Today's Featured Books— Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a light on the works of Michael and Kelsey Sylvara. Known for their pioneering contributions to holistic athletic training, the Sylvaras have authored four books aimed at improving lives:

• How to Be Healthy in a Toxic World
• The Power of Alchemy: Turning Thoughts into Gold
• Becoming a Freak Athlete
• We Need More Leaders

Read on to learn more!

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How to Be Healthy in a Toxic World

New Release: January 28, 2025
Genre: Alternative Medicine
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Discover the Secrets to Thriving in a Modern World Full of Hidden Toxins

For thousands of years, our ancestors safeguarded their health with natural remedies, harnessing the power of raw foods, detox practices, and timeless wisdom. But in today’s fast-paced, industrialized world, these ancient methods have been overlooked—replaced by fleeting fixes and symptom-driven solutions. How to Be Healthy in a Toxic World reclaims these forgotten practices, offering a practical guide to help you protect and revitalize your body from the inside out with proven methods and techniques.

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The Power of Alchemy

Genre: Self-Help
From $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Turning Thoughts Into Gold

Discover how to transform your life with this groundbreaking guide to self-mastery and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from the enduring wisdom of great thinkers, the authors reveal how your thoughts shape your reality and empower you to turn aspirations into tangible achievements. Whether it’s turning challenges into opportunities or unlocking hidden potential, each lesson equips you with the tools to harness the power of your mind for success.

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Becoming a Freak Athlete

Genre: Self-Help
4.8 stars, 6 ratings on Amazon
From $9.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Elite Training to Become a "Freak Athlete"

Unlock your potential with this empowering guide to pushing beyond perceived limits and achieving unparalleled performance. Through personal narratives and stories of star athletes, this book delivers a transformative journey. Dive into actionable insights and expert advice designed to help you become the best version of yourself. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a seasoned competitor, or someone looking to elevate their fitness game, this book promises to redefine your limits and unleash your true potential. 

JUMP PROGRAMS AND WORKOUTS INCLUDED!

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We Need More Leaders

Genre: Business Leadership, Personal Transformation, Leadership & Motivation
4.2 stars, 6 ratings on Amazon
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Unlock Your Leadership Potential

This comprehensive and insightful guide distills decades of leadership knowledge into one streamlined resource. Steeped in practical advice and strategies, this book is a unique asset for aspiring and established leaders alike. Starting with the essence of leadership, learn to either become a leader or live to follow, harness the power of a Positive Mental Attitude, learn the art of saying "No" so you can focus on what truly matters, master the skill of building impactful relationships, and much more. 

Whether you're a manager seeking to improve your leadership skills, an entrepreneur looking to inspire your team, or an individual embarking on a personal development journey, The Art of Leadership equips you with actionable insights and evidence-based strategies to help you excel.

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About the Authors
Michael and Kelsey Sylvara are renowned for their pioneering contributions to holistic athletic training, merging physical prowess with psychological and spiritual growth. With a rich background in coaching multiple sports, including basketball, football, and strength and conditioning, Michael Sylvara has dedicated his career to nurturing athletes beyond their physical capabilities. Kelsey Sylvara, an expert in education and curriculum development, complements Michael’s coaching with a strong focus on mental training. Their combined expertise is evident in their unique approach, which integrates mental conditioning, nutrition, and wellness. Follow them online to learn more: 
 

FREE download! Son of Peace: A Modern Historical Novel of Buddha by James Field, a book that many readers have found to be "profound and inspiring."

★★★★★ "Like a calm river that flows through the landscapes of history." ~Goodreads Review

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Son of Peace: A Modern Historical Novel of Buddha

Genre: Buddhist History, Biographies of Buddhism
4.8 stars, 25 ratings
Audiobook: $12.25
Paperback: $9.99
E-book: FREE!

Dive into the profound wisdom and timeless teachings of the Buddha. 

In the heart of ancient India, amidst the opulence of palaces and the cries of suffering, one man embarks on a journey that will change the course of history. Siddhartha Gautama, the heir to a kingdom, forsakes his princely comforts in search of something greater: the elusive truth beyond worldly riches.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for understanding, Siddhartha wanders the lands, encountering the depths of human suffering and the fleeting pleasures of existence. Amidst the chaos, he finds solace in the whispers of wise sages and the gentle embrace of nature. But his quest for enlightenment remains elusive.

As Siddhartha delves deeper into the mysteries of existence, he confronts the demons of his own mind and the temptations of desire. Yet with each trial, he draws closer to the ultimate truth, unravelling the secrets of the universe and the nature of human suffering. In a world consumed by greed and ignorance, Siddhartha's journey offers a transformative path to liberation for all who seek it...a beacon of hope in the darkness.

Prepare to be spellbound by this evocative retelling of one of history's most revered figures, as you journey alongside the Buddha on a path of enlightenment and redemption.

Praise/Recognition for Son of Peace
Currently ranked as the #1 book in Buddhist History on Amazon.com.

★★★★★ "More than just another Buddha biography." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A profound exploration of the timeless themes of suffering, enlightenment and peace." ~Goodreads Review

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About the Author
Born in Essex, England, James Field currently lives in Norway well within the Arctic Circle, in the land of the midnight sun where James says life is "slow and comfortable." Author of two dozen books, James invites readers to "take a break from your world, lose yourself in one of mine." Learn more about James and his work by following his Amazon Author Page.

LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Laura Nelson series of "taught and fast-moving" medical thrillers from New York Times & USA Today best-selling author Patricia Gussin. Each book can be read alone or as part of the series. 

"Brave, unflinching suspense—elegant, intelligent, and superb." ~Lee Child, New York Times best-selling author

BONUS: The books of The Laura Nelson series are great for reading groups, and the author has created Book Club Discussion questions for each title:

• Shadow of Death
• Twisted Justice
• Weapon of Choice

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Shadow of Death

Book 1 in the Series
Genre: Medical Fiction, Medical Thriller
4.3 stars, 200+ ratings
From $3.99

This is a world you would never want to enter...or forget.

Pull a trigger and everything changes. Medical student Laura Nelson had just finished examining her first patient when she is forced to make a decision that will alter the course of her life. Will her deadly secret come to light, or must she live forever in the shadow of death?

With a persistent and perceptive detective hot on her trail and a host of eerie incidents suggesting that maybe her secret isn't really a secret, Laura is drawn into an unseemly web of peril, deceit, and treachery. Set amidst the upheaval and smoldering chaos of the Detroit riots of 1967, Shadow of Death is a haunting tale of unrest, fear, and consequences. Perfect for fans of Tess Gerritsen and Kathy Reichs

Praise for Shadow of Death

• Thriller Award Nominee for Best First Novel, International Thriller Writers
• "Riveting, non-stop suspense." ~Judy Clemens, author of Till the Cows Come Home
• "A plot that races along like a runaway gurney in a hospital corridor." ~Don Bruns, author of Barbados Heat
• "The suspense is riveting and the pacing masterful." ~Michael Palmer, author The Society

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Twisted Justice

Book 2 in the Series
Genre: Medical Thrillers, Domestic Thrillers
4.1 stars, 500+ ratings
From $3.99

A shocking tale of lies, betrayals, secrets, and lives torn apart.

Laura Nelson has it all: a successful career as a surgeon, five well-adjusted kids, and Steve, her handsome husband and local news anchor. But Laura's seemingly perfect world shatters when she discovers that Steve is sharing more than a news desk and a billboard with Kim, his sexy co-anchor. The fling comes to an end when Kim is murdered—and Laura is left holding the smoking gun.

Sexy, alluring, and provocative, Twisted Justice delivers fiery hot action, pulse-pounding suspense, and a razor-sharp plot full of dangerous curves. Perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Lisa Scottoline

Praise for Twisted Justice

• Finalist, ForeWord Book of the Year Award
• "Relentless suspense and pitch-perfect medical details." ~Tess Gerritsen, New York Times best-selling author
• "A fast-moving suspense tale involving murder, medicine, and the law." ~East Hampton Independent
• "As riveting as it is relentless." ~James Rollins, New York Times best-selling author

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Weapon of Choice

Book 3 in the Series
Genre: Medical Fiction, Medical Thrillers
4.3 stars, 175 ratings
From $3.99

A deadly attack of massive scale is in the works. Can it be prevented?

Life is good for Dr. Laura Nelson, the highly regarded chief of surgery at Tampa City Hospital. But then she is drawn into the diagnosis of the first case of HIV/AIDS seen in Tampa at the same time that a highly resistant bacterial infection is raging in the surgical intensive care unit. To make matters worse, Laura's daughter is exposed to the bacteria and begins to show symptoms.

Desperate for help, Laura calls her young friend, Dr. Stacy Jones, at the CDC in Atlanta. Stacy travels to Tampa, unaware that a deadly plot is underway in Atlanta where a covert white supremacist cell plans an unthinkable attack on a massive scale. Laura and Stacy connect the Tampa nightmare with the impending Atlanta devastation. But can they do anything to stop it?

