillard

Getting onto the invite list is hard, but staying there is even harder. Knightsbridge is one of London's most exclusive addresses. Paisley juggles a budding career as a social columnist turned investigative journalist after she uncovers the hidden crimes. Her best friend, Allegra, reigns as the high society gatekeeper. Along with her friends, Paisley must navigate the reality of living in a place where staying ahead often matters more than morals. From $8.99 - SHOP NOW / 

On sale through April 12: Get the Lancashire Detective Mysteries Boxed set for only 99 cents! That's three complete novels featuring DCI Jonathan Walker, senior detective for the Lancashire Constabulary in North West England: The Ice House, The Pike, and The Tower. Currently a #1 Best Seller in Traditional Detective Mysteries on Amazon. 4.3 stars, 262 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

When Evelyn is accidentally poisoned, her only hope for an antidote is to sign the curious contract of Hart’s Circus—the same place her brother vanished before her birth. As she investigates, she uncovers questions no carnie will answer… and infuriates tempestuous Manager Hart. Undeterred, she’ll cajole and blackmail her way to the truth. Featuring illustrations in the style of vintage circus posters, Avery’s Ghost throws readers into a macabre world of secrets and magic. 4.3 stars, 65 ratings. Buy the series now at a discount! From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Never hire your friends—unless you want a fuller, richer, happier, and even more successful company. Marcylle Combs shares her experience of building successful companies based on friendship, laughter, joy, and common values. Learn how to challenge the status quo and become a disrupter who leads with vulnerability, honesty, integrity, and humility. Discover how to build a community of friendship in the workplace and enjoy working with people you love. 5.0 stars, 31 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

It's been years since fourteen-year-old Dean has seen his Gran. But now Dean's mom is desperate to have someone watch him over the summer, which means Dean will be spending his summer with Gran on her tomato farm. Dean expects his time to be filled with hard work. Instead, events lead him to believe something otherworldly is wrong with Gran. Something evil. 4.6 stars, 21 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

In a journey of transformation, Kendall, a seemingly ordinary individual, is unknowingly thrust into a profound mission. Guided by a powerful and enigmatic force, he must navigate a path that will reveal hidden truths buried deep in the folds of time. Ancient legacies and long-forgotten tales provide clues leading to more questions, until finally, distant connections reveal their true significance in a breathtaking twist. From $4.50 - SHOP NOW / 

Mona is a mischievous monkey. She likes to have fun in ballet class, which sometimes gets her in trouble. She’s not (always) grumpy; she’s just misunderstood. Her moodiness is attached to a memory she holds dear from long ago. What could it be? Follow along as Mona shares her memory with her friends, Sasha and Cami, and finds out the true meaning of family. From $18 - SHOP NOW / 

Della is already a witch at breaking point when her brother accidently kills a werewolf. Malone, the Brighton Pack alpha, attacks, leaving Della with a scratch that turns her into the first ever hybrid-witch. Malone helps Della through the first shift, but turning a witch is against sacred wolf laws. Malone's pack will disown him if I doesn’t get rid of Della. A Wolf Shifter Paranormal Romance. 4.2 stars, 1900+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

In a desolate world, a veteran monster hunter must recover a new specimen for the corporate elites. But when Mercer learns this organism is not a wasteland mutant but a teen girl, his moral compass spins sideways. causing him to question everything he believes about his job, his future, and his foggy past. From award-winning author Ingrid Moon comes an action-packed dystopian novel with crazy twists, a pinch of humor, and all the blood and violence of an edge-of-your-seat action movie. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Change can happen in two ways: it can arise from shifts in our external circumstances, or it can stem from our decision to see things differently. This book serves as a comprehensive guide offering practical tools to navigate the complexities of life by choosing new narratives that redefine happiness. Are you ready to thrive through change? From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Born into a world of chaos, fear, and uncertainty, Dustin Bryan knows what it means to fight for survival. Growing up in a broken home riddled with abuse, neglect, addiction, and loss, life was an uphill battle from the start. But within the darkness, there was a spark—a relentless drive to overcome, to break generational cycles, and to transform pain into purpose. More than just a story of survival, this memoir is a testament to the power of faith, the strength found in adversity, and the promise that changed everything. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Journey through time and ancient worlds, exploring nature and the influence of deities of lands such as Anatolia, Mesopotamia, the Levant, Crete, Greece, Malta, and Sicily. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