Praise for Weapon of Choice

• Winner, Florida Book Award
• Finalist, ForeWord Book of the Year Award
• "For fans of medical thrillers, a solid and satisfying read." ~Booklist
• "A truly infectious thriller you won't be able to put down!" ~Tess Gerritsen, author of Last to Die

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About the Author
Patricia Gussin is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who is also Board Certified in Family Medicine and has had a career as an executive in the pharmaceutical industry. Patricia’s award-winning novels tell the stories of normal people under extraordinary stress, the choices they make, the consequences that follow, and the process of endurance and recovery. Learn more at PatriciaGussin.com, sign up for her newsletter, and be sure to follow her online: 
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Considering Us, a new release from Jenn Bouchard, author of award-winning women's fiction and romantic comedy.

"A soul-searching, second-chance romance for readers who love a strong female lead." ~Kirkus Reviews

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Considering Us

New release: February 6, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
4.7 stars, 23 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $16.95
Audiobook: $17.46
E-Book: From $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

After an affair with a client's husband leads to scandal, private chef Devon Paige is left with only one client in Boston—a reclusive professional basketball player with a craving for cookies. As a result, Devon takes a job at a boarding school on the New Hampshire seacoast as head of dining services.

Devon is shocked to discover Kyle Holling on staff. She hasn't seen Kyle in more than fifteen years...not since a memorable night just before departing for college in different cities. Devon and Kyle must determine what their relationship looks like years later, all while dodging the cameras of an underground newspaper, dealing with the installation of a controversial campus sculpture, and grappling with the arrival of Devon's former lover's daughter as a new student.

When Devon meets a handsome paramedic named Heath, she ditches the possibility of romance with Kyle in favor of what appears to be a more straightforward relationship. But a trip to Los Angeles to keep her client well-fed ahead of his basketball game threatens to upend everything, forcing Devon to finally answer the one question she has been avoiding: Is fifteen years too late to rekindle a one-night stand?

Praise for Considering Us
"Bouchard dishes up the sweetest second chance romance that will warm your heart to the end." ~Caitlin Moss, author of You First and Goodbye Again

"For readers who know sometimes the right person comes along at the wrong time, but that fate has a way of bringing us second chances." ~Sharon M. Peterson, The Do-Over

"A feel-good, humorous yet realistic book that I'll hold in my heart as a new classic." ~C. D'Angelo, The Difference

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Also by Jenn Bouchard...
 

First Course

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Literature
4.4 stars, 182 ratings on Amazon
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

After four devastating events, including her parents' tragic plane crash, Janie Whitman retreats to her family's summer house in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, to support her sister and nieces. A chance meeting with a high school guidance counselor named Rocky sparks a whirlwind romance, offering Janie hope for a new future. As they navigate their romantic entanglements and work to create a memorial for their parents, the Whitman sisters discover the potential for second acts in their lives.

Recognition for First Course
Recipient of 14 awards, including 2 Eric Hoffer Awards

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About the Author
Jenn Bouchard has been teaching high school social studies for twenty-five years. She is an avid cook, volunteer for good causes, and devoted Red Sox fan. A graduate of Bates College and Tufts University, she lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband and two children. Learn more at JennBouchard.com where you can also sign up to receive her e-newsletter and see a list of upcoming events in the New England area. Be sure to follow her online, too!
 

Congratulations to award-winning author Julie Ryan McGue on the release of Twice the Family, the much-anticipated prequel to McGue’s debut memoir, Twice a Daughter.

"Through the lens of her personal history, McGue explores human nature, family, and connection." ~Kirkus Reviews

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Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood

New release: February 4, 2025
#1 New Release in Twins & Multiples Parenting on Amazon
Genre: Twins & Multiples Parenting, Adoption, Women's Biographies
From: $12.99

In this coming-of-age memoir set in Chicago’s western suburbs between the 1960s and ’80s, adopted twins Julie and Jenny provide their parents with an instant family. Their sisterly bond holds tight as the two strive for identity, individuality, and belonging. But as their parents continue adding children to the family, some painful and tragic experiences test family values, parental relationships, and sibling bonds.

Faced with these hurdles, Julie questions everything—who she is, how she fits in, her adoption circumstances, her faith, and her idea of family. But the life her parents have constructed is not one she wants for herself—and as she matures, she recognizes how the experiences that formed her have provided her a road map for the person and mother she wants to be.

Praise for Twice the Family
"A memoir about faith, family, and doing right by others." ~Foreword Reviews

"A heartfelt exploration of connection, community, and the unbreakable bond between sisters." ~Simone Knego, author of The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You

"Intimate coming-of-age memoir about fragility and preciousness of life." ~Rikki West, Rootlines

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Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging

Genre: Memoir, Creative Nonfiction, Adoption, Parenting, Personal Transformation
4.5 stars, 1162 ratings
From: $12.99

Julie is adopted. She is also a twin. Because their adoption was closed, she and her sister lack both a health history and their adoption papers—which becomes an issue for Julie when, at forty-eight years old, she finds herself facing several serious health issues.

To launch the probe into her closed adoption, Julie first needs the support of her sister. The twins talk things over, and make a pact: Julie will approach their adoptive parents for the adoption paperwork and investigate search options, and the sisters will split the costs involved in locating their birth relatives. But their adoptive parents aren’t happy that their daughters want to locate their birth parents—and that is only the first of many obstacles Julie will come up against as she digs into her background.

Julie’s search for her birth relatives spans eight years and involves a search agency, a private investigator, a confidential intermediary, a judge, an adoption agency, a social worker, and a genealogist. By journey’s end, what began as a simple desire for a family medical history has evolved into a complicated quest—one that unearths secrets, lies, and family members that are literally right next door.

Praise for Twice a Daughter
"An engaging, endearing chronicle of a woman’s quest to find her origins." ~Kirkus Reviews

"A compelling, poignant memoir about the search for truth and belonging." ~Readers' Favorite

Awards:

• National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist in Parenting & Family
• International Book Awards Winner in Parenting & Family
• International Book Awards Finalist in Best New Nonfiction, Nonfiction: Narrative, and Women’s Issues / Women’s Studies
• Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite in Parenting & Family
• CIBA Nellie Bly Book Awards Finalist
• NYC Big Book Awards Winner in Personal Growth
• NYC Big Book Awards Distinguished Favorite in Parenting & Family
• Living Now Awards Gold Winner in Memoir—Female

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Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship

Genre: Nonfiction, Family & Personal Growth, Parent & Adult Child Relationships, Adoption
4.9 stars, 26 ratings
From: $0.99

Belonging Matters supports the adoption community while creating a conversation with those not directly touched by adoption. The collection explores the pursuit of identity and the boundaries of family and kinship. It challenges the reader to embrace all of who we come to be, and to discern with whom and where we belong. Because belonging defines the human experience, and it is what nourishes our spirit, fuels us with purpose, and compels us to soar beyond the limitations of our lived experience.

Praise for Belonging Matters
"Rich with compassion and wisdom." ~Midwest Book Review

"A narrative where the pursuit of identity intersects with human connection." ~American Writing Awards Book Reviews

Awards:

• Literary Titan Book Award Winner
• Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards
• Firebird Book Award Winner
• Finalist in the Annual National Indie Excellence Awards for Book Cover Design and in the Personal Growth category
• Finalist in the International Book Awards in Parenting & Family category
• Nonfiction Winner, Honorable Mention in New York Book Festival

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About the Author
Julie Ryan McGue is an award-winning American writer. Her weekly blogs focus on identity, family, and life's quirky moments. If she's not at her computer writing, she's out exploring with her camera, or on the tennis court. She is the mother of four adult children, a grandmother, and splits her time between NW Indiana and Sarasota, Florida. Learn more at JulieMcGueAuthor.com.

Bonuses:

• Get a free download of Empathy: The Ripple Effect by signing up for Julie's free bimonthly newsletters. (See the pop-up sign-up form on her website.).
• Connect with her via podcasts and in-person events. (See the list of dates and events under "Follow Me" on her home page—including an appearance at Anderson's Bookstore in Downers Grove on February 18 for our friends in the Chicago area!)
• Finally, be sure to follow Julie online:

 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Friend Dilemma, a new release in the Emma Just Medium Series about friendship, self-esteem, and emotions/feelings. Perfect for young readers ages 7 - 10.

"Short chapters, simple vocabulary, and syntax make the book perfect for readers who are still new to chapter book reading. The Friend Dilemma is a fun and instructive story about navigating the emotional challenges of school friendship." ~The Children's Book Review

BONUS: See the information sheet from One Elm Books to learn more about The Friend Dilemma, and be sure to also check out The Beach Dilemma, Book 1 in the Series.

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The Friend Dilemma

NEW RELEASE: February 4, 2025
Book 2 in the Emma Just Medium Series for young readers ages 7 - 10
Genre: Young Readers Fiction, Juvenile Fiction Humor
Author: Laura Wiltse Prior
Illustrator: Marta Kissi
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and e-book from $6.99


 

Even though Emma’s summer turned out well, it was topsy turvy. That’s why she can’t wait to get back to her routine with her best friends, Lily and Amelia.

Emma has only been able to stay in touch with her friends by phone and texting, so she is super excited to have a playdate where they will do all the things they have always loved to do together, including Legos and science experiments. But when the girls come over the day before third grade starts, things don’t go as planned. 

Lily has transformed into a ballerina, and Amelia now finds Emma’s science boring. On top of that, they want to play with Little, Emma’s younger brother, more than with her!

Emma needs to fix things and fast. She will have to wow her friends so everything can go right back to normal, and she will do it on the first bus ride to school. But Emma finds that third grade is proving to be different in more ways than one.

Will Emma’s plan work or will she have another big dilemma to resolve?

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The Beach Dilemma

Book 1 in the Emma Just Medium Series
Genre: Young Readers Fiction, Juvenile Fiction Humor
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and e-book from $3.99

Middle-kid Emma is stuck between her two brothers, again.

She has to ride in the middle seat as her family heads out on a weeklong beach vacation with friends, where Emma knows that being just medium will only get worse! Then she has an idea. What if she could get out of being in the middle by taking on a new role? What if she acted BIG? Will Emma's plan work, or will she have another huge dilEmma?

Praise for The Beach Dilemma
"A fun children’s book with charismatic characters that kids will enjoy following." ~Literary Titan

"A valuable lesson about embracing one's personality and learning to appreciate what makes each of us unique." ~Kirkus Reviews

2024 Florida Authors and Publishers Association Silver Award Winner

2023 Bookpal's Outstanding Works of Literature WINNER - Elementary Category

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About the Author
Laura Wiltse Prior is a middle grade author who loves cookie dough, reading, and tennis. When she isn’t writing, she is driving her children around, hiking with Cody, her Portuguese Water Dog, or hanging with Casper, the nicest cat in town. She lives and writes in Connecticut with her husband and three kids, the inspiration for her stories.

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About the Illustrator
Marta Kissi is a London-based illustrator originally from Warsaw. She studied BA Illustration & Animation at Kingston University and MA Communication Art & Design at the Royal College of Art. Her favorite part of being an illustrator is bringing stories to life by designing charming characters and the wonderful worlds in which they live.

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About the Publisher
One Elm Books is an imprint of Red Chair Press, an indie press committed to learning and literacy (and laughter!). Founded in 2009, Red Chair Press has been dedicated to publishing series to engage children in stories that provide models for strong character and good behavior. By working with only the highest-quality artists from around the world, Red Chair Press ensures that their books will appeal to a wide range of readers. Learn more at RedChairPress.com, and be sure to follow them online:
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight Dr. Alaska and the work of author Jillian David.

Dr. Alaska is the recently released first book of the Yukon Valley, Alaska Hospital Series of medical romances. Paging Dr. Breakup (book two of the series) is coming this April and is available for pre-order now. In the meantime, you might also want to check out The Cowboys of Copper River Boxed Set, which is available for only 99 cents!

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Dr. Alaska

Book 1 of the Yukon Valley, Alaska Hospital Series
Genre: Medical Romance, Small Town Romance, Workplace Romance
4.31 stars, 70 ratings on Goodreads
From $4.99

Lee Tipton, MD, takes running from her past to an extreme, hotfooting it from Georgia to a temporary position at Yukon Valley Hospital in chilly Alaska. Her newly purchased winter gear may protect her from the elements, but no amount of insulation can protect her from her deep-seated fear that a romantic partner will once again use her for personal gains. Despite the hospital staff’s matchmaking efforts, Lee swears she has no interest in the town’s cocky lead paramedic, even if his sexy smile sets off palpitations.

Maverick Steen learned his one simple rule of romance the hard way: no dating outsiders. That includes the hospital’s newest fish-out-of-water doctor, whom he finds himself paired with as they navigate critical care cases and snowmobile accidents. Yet when Lee embraces the beauty in the Alaskan interior and cottons to his sled dog team of misfits, suddenly, Maverick’s heart—and his bed—feel a whole lot warmer.

Praise for Dr. Alaska

★★★★★ "Excellent medical romance set in the beautiful rural mountains of Alaska." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "Witty, fun, and so romantic." ~Amazon Review

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Paging Dr. Breakup

Book 2 of the Yukon Valley, Alaska Hospital Series
Genre: Medical Romance, Small Town Romance, Workplace Romance
Coming April 2025
From $4.99



 

Widow Deirdre Steen has spent the last five years making sure she’s the best chief nursing officer Yukon Valley Hospital has ever seen. It cost her a personal life—and protected her heart. But now her childhood friend, Dr. Calvin Garrett—the one who got away—is temporarily lending his emergency medicine skills to their rural hospital in Alaska’s interior. The community’s relentless matchmaking network loves a challenge, which leaves Deirdre with one viable option: a fake dating pact with Calvin until the spring Breakup Festival and his inevitable departure to his regular job and his life in Seattle.

Calvin moved away years ago rather than watch his best friend marry Deirdre. Now, amazingly, she’s in Calvin’s bed and the center of his world. Yet a woman like Deirdre deserves forever—as well as a man who didn’t finish as runner-up the first time around. Can an Alaskan spring thaw help two wounded healers thaw the ice surrounding their hearts and fulfill this second chance at love?

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The Cowboys of Copper River Boxed Set

Books 1 - 3: A Psychic Cowboys Western Romance
4.4 stars, 118 ratings on Amazon
Price: From $0.99

Three full-length wild adventures through western Wyoming with sexy ranchers, smart women, and otherworldly forces. Fans of Christine Freehan, B.J. Daniels, Duane Boehm as well as Sam Scott, Dannika Dark, and I.T. Lucas will enjoy discovering this series.

Praise for The Cowboys of Copper River

★★★★★ "A unique take on the paranormal paired with romance." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Well-constructed family saga about siblings with special powers who must unite to save humanity." ~Goodreads Review

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About the Author
Jillian David is an award-winning and bestselling author who writes paranormal, suspense, and adventure romances. She also happens to be a doctor, and she loves to use medical situations and characters to drive drama in her books. 

Learn more at JillianDavid.net, sign up for her newsletter to get the latest writing news and subscriber-only deals, and be sure to follow her online: 
 

Vine Leaves Press is an indie publisher that celebrates stories that leave a lasting impression. Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on three exciting new releases from VLP:

• Flirting With Extinction by Joanna Kadish
• The Moon Shall Not Give Her Light by David Starkey
• Listen to Me by Cordelia Frances Biddle

Read on to learn more!

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Flirting With Extinction

NEW RELEASE: January 14, 2025
Genre: Essays & Stories
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: From $6.99  

As a girl growing up with nine brothers and a much younger sister, Joanna Kadish was determined to prove that females were just as tough—if not tougher. From training wild horses and swimming icy rivers to trekking through remote wilderness, she pushed herself to the limit, even risking her life to tame an untamable rodeo bronc.

After converting to Judaism and adopting her new husband's name, she moved to Washington state and helped create a utopia on their island home. Their children thrived in an environment filled with art, music, and freedom. But the idyllic life took a dark turn when their teenage son, Micah, along with his friends, defaced a yeshiva, with one drawing swastikas and the chilling message, “this way to the gas chambers.”

As the law came down hard on Micah, the family faced the unbearable loss of their other son, Seth. In these essays and stories, Kadish explores the deep-rooted trauma inherited from Holocaust survivors. Micah's great-grandfather was killed in a German labor camp, and Micah's grandfather, with his mother and sister, fled Germany shortly before Kristallnacht. Decades later, that trauma continues to haunt the family, proving that the wounds of history are not so easily healed.

Praise for Flirting with Extinction
★★★★★ “Pushes mortality to the very edge with broncos, sharks, and drugs, coming together to create a disturbing picture of American life.” ~JoeAnn Hart, author of Arroyo Circle

★★★★★ “These imaginative essays and stories, told in varying perspectives, are pulled together by the impulse to test our limits... All ask the same question: how much is too much? Kadish looks in unwavering honesty at the heartbreaking consequences of one wrong move.” ~Cheryl Pappas, author of The Clarity of Hunger

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The Moon Shall Not Give Her Light

NEW RELEASE: January 21, 2025
Genre: Poetry
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: From $6.99  

Based on iconic representations of Bible scenes, David Starkey’s poems attempt to recapture some of the strangeness of great Italian painters like Giotto, Fillipo Lippi, Bellini, Caravaggio, and Gentileschi, while incorporating elements of contemporary life into work that is by turns witty, wild, sad, subversive and reverential. Twelve mystical and timeless conté crayon drawings by artist Rafael Perea de la Cabada deepen and argue with Starkey’s often skeptical interpretations of the Gospel. The result is a reading and rendering of the New Testament like no other.

Praise for The Moon Shall Not Give Her Light
★★★★★ “Powerful, personal, and purifying.” Heather Sellers, author of Field Notes

★★★★★ “In Starkey’s poems, the miraculous walks arm in arm with the mundane in language that, at turns, carries notes of liturgical grandeur and captures the music of the colloquial.” ~Todd Copeland, author of Like All Light

★★★★★ “A collection to be read and cherished not only for its artistry and wisdom but also for the light it casts upon topics that are as significant and as urgent today as ever they were.” ~Teresa Godfrey, author of How Will They Name Us?