He guards the streets, but can he guard his heart? Life on the night shift has hardened Officer Matthew Danes, but nothing could prepare him for the whirlwind romance with Rosemarie, the beautiful, fiery owner of a local wine bar. When a violent drug dealer with a vendetta targets Rosemarie, Matthew’s every instinct tells him he must protect her at all costs in this high-stakes, emotionally charged police romance. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Brenda E Smith, author of award-winning and critically acclaimed travel/adventure memoirs that provide readers with an adrenaline-packed blend of daring exploits and deep reflections:

• Becoming Fearless: Finding Courage in the African Wilderness
  • Winner of awards from Readers' Favorite, Storytrade, and more
  • 4.7 stars, 172 ratings 
• Becoming Amazed: Discovering the World with Eyes Wide Open
  • Ranked #1 in Travel Biographies & Memoirs on Amazon.com
  • Kindle Edition currently FREE
  • 4.9 stars, 42 ratings

Becoming Fearless
Genres: Africa Travel Books, Traveler & Explorer Biographies
Paperback from $15.49
Audiobook from $21.83 ($0.99 via Audible)
Ebook from $9.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



An inspirational true story that showcases what is possible when you step out of your comfort zone into the wild.

Coerced by her boss and fellow river guides, Brenda Smith reluctantly embarks on a rafting trip through a vast Tanzanian game reserve. If she can survive twelve days on the remote jungle rivers, then she must scale Africa's tallest mountain. After twenty-eight years of a safe and predictable life, Brenda is terrified of what awaits her in these dangerous wildernesses.

She comes face-to-face with angry hippos, roaring lions, and stealthy crocodiles, and struggles with the extremes of unbearable heat and hypothermia. Despite the harsh external threats she conquers, her greatest challenge is a profound inner journey—a courageous transformation as she uncovers the internal source of her fears and discovers the personal strength to do anything.

Awards/Recognition for Becoming Fearless

• Best Non-Fiction Travel Book 2023 by Reader Views
• Winner Non-Fiction Regional-World 2024 by Storytrade Awards
• Silver Medal for Non-Fiction Adventure 2024 Readers' Favorite Awards

Becoming Amazed
Genres: Travel Biographies & Memoirs, Adventurer & Explorer Biographies, Biographies & Memoirs of Women
Paperback from $19.99
Ebook: FREE



A journey to inspire you to chase your own wild dreams.

Brenda's journey began with rafting and mountain climbing through the untamed Tanzanian wilderness, as chronicled in Becoming Fearless, but what started as a step outside her comfort zone soon became an insatiable quest for the extraordinary, pushing her to explore some of the most remote and breathtaking corners of the globe.

From Bolivia's rugged landscapes to Ethiopia's hidden tribal territories, from the enigmatic villages of Pakistan to the leech-infested forests of Sri Lanka, Brenda’s escapades are both awe-inspiring and terrifying. She confronts everything from revered idols exacting mysterious revenge to navigating eerie second-dimension spaces. The stakes reach their zenith in the brutal murder of a friend by terrorists—a moment that forces Brenda to reckon with the harshest realities of the world she craves to explore.

Through every trial, Brenda gains profound insights, emerging stronger, braver, and more enlightened. Her stories are an adrenaline-packed blend of daring exploits and deep reflections, perfect for fans of Eat Pray Love, Wild, and Tracks.

Praise for Becoming Amazed

"The fires of transformation blaze in this superbly delightful portmanteau of a book." ~Richard Bangs, Explorer

"Smith takes readers along on her amazing journeys...inspiring us to seek our adventures outside our comfort zone, and to explore and appreciate our diverse world." ~Judi Wineland, Founder of Overseas Adventure Travel

"Smith's retelling of these first encounters with remote rivers and the people and wildlife met along the way are the makings of river running history." ~Bridget Crocker, author of The River's Daughter

Spellbound by wanderlust after working as a whitewater river guide, Brenda has lived, worked, or traveled in more than forty countries. While overseas, Brenda pursued adventures on less-traveled roads through remote villages, collecting a raft of stories about her exploits. Now retired, she lives in Belfast, Maine, documenting cherished memories of her escapades in memoirs, essays, and poems. When the ocean calls, she can be found rowing a dory in Belfast Harbor. Learn more and sign-up for news from Eye Opener Press at EyeOpenerPress.com.