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Listen to Me

NEW RELEASE: January 28, 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Paperback: $14.99
Ebook: From $5.99  

Cordelia Frances Biddle’s Listen to Me vividly reinterprets biblical women as complex, resilient figures, uniting across centuries to challenge misogyny and inspire solidarity and equality. Blending fire and humor, Biddle reveals Eve, Ruth, Bathsheba, Queen Vashti, Delilah, et al, as real people possessing complex and turbulent inner lives.

Using contemporary language, she invites the reader to challenge assumptions and shibboleths while the women gather in pairs and as a group to recount their personal histories. From Babylon to the "dicey and pricy burgs" of Sodom and Gomorrah to 21st Century Manhattan, Eve and her companions' longing and rage, trauma, hope, outrage, and empathy create a sisterhood that is readily transferred to modern society.  

Praise for Listen to Me
"A sharp-witted takedown of the male-centered biblical narrative and an inspiring, impassioned battle cry for sisterhood.” ~Kirkus Reviews

“Biddle gives voice to women of the Bible in this unique reimagining." ~Publishers Weekly

★★★★★ “Want to hear Eve’s side of the Eden story? Or Bathsheba’s view of David? And what really went on with Naomi and Ruth? Timely and thought provoking, sometimes anger-inducing, heart-breaking and humbling.” ~Merry Jones, author of The Woman in the Cupboard

★★★★★ “Irreverent in a deliciously feminist way.” ~Maria Leonard Olsen, author of the Amazon bestseller 50 After 50

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About the Publisher
Vine Leaves Press likes to blur the line between commercial and experimental works. They publish book-length vignette collections, writing reference books, short story collections, memoir/autobiography, and character-driven novels with a literary bent.​ Subscribe to the Vine Leaves Press newsletter to receive FREE advanced review copies of upcoming new releases, news about their authors and subscribers, and/or to read the monthly opinion column, SPILL IT! or a daily dose of 50-word stories. Learn more at VineLeavesPress.com. 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of author Surinder Jolly and two books that are set in the United Kingdom and India:

• Tsunami of Greed: a moving story of a British-Indian family with unforeseen twists
• Indian Whispers: a tale of emotional adventures through india

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Tsunami of Greed

Genre: Financial Thriller, Suspense Action Fiction
Paperback: $11.99
E-book: $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

I think of it last thing every night, first thing every morning and all day. I have drowned in your tsunami of greed.

When her devoted husband dies on his eightieth birthday, Pinky is beset with a tsunami of problems. Lonely and grief-stricken, she turns to her nephew, Paul, for his guidance. But Paul is driven by a family feud, and Pinky is soon the unwitting victim of a deceit beyond anything she could imagine.

From Bradford, Edinburgh, Llandudno, and York in United Kingdom to adventures in India and a new start in Nepal, can Paul ever escape his life as a fraud and emerge from his tsunami of greed?

A voice told me that if you want peace and happiness in your life, then show love and kindness to all. Hatred will only bring misery to your life.

Praise for Tsunami of Greed
"A cultural and historical roller coaster ride." ~Amazon Review

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Indian Whispers

Genre: Literary Fiction, Travel Writing
Paperback: $11.99
E-book: $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Love always comes after marriage, like monsoon follows the hot summers.

When brothers Taj and Sandip leave London to travel together across India, they meet holy men, yogis, and the inventively scammed, as well as those who bear witness to the tragedy of Bhopal. Together, they experience a rollercoaster of emotions and learn the true meaning of sorrow and joy – gaining some truly unique medical expertise along the way.

Can love be salvaged from the marvels and mishaps of their Indian adventure?

Join Taj and Sandip on a journey that will change their lives forever as they discover another world.

Praise for Indian Whispers
"Educational, humorous and highly entertaining." ~Amazon UK Review

"A very pleasant and interesting read which seems to be a traveler's guide, a collection of very Indian jokes, and short stories that capture the themes that are a common in the lives of Indians in both UK and the Indian subcontinent." ~Amazon UK Review

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About the Author
Surinder Singh Jolly is a retired medical doctor. He was born and raised in Kenya, and later studied Medicine in India before moving to the United Kingdom. In 2009, he received the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire from the Queen for his services to medicine and healthcare. He retired from the British national health service in 2016, and began his journey as an author. "In Tsunami of Greed, I drew upon my medical experience to take readers on a journey of a life-changing medical crime. Along the way, readers will gain insight into Indian and Nepalese life, culture, and traditions. Meanwhile, Indian Dreams was inspired in part by my many trips to India, during which I was intrigued by what my daughters thought of life in India." Learn more by following Surinder on Amazon and on Goodreads. 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Rampart, a new political/legal thriller from author Truscott Jones. If you enjoy the political intrigue and high-stakes drama of Grisham and Turow, you’ll love Rampart.

★★★★★ "Politics, power, and suspense – Rampart has it all." ~Amazon Review

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Rampart

Genre: Political Fiction, Legal Thriller
New Release: December 31, 2024
4.9 stars, 10 ratings
Price: From $2.99

On a crisp morning at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, former Secret Service agent Sam Kilbrough stands only feet from the main stage as the president approaches. A 9mm Glock G43 is carefully tucked inside his Gore-Tex windbreaker. When he expertly draws the gun and shoots the man he was once sworn to protect, it sparks the trial of the century...against sitting Vice President Elijah Styles. Did the nation’s first gay VP conspire to murder his own boss, or was Styles the victim of a masterful set up? 

As the trial begins, the nation is divided: Was Styles a scheming climber fixated on taking the Oval Office by any means, or a hero devoted to derailing a mad ruler’s tyrannical plans? Lawyer Mandela Briggs and his tiny defense team are determined to save their client from the death penalty, while the ambitious U.S. attorney is hell-bent on securing a conviction that will launch his campaign for the Senate. Through it all, Chief District Court Judge Carolyn Bering must navigate the courtroom as tensions rise and the political stakes escalate. The decision ultimately lies in the hands of twelve jurors, each with their own biases and motivations.

This thriller exposes the cultural petri dish of an us-versus-them society, diving behind the scenes to lay bare the human impulses driving both our nation’s justice system and its politics. Was the assassin a Trojan Horse sent by Styles to kill President Magnus Thorne and propel the Veep into the White House, or a lone wolf with a warped sense of patriotism? Did Thorne stage the spectacle to evoke sympathy, justifying troops on American streets and his war on dissent? Were Styles and Kilbrough lovers?

Follow the trial’s twists and turns, from the West Wing to the courthouse to the court of public opinion, to see if anyone can bridge the gap between the search for truth and the quest for power. The fate of the nation rests on the jury’s decision.

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About the Author
Truscott Jones practiced trial law for 25 years, the last ten as founder and senior partner of his own firm. He sold his practice, leaving to teach government and world affairs to students at a public high school. Amidst both careers, always the political nerd, Jones worked at two national conventions, crunching delegate rules for presidential candidates on a pair of campaigns, and as surrogate speaker and debate-prep partner for a sitting U.S. senator. Learn more by visiting and following his Amazon Author Page. 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Karma Series from author Mark Nistor:

• Challenging Karma
• Surviving Karma

"A rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue." ~NetGalley Review

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Challenging Karma

The Karma Series Book 1
Genres: Psychological Literary Fiction; Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction; Psychological Thrillers
Paperback: $9.99
Ebook: $1.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

In a tale of unimaginable wealth and stereotypical boredom, four men embark on a quest for fulfillment that concludes with an enthralling murder mystery game. Unknowing foes come and go from their game. Some will not survive, but the ones who live start their own customized versions of the murderous game.

How many lives change in the name of boredom, revenge, and justice? Uncover the influence of Karma on a detective, vigilante, and homeless individual as they fight to prevail in a challenge started by four wealthy friends.

Praise for Challenging Karma

• "Gritty and riveting." ~Reedsy Review
• "A great read for anyone who loves a good mystery with a twist." ~NetGalley Review
• "A riveting mystery that kept me guessing until the very end." ~Goodreads Review

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Surviving Karma

The Karma Series Book 2
Genres: Psychological Fiction; Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction; Psychological Thrillers
Paperback: $11.49
Ebook: $3.49 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

A day after release from prison after a wrongful murder conviction, Pin joins forces with a criminal mastermind to execute his revenge. But as police officers disappear and police informants offer up a mixed bag of secrets, Pin ultimately deviates from the plan, and one deadly underestimation of a person’s character alters the universe forever.

If you like storytellers with streetwise voices, the unique style of this second book in The Karma Series is for you. Full of twists and turns, this is perfect for literary fiction enthusiasts.

Praise for Surviving Karma

• "An emotional and reflective journey into themes of accountability, resilience, and the human condition." ~Cameron, Books Shelf
• "Recommended for readers who enjoy thought-provoking thrillers with moral complexity and action-packed suspense." ~Sandra Cruz, Reader Views

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About the Author
Mark Nistor is a family man, entrepreneur, and author. Trained as a logistics professional, he later ventured into video and television production. Scriptwriting and editing videos to tell a story inspired him to turn one of his first scripts into the novel Challenging Karma. Learn more at MarkNistor.com, and be sure to follow Mark's Amazon Author Page.

 

The Spirit Song Saga from author Ross Hightower is an epic coming-of-age fantasy adventure series that is perfect for young adults and booklovers of all ages. LitNuts recently featured two novels that serve as prequels to the series: Argren Blue and Desulti. Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on three novels that form the core of the Spirit Song Saga Series:

 

• Spirit Sight: Volume One
• Spirit Sight: Volume Two
• Spirit Light: Volume One

"An exhilarating journey into a world of magic, danger, and sisterhood." ~Readers' Favorite

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Bonus: Visit the author's website to read four free short stories. You can also get a free download of the first chapter of Spirit Sight: Volume 1. 

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Spirit Sight: Volume One

Genre: Coming of Age Fantasy
Book 1 of the Spirit Song Saga
4.5 stars, 72 ratings
Paperback: $16.95
Ebook: On sale for $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Eric B Hoffer 2023 Book Awards Grand Prize Short List

In a remote village, on the edge of a corrupt empire, Minna Hunter wakes one day to find small orbs of light flitting through the trees. But Minna's delight at finding she has spirit sight soon turns to despair. In the Empire, communing with spirits is punishable by death. Branded a witch, she resigns herself to a lonely existence.

When her sister, Alyn, gains spirit sight, Minna promises her she will never leave her alone. But titanic forces are at play, forces with Minna and Alyn's fates in mind. When the Inquisition captures Alyn, Minna must leave her small life and step onto history's grand stage.

In the Inquisition prison, Alyn learns she must choose between serving her captors against her own people or die. Meanwhile, Minna evades agents of the Inquisition and discovers her world is not what she believes it to be. To save her sister, she must master her spirit song, grasp her destiny and become the heroine her people need.

Praise for Spirit Sight: Volume 1

• "High fantasy mixed with mythic tale-telling." ~Eric Hoffer Award
• "Packed with action, with plenty of twists and turns and lots of well-written dialogue." ~Readers' Favorite
• "Blends its classic fantasy premise...with themes of religious and political corruption, with an appealing focus on spirituality and the natural world." ~IndieReader

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Spirit Sight: Volume Two

Genres: New Adult and College Fantasy, Coming of Age Fantasy
Book 2 of the Spirit Song Saga
5.0 stars, 11 ratings
Paperback: $16.95
Ebook: $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Spirit Sight Vol 1 introduced readers to an epic fantasy adventure, full of magic, mystery, redemption, love and loss. In Spirit Sight Vol 2 the saga continues to its exciting conclusion.

It’s too late for the Empire to capture Minna Hunter before she finds her spirit guide, but she has much to learn, and now they know she’s coming. While Minna and Ulf feel love’s first tremulous breath, the Empire sets its trap.

Though Minna escapes, she’s alone and lost in the teeming Imperial capital. She must evade her pursuers and find a way to rescue her sister. Meanwhile, Alyn faces an impossible choice; become the Inquisition’s witch or die.

In an exciting climax, full of gaudy displays of spirit power, wrong turns, missed opportunities, and startling revelations, Minna shoulders the burdens of being her people’s savior.

Praise for Spirit Sight: Volume 2

• "A mystical journey, filled with discovery, forgiveness, tragedy, and triumph!" -JR Konkol, author of the Rebirth of the Fallen series
• "Blends all of the elements of fantasy with the soul-searching, coming of age of the main character. Every page is full to the brim with external crises and internal realizations and truths." ~Kathie Giorgio, author of Hope Also Rises

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Spirit Light: Volume One

Genres: Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fiction, Teen & Young Adult Epic Fantasy
Book 3 of the Spirit Song Saga
5.0 stars, 8 ratings
Paperback: $19.95
Ebook: $5.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

After their thrilling adventures in Spirit Sight, the Empire knows what Minna and Alyn Hunter are capable of and won't rest until they are dead.

Tales of the powerful saa'myns' exploits spread like wildfire throughout the Empire, igniting their people's hopes for freedom. As the daughters of the greatest seer who ever lived, they know their mother saw a path to defeating the Empire. But Ragan was struck down before telling anyone her plan, leaving them to find the way forward alone.

And they are in more danger than they know. Witches more powerful than the one who killed Ragan are tracking them. Can the Alle'oss withstand the might of the Empire while Minna and Alyn divine their mother's plan? Or is it already too late?

Praise for Spirit Light: Volume 1

• "An exhilarating journey into a world of magic, danger, and sisterhood." ~Readers' Favorite
• "Swashbuckling fantasy adventure of the highest order." ~David Buzan, author of In the Lair of Legends

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About the Author
Ross Hightower spent most of his life in the South, but somehow found himself living in Milwaukee and loving it. One cold, snowy morning, not too long ago, he woke with a story stuck in my head. That wasn’t unusual, but what happened next was unprecedented. He wrote it down. That small story grew into his first novel, Spirit Sight. Learn more at RossHightower.com, sign up for his free newsletter, and be sure to follow Ross online: 
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight the work of RT Dixon, author of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Mystery & Romance. In the spotlight are:

• Realities Edge
• Shadows of the Reaper
• The Cost of Silence

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Realties Edge

Genre: Science Fiction
From: $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

A mind-bending tale that follows the intertwined lives of Tony Danials and David Stevenson across multiple realities. The story kicks off with Tony, an elderly man contemplating suicide, who suddenly finds himself living a different life as a successful neurosurgeon married to his longtime love, Mark. As Tony navigates this new reality, he grapples with the joy of a life he always wanted and the confusion of memories from his original timeline.

The narrative then shifts to David Stevenson, who participates in a quantum consciousness experiment that sends him tumbling through various realities. He experiences life as a happily married man in the 1970s, encounters different versions of his friends and loved ones, and struggles to determine which reality is truly his "home."

Throughout their journeys, both Tony and David explore themes of love, identity, regret, the nature of consciousness, and the roads not taken. 

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Shadows of the Reaper

Genre: Fantasy
From: $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

When the line between life and death blurs, what price will you pay to protect the ones you love?

Joey McCreary’s life takes a chilling turn during a mundane night shift at Sunny’s Diner when Death himself offers a deal: an extension of life in exchange for becoming the Reaper’s apprentice. But as Joey collects souls, the weight of his choices grows unbearable, dragging him deeper into a world where morality and mortality clash.

Caught in a sinister web of cosmic balance, Joey must confront his darkest fears and the ultimate sacrifice to redeem himself. Guided by an ancient force of compassion, he discovers that Death is more than an end; it’s a transition...an eternal dance.

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The Cost of Silence

Genre: Romance
From: 4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

James has spent decades torn between desire and loss, haunted by the men who shaped his life. First, there was Ethan, the solder who ignited something fierce inside him during the chaos of War. Their love was wild, dangerous, forged in secrecy amidst gunfire and stolen moments. Then came Adam, the man who found James broken and gave him things he didn’t think he could feel again: comfort and stability.

Through it all, Sara has been by James' side, loyal and mischievous, always there to pick up the pieces. But now, Sara is done watching James wallow in the past. She wants him to see what she sees...that he’s still wanted, still needed. And she’s ready to play matchmaker.

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About the Author
RT Dixon, who also writes under the name Ron Trentham, is a Tennessee-based author who combines a passion for storytelling with a deep love for animals, capturing the joy, challenges, and heartwarming moments of the bond between humans and their furry companions. Learn more at rtdixon.com, and be sure to follow him online:
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Tixie Chronicles, a four-book Children/YA Fantasy series from author Jack Borden. This coming-of-age adventure features heart-stopping sword fighting action scenes, memorable characters with complex relationships, heroic bravery, and vivid world-building. 

"A powerful educational tool, this rich work is filled with stunning illustrations and fitting dialogue that enhance the reading experience. It will enthrall children and adults alike." ~Feathered Quill Review

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The Vultures of Doom

Book 1 of The Tixie Chronicles
Genre: Fantasy Action & Adventure, Children's Folk Tales & Myths
From: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

A great darkness is coming to the forest. Avelyn and Killian Lorcan are tixies, a race of tiny beings that live simply in a massive, beautiful forest. But unbeknownst to the tixies, an ancient evil has found them at last.

Separated from their parents, Avelyn and Killian travel across the forest alone, encountering friends and enemies along the way. But when Avelyn recovers an ancient sword of great power, their destinies are forever changed.

★★★★★ "A captivating adventure of courage and destiny." ~Amazon Review

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The Keeper of Knowledge

Book 2 of The Tixie Chronicles
Genre: Fantasy Action & Adventure, Children's Folk Tales & Myths
From: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Killian Lorcan doesn’t want to read old scrolls. As a tixie boy of eight summers, all he wants to do is explore the forest floor around his house, fight imaginary monsters, and scare off the occasional spider.

But when Mac, the local Keeper of Knowledge, invites Killian to see his house and read some old scrolls, Killian himself gets caught up in a story of betrayal, violence, and a civilization on the verge of collapse. More importantly, he finds out how his ancient ancestors came to live in the wilds of the forest he calls home.

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The Ants of Fire

Book 3 of The Tixie Chronicles
Genre: Fantasy Action & Adventure, Children's Folk Tales & Myths
From: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

A couple of days after the defeat of the Vultures of Doom, the peace of the forest is again shattered when an old enemy returns. This time, he attacks the forest with an army of fire-breathing ants that bring chaos and death. The ants scorch everything in their path, leading to a final brutal confrontation with the Woodland Tixies.

"A compelling tale that will shape the landscape of children's literature, thanks to its astute storytelling and graceful prose." ~Feathered Quill

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The Lost City

Book 4 of The Tixie Chronicles
Genre: Fantasy Action & Adventure, Children's Folk Tales & Myths
From: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Four summers have flown by since Avelyn and her family won the vicious battle against the Ants of Fire. Now, a mysterious aging sickness is shortening the lives of the tixies.

When shy but determined 16-year-old Avelyn's beloved mother suddenly ages 100 summers before her eyes, Avelyn is paralyzed with sadness. But Killian, her more outgoing little brother, discovers a way to save their mother and the other tixies, leading Avelyn and Killian to make an epic journey across dark and dangerous lands in search of a sacred Magic Dust that is rumored to give creatures long life.

★★★★★ "A well-written thrilling YA fantasy adventure filled with danger, magic, and mystery." ~Goodreads Review

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About the Author
Jack Borden lives and writes in the forests of Texas, where he lives with his wife, a few children, two somewhat useful dogs, and a garden that always needs tending. He enjoys long walks in the woods, hanging out with his family, and traveling with his family. He's particularly fond of far West Texas and the Pacific Northwest. Learn more at Jack-Borden.com, and be sure to follow him online:
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Christina Leonard, author of two fantasy and coming-of-age books for Teen/Young Adult readers and booklovers of all ages:

• Farewell: 4.5 stars on Goodreads
• Tragon Moon: 4.33 stars on Goodreads

"Leonard’s storytelling is both compelling and evocative." ~Goodreads Review

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Farewell

Genre: Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy
Available in hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook starting at $3.20
 

Wendy Mitchell is not having the college experience she always thought she would. When she first arrived at Gladstown College, she thought she would make friends and go to parties. But here she is, three and a half years later, with no friends on campus and failing grades.

While cleaning lab supplies for extra credit one afternoon, Wendy noticed the closet door swing open all on its own. She investigates the odd happening, only to find herself locked in the closet as the ground rumbles. 

When she steps out of the closet, she finds herself somewhere in the middle of a forest with a bow being pointed directly at her by a strange man dressed like he’s ready for combat. According to him, she has been dropped somewhere on the outskirts of the Farewell Kingdom.

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Tragon Moon

Genres: Coming of Age Fantasy, Magical Realism
Available in hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook starting at $3.20
 

Raena and Abby have relied on one another for as long as they can remember. Never knowing their parents and being shuffled through the foster care system, they quickly came to realize they are the only people they can count on. But when Abby doesn’t come home from work one night, Raena is left to take care of her nephew, Jaxon. She believes she has everything under control until her landlord tells her she must pay three months' worth of back rent before the end of the month, or she and Jax will be out on the street.

Then Raena meets King Wade of Maranetta, who invites Raena to work for him and promises to take care of her and Jax in return. Raena accepts, but what she doesn’t know is the world of powers and long-kept secrets that await her around every corner of King Wade’s palace and the deeply rooted connection she has to the family who lives there.

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About the Author
Christina Leonard was born and raised in Southern New Jersey, where she lives with her family and four cats. After graduating in 2022 with her masters degree in Publishing from Pace University in New York City, her masters thesis was published in Publishing Research Quarterly. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, including her five nieces and nephews. Learn more at AuthorChristinaLeonard.com and be sure to follow her online:
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the writing of Randall Silvis, internationally acclaimed author of two dozen books. He is also a prize-winning playwright, a produced screenwriter, and a prolific essayist. His work is available in twenty countries in more than two hundred editions in several languages.

"Randall Silvis is a masterful storyteller." ~The New York Times Book Review

Bonus: Aspiring writers and experienced authors alike will appreciate Ten Easy Steps to Becoming a Writer, a no-nonsense book on the art, craft, business, and teaching of creative writing.

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The Ryan DeMarco Mystery Series

Five-book series
From $7.17 (Book 1 is free via Kindle Unlimited)
 

The Ryan DeMarco Mystery Series is a collection of literary and emotionally propulsive thrillers:

Two Days Gone (4.2 stars, 2000+ ratings), Book 1 in the series, is a Hammett Prize Finalist and Amazon #1 Bestseller. What could cause a man to suddenly snap and destroy everything he has built? "A suspenseful, literary thriller that will resonate with readers long after the book is finished." ~Library Journal, Starred Review

Walking the Bones (4.3 stars, 457 ratings): When long-buried secrets come back to the surface, DeMarco is drawn into a case that will demand more of himself than he may want to give. "Silvis smoothly blends moments of exquisite beauty into a sea of darker emotion to create a moving story heavy with the theme of the ‘past is never past.'" ~Publisher’s Weekly

A Long Way Down (4.4 stars,156 ratings): DeMarco and his new love, Jayme, agree to investigate murders that might tie into a cold case from his school days. "Silvis is at it again, striving for a blend of crime story and literature, mutilated bodies and lapidary prose." ~Booklist

No Woods So Dark as These (4.3 stars, 129 ratings): DeMarco and Jayme want nothing more than to live quietly in each other's company. But dreams of a peaceful life are shattered when two bodies are discovered in a smoldering car in the woods. "Poignant and gritty." ~Kate Kessler, bestselling author

When All Light Fails (4.5 stars, 105 ratings): In the final book of the series, DeMarco comes out of retirement to help a nine-year-old girl find her biological father in what might be the most emotionally troubling case DeMarco and Jayme have yet encountered. "A soulful, deeply felt story." ~Kirkus Reviews

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The Deepest Black

Genres: Crime Thriller, Mystery, Murder Thriller
From $9.99
 

A crime novel unlike any you've ever read―based on true events. Where does the line blur between fact and fiction? Acclaimed author Randall Silvis is looking for a story―any story to follow up the books of The Ryan DeMarco Mystery Series that catapulted him to success. But when a stranger tips him off about a series of murders in a small Pennsylvania town, Silvis finds himself embroiled in a world of corruption that shatters his sense of reality.

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Small Town Crime Series

Genres: Heist Thrillers, Psychological Fiction
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Only the Rain: Facing bills, a new baby, and a bone-dry bank account, Russell has nothing left to lose. When a good deed leads him to a stash of money, he takes a handful to help his family. But when the criminals he robbed come looking for their dirty money, Russell must choose between saving his daughter or giving the devils their due.

First the Thunder: Three brothers grapple with their lives in decline and stumble upon a shocking secret that, if revealed, would upend their lives. A riveting exploration of the unforgivable secrets that families keep—and the consequences that come from exposing them.

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Ten Easy Steps to Becoming a Writer

From $6.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
 

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About the Author
Randall Silvis’s many literary awards include two writing fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, a Fulbright Senior Scholar Research Award, six fellowships for his fiction, drama, and screenwriting from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree awarded for “a sustained career of distinguished literary achievement.” Learn more at RandallSilvis.com, and be sure to follow Randall online:
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on books from Red Lines Press, a small press that is focused on publishing hard-to-find proletarian literature, defined as "work [that] advances class consciousness" while also being "a bloody good read." The two books featured in today's special edition newsletter—both translations of works by German writer Oskar Maria Graf—certainly fit the bill:

• We Are Prisoners, the autobiography of Oskar Maria Graf
• Anton Sittinger, a "must read" novel for anyone who seeks to understand how and why Adolf Hitler came to power

“He behaves disgracefully and provokes laughter and disbelief, but in so doing, he wins our hearts.” ~Thomas Mann on Oskar Maria Graf

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We Are Prisoners

Genres: Autobiography, Memoir
Paperback: $15.95

This autobiography of Oskar Maria Graf was first published in 1927. It was his first major work.

Graf's autobiography covers his early youth growing up in the village of Berg by Lake Starnberg, his cruel abuse by his older brother, his escape to Munich, where he worked as a baker, and then to anarchist communes in Switzerland. Graf is drafted into the army, where he reluctantly serves as a horse-groom on the supply trains. He is discharged as mentally unfit, spends a year in an asylum, then returns to Munich, working in a biscuit factory, starting his literary career, and making money on the black market.

We Are Prisoners paints a fascinating picture of bohemian life in Schwabing, the radical politics of the time, and climaxes with the short-lived Bavarian Soviet Republic of 1919. Many of the characters in the novel became well-known artists and writers in Weimar Germany. We Are Prisoners (A Confession) is an honest and blithe personal account of momentous events.

Graf's quirky literary style combines a self-deprecating and anarchic sense of humor, sympathy for the downtrodden, and the Heimat genre of German culture. 

★★★★★ "A fascinating insight into Germany from 1900 to 1919." ~Amazon Review

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Anton Sittinger

Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Hardcover: $25.00

A "must read" for anyone who seeks to understand how and why Adolf Hitler came to power.

This is the first English translation of the novel written in 1934-5 and first published in German in 1937. It covers the events of the Weimar Republic from the end of the First World War to Hitler’s appointment as Reichskanzler in 1933—all viewed from the point-of-view of a Munich civil servant who retires to the countryside and "does not concern himself with politics."

Oskar Maria Graf provides a uniquely satirical insight into the mindset of the German middle classes. The eponymous antihero does not welcome Hitler, but does nothing to oppose the Nazis either, while his wife, Malwine, actively welcomes and propagandises for the "national" movement.

Anton Sittinger’s drinking pals likewise cover the broad spectrum of attitudes from the local busybody, a Catholic businessman who supports the mainstream bourgeois parties but eventually capitulates, to the enthusiastic and active support of Captain Schlicht, leader of the district SA. Only the Marxist painter Koestler offers resistance, attempting to rally villagers against Nazi terror, ultimately without success.

The Nazi takeover is seen not so much as a coup or "seizure of power," as had been attempted in 1923, but rather a "creeping to power" made possible, and even welcomed, by the ruling class, which had grown impatient with "democratic" politicians failure to quash unrest.

There are thousands upon thousands of Anton Sittingers in every country, even today. Despite its historical setting, the atmosphere may seem all too familiar to the contemporary reader.

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About the Publisher
Red Lines Press is dedicated to publishing hard-to-find proletarian literature in English, including translations of previously untranslated and/or out-of-print work, first in German and subsequently other languages. Shorter texts and extracts are published on the Red Lines Press website. Longer works are available via Amazon.com. Learn more about Red Lines Press at redlines.home.blog. 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Terri Greening, author of thrillers, mysteries, romantic suspense, and historical fiction:

• We Meet Again in Summer - new release!
• The Lady of the Lighthouse
• The Copper Isle Ghostslayer
• Danger Inside the Beltway

★★★★★ "Greening’s skillful writing weaves emotional depth, eerie tension, and unexpected twists." ~Goodreads Review

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We Meet Again in Summer

New release! Coming January 20, 2024
Genres: Medical Thriller, Medical Romance
E-book: $3.99

Lily Prescott is a romance novelist. She is stunningly lovely, single, and lonely--especially after her breakup with Mitch Jaymison, a handsome, divorced doctor.

When a chance meeting Lily and Mitch together again, they decide to try to overcome their previous problems, even as Lily struggles to put the emotional hurts of the past behind her. Interference from Lily’s billionaire ex-fiancé and nefarious happenings at the hospital near Mitch's home only make matters worse.

Through elegant social occasions in town, sailing dates, and romantic beach walks at the lake, Lily and Mitch pursue their love amidst an overshadowing uncertainty and increasing physical peril as they progress toward a final, challenging reckoning.

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The Lady of the Lighthouse

Genres: Historical Thriller, Espionage Thriller
From $3.99

"A deftly crafted and fully entertaining World War II thriller." ~Midwest Book Review

This World War II, Great Lakes thriller brings together a Great Lakes shipping captain, a dashing Italian spy, a pirate, and the young woman who loved them all.

Loralei Lancaster, a lonely, pregnant young mother and lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes, is caught up in a WWII espionage plot while waiting for her shipping-captain husband, Devon, to return from a Great Lakes voyage. When a dashing, Italian spy posing as a down-and-out art dealer and handyman enters her life and seduces her, she must ultimately choose between her passionate love for him and her love for Devon, her family, and her country.

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The Copper Isle Ghostslayer

Genres: Suspense, Action, Mystery, Thriller
From $3.99

Literary Titan Book Award Winner

When nature photographer and former journalist Layla Devereaux travels to a remote island, she finds it haunted by ghosts. Originally there to solve a murder mystery and free her wrongly accused brother, Layla soon realizes she faces greater dangers than imagined. She turns to local businessman Colton Harding for help, and together, they try to unravel the mystery, even as vengeful spirits aim to thwart their efforts.

As Layla searches for answers, she also grapples with ghosts from her own past failed relationships. But dealing with both the living and dead becomes easier with Colton by her side. To solve the lighthouse murder and secure her brother’s release, Layla must learn who she can trust among the living as well as the dead before the island’s dark secrets claim yet another victim.

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Danger Inside the Beltway

Genres: Suspense Action Fiction, Wo
From $3.99

A Washington, DC Thriller.

Tarryn Blue, a young investigative reporter in Washington, DC, becomes the target of a killer when she unknowingly uncovers and writes a controversial article about a major financial fraud. She turns for help to Brock Spencer, an FBI agent looking into the story, and together they work to unravel and solve a crime in a high stakes political world of escalating danger, intrigue, and physical peril.

★★★★★ "A fun, romantic romp with lots of action!" ~Goodreads Review

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About the Author
Terri Greening is the award-winning author of four novels.She enjoys yoga, gardening, nature parks, walking, and biking. Learn more at TerriGreening.allauthor.com, and be sure to follow her online:
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Dead Chip Syndicate, a crime thriller set in Macau by award-winning screenwriter and author Andrew W. Pearson. 

When an ex-pat moves to Macao to run his twin brother's Artificial Intelligence company, he falls under the influence of a charismatic casino owner who recruits him to sell a crypto coin to the Chinese elite. But he soon discovers he's the dupe in a huge money-laundering scheme that might be orchestrated by his treacherous twin.

★★★★★ "A captivating blend of crypto, casinos, and culture." ~Amazon Review

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The Dead Chip Syndicate

Genres: Crime Thrillers, Cultural Heritage Fiction
4.7 stars, 12 ratings
Paperback: $14.66
E-book: $6.99

Offered the chance to run his twin brother's A.I. company, Anthony Wilson ditches his failing screenwriting career to start anew in Macau. The job turns highly lucrative when Anthony's new client, Cash Cheang, a pompadour-topped and Johnny Cash-loving casino operator, hands him a bag full of cold hard Yuan to implement a facial recognition system in his casino.

Hearing about Anthony's past life as a screenwriter, Cash offers him another job—ghostwriting a biography about the casino mogul's life, rising from the mean streets of Macau to become one of the city's most notorious and successful businessmen. Anthony accepts the job while also agreeing to help Cash sell his latest scheme, a cryptocoin aimed at raising funds for a floating casino in Macau.

As Anthony learns more about Cash's life, he realizes the biography is filled with dangerous secrets about the Chinese elite, secrets these powerful people would rather see buried for good. "You always cheat the ones closest to you," warns an old Chinese proverb...words that ring true as Anthony enters a playground more surreal and depraved than decadent Hollywood. More deadly, too, as Anthony soon discovers he's the dupe in a huge Chinese money-laundering scheme that might be orchestrated by his treacherous twin.

Praise for The Dead Chip Syndicate
"Pearson’s prose is savvy and brisk but with sharp edges, and the novel will both delight and disgust readers fascinated with wealth and power run amok." ~BookLife

"Not just an eye-opening book and an utterly absorbing insight into Chinese culture, but a commanding thriller and one that does not put a foot wrong." ~NetGalley Review

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About the Author
Andrew Pearson was born in Pakistan, grew up in Singapore, and was educated at boarding schools in both England and America. With a degree in psychology from UCLA, Pearson has had a varied career in IT, marketing, mobile technology, social media, esports, and entertainment. Along the way, Pearson has authored 17 books and optioned and adapted multiple novels into screenplays, including an award-winning adaptation of The Dead Chip Syndicate. Learn more at andrewwpearson.com, and be sure to follow Andrew Pearson online: 
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Year of Rejection, an unflinchingly honest memoir from Lithuanian-Irish writer Hope Mills.

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The Year of Rejection

Genre: Memoir
Paperback: $12.56
E-book: From $4.99

A new voice debuts with an unflinchingly honest memoir: the story of a desperate return to the self after decades of depression.

Hope Mills is an immigrant overachiever until an unexpected eviction leaves her homeless. She descends into psychosis for the next year, bleeding depression onto the corners of her sociology textbooks. Hope digs into atypical anorexia and avoidant attachment, deflating her passions into passive suicide. But it didn't start with the eviction.

Hope Mills is twelve years old when she moves from Ireland to Lithuania. In one swoop, she loses her father, brother, and Catholic schoolgirl identity, landing in a town of 900 people where everyone knows her name. She battles a generational, cultural, and language barrier at home and at school, quickly collapsing into a hostile teenager. On this shaky foundation, Hope attempts suicide twice in six years. But when she graduates, she returns to Ireland to begin her life. By her third year of college, Hope seems to have everything figured out—until her new world crumbles beneath her feet.

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About the Author
Dovilė Milišauskaitė, better known by her pen name, Hope Mills, is a Lithuanian-Irish writer. Her work explores mental health, grief, and coming-of-age. Sometimes it's fictional, sometimes it's not. Hope graduated from University College Dublin, Ireland's largest university, with a BSc in Sociology, Politics & International Relations in 2023. She splits her time between Dublin and Ignalina. Learn more by following her online:
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Kapardi from author Kolhapur Ramamurthy. Read on to learn more about this environmental thriller set in the Himalayan Mountains. 

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Kapardi

New release: December 2024
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
4.5 stars on Goodreads
Paperback: $16.00
E-book: From $3.00 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

A spine-chilling tale set in a realm where ancient Indian philosophy intersects with modern science.

Kapardi is a thrilling narrative centered around environmental themes. Pakistan's premier intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is secretly searching the Himalayan Mountains for an antediluvian temple that is believed to hold the key to environmental preservation. A group known as The Sarvagni Crusade reawakens to oppose the ISI in the search for the temple, and a game of death ensues.

A young officer of India's top investigative agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), gets caught up in the game, and struggles to reconcile the events unfolding around her in a story that delves into ancient Indian worships and Hymns envisioned by the great sages of the land for the purpose of safeguarding the environment.

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About the Author
Kolhapur Ramamurthy was born in 1968 in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India. He has authored two books, Divya Dhatri and Kapardi in Telugu language. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, and is currently working in Vijay Tanks & Vessels (P) Ltd. as Vice President (Engg. Services). Learn more at RamaCliffhangers.com, and follow Kolhapur on Facebook.

 

Get a FREE copy of Cursed by Fate, Book 1 of the Between Ruin and Salvation Paranormal Romance Series!

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of VJ Silvey, author of fantasy and paranormal romance. 

VJ's characters include wolf shifters, witches, vampires, fae, kickass heroines, and "a few alphaholes." You'll also find plenty of heat in the romance storylines, realistic adult themes, violence, betrayal, and humor.

Read on for an introduction to VJ's work via three of her novels:

• Cursed by Fate: Between Ruin and Salvation Series Book 1
• Wild in Spirit: Between Fear and Obsession Book 1
• Wrecked by Chance: A Second Chance Shifter Romance

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Cursed by Fate

Book 1 of the Between Ruin and Salvation Series
Genre: Paranormal Romance
4.4 stars, 65 ratings
Paperback: $9.99
E-book: FREE

Abandoned by her parents. Forced to betray her mate. Pushed to battle her vicious Alpha.

Stranded at ten years old with no memory of her childhood, Ava spent the past ten years training to be a fierce fighter whose skills rival any wolf shifter in the pack.

Her idyllic life is thrown into chaos when she realizes her power-hungry Alpha intends to overthrow the Supernatural Council, making himself the Wolf King. But her uncle’s secrets stand in the way, and they are in danger of discovery.

When the Alpha’s son, Derek, shows up for private lessons, her world is shaken by the threat his presence poses and his obsessive pursuit of her. Struggling between her inexplicable attraction to him and her fear of losing everything, she feels cursed to lose her heart, as well as her life.

Can she resist Derek’s charms and keep their secrets safe, or will she be able to turn him against his own father?

★★★★★ "Fantasy with a dash of romance and a hefty dose of intrigue." ~Goodreads Review

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Wild in Spirit

Book 1 of the Between Fear and Obsession Series
Genre: Paranormal Romance
4.3 stars, 25 ratings
Paperback: $12.99
E-book: $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Darling party girl of the wolf shifter world, Bailey Easton's fun-loving ways disguise a handful of secrets that no one would suspect.

While most wolf shifters go out on the mating tour excited to find their fated mates, Bailey wears a scent-disguising necklace designed to keep her hidden. She has no desire for a mate or even to live the pack life. Not only does she secretly run the supernatural world's news channel, but she has bigger and better plans beyond what the wolf and witch community can offer. 

Between fear of being trapped in a life she would hate and an obsessive stalker, Bailey finds that she doesn’t even understand what she truly wants, especially when she's forced to meet her mate and break his heart. Will she cave to her own instincts or resist beyond the expectations for every shifter female?

★★★★★ "Great shifter romance." ~Amazon Review

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Wrecked by Chance

New release: December 31, 2024
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Paperback: $12.99
E-book: $0.99


 

What happens when your second chance turns into your greatest fear?

Bold, confident, and beautiful, Dina Ryder looks like she has her whole life together. Daughter of a prominent Minnesota Alpha, a well-trained fighter, and an intuitive and aggressive businesswoman, she’s spent years making a name for herself in the supernatural world.

But she’s also 28 years old, unmated, and considered a pack burden by wolf shifter standards—the firstborn passed over for the son. Despite everything, she’s just a female novelty, a prize to be won, and nothing more. After ten unsuccessful years looking for her fated mate and for her place in life, the dormant fears of inadequacy begin to overwhelm her, convincing her she’ll never find happiness or the life she’s dreamed of...until she meets him.

But Alpha Morris shoulders his own burden, a secret passed from generation to generation in his pack. One that will strip Dina of every freedom, of everything she’s ever worked for…and one that will endanger her very life.

★★★★★ "Vampire attacks, two kidnappings, an unexpected fated mate twist, and more than enough spice to fuel the suspense and anticipation." ~Goodreads Review

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About the Author
VJ Silvey writes about wolf shifters, witches, vampires and fae. With kickass heroines, a few alphaholes to get in line, and plenty of shenanigans, you’ll never predict what’s coming next in her stories. Between the humor, the drama, and the romance, her books will leave you wanting more. A Texas native, who loves to travel, she sees invisible worlds in every destination. English teacher by day, author by night, VJ sneaks in as much reading and writing as possible after her two toddlers go to bed. Learn more at VioletJeanWrites.com; sign up for her newsletter for freebies, updates, and upcoming releases; and be sure to follow her online:
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Shock Pepper: Part 1 by Blox Widdle Manor, the first book of the new Shock Pepper epic sci-fi/fantasy series.

"I've always been a big fan of stories that intertwine and characters that cross paths throughout the story, and this book is going to give you just that." ~Annalisereads, TikTok Reviewer

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Shock Pepper: Part 1

New release: December 2024
Book 1 in the Shock Pepper Series
Genre: Epic Sci-Fi/Fantasy
E-book price: $0.99

The Shock Pepper realm is a multiverse where there exists a planet very much like our own earth, full of corruption, deceit, and greed, and where storylines intertwine across space and time and across different universes.

Part 1 is set in the Shock Pepper realm and includes 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.

The multiple storylines of Shock Pepper

• Storyline1: Sam is jobless and leads a sad life. His friend Adrian introduces him to a witch, who provides a magic potion that can put Sam to sleep for ten years. Sam drinks it to escape the tough times. He wakes up in a hospital three months later with a pregnant woman by his side who claims to be his wife and tells Sam that he had a head injury that makes him hallucinate about the witch.
• Storyline 2: Just when Priya is content with life, her loving husband, and a darling child, tragedy strikes. Between her encounter with the witch and an investigation leading into murky part of the world, things become darker every day.
• Storyline 3: Brianna loves Sam but her life goes in a turmoil when something horrible happens. And a baby enters her life. She tries to find what the mysterious yet powerful Miss Revorg and Adrian are up to. She overhears a conversation that she shouldn't have.
• Storyline 4: Laborers and dumpster workers go into a minimum wage protest, demanding a rise in pay. The one-dollar protests kickstart a revolution, something that breaks into a countrywide moment. But things are not what they seem.
• Storyline 5: Jordan Ganathy takes a Witch's help to get back his lost leg. The Witch gives him a deal that he cannot resist. But the deal has catches.
• Storyline 6: Jeff, a bumbling but lovable policeman, has a schizophrenic wife and nasty colleagues. Dead bodies show up randomly in the village. And then comes the monster behind the marsh.

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About the Author

Get all 12 books of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series FREE now through December 30! 


 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series and a very special deal:

ALL 12 STANDALONE BOOKS OF THE SERIES ARE AVAILABLE AS FREE DOWNLOADS NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 30! 

Maybe you got a new e-reader, tablet, or smart phone for Christmas and are looking for something new to read. Maybe you love romance novels. Maybe you have a soft spot for holiday stories. Or maybe you just like FREE stuff! Whatever the case may be, don't pass up this great opportunity. Click below so you can download all 12 books for yourself—and be sure to tell your friends about this great deal, too!

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Jingle Bells Rock & Roll by Evie Sterling

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Christmas, Military Romance, Holiday Romance
4.5 stars, 267 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

In Blue Flag, New York, the jingle bells aren't the only things rocking and rolling.

As a rock star topping the charts, I'm used to my life being a non-stop show. But this Christmas, I'm trading stadium lights for twinkling stars in my hometown of Blue Flag, New York. My parents' quaint mountain bed and breakfast is a far cry from the Hollywood hills, but it's exactly the escape I need. Accompanying me are two people who keep my world spinning: Bryn, my best friend and personal assistant, and her twin brother, Kade—a former Navy SEAL who now serves as my bodyguard and who has had my heart racing since our teen years. With a winter storm outside and emotions swirling inside, this Christmas is shaping up to be anything but silent.

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A Doctor's Snowed in Christmas Wish by Daisy Flynn

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Medical Romance, Clean & Wholesome Romance, Christmas Holiday Romance
4.3 stars, 197 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

A Clean, Age-Gap Holiday Romance

I had a a reputation as one of NYC’s top surgeons. Then a patient died. I was exonerated of any wrong-doing, but depressed and disillusioned afterwards. A tranquil island off the coast beckons, and I fall for a beautiful, compassionate woman during a snowstorm. She’s built a simple life in a community she loves and can’t leave. Now I have a life-changing decision to make: Go back to my million-dollar practice in NYC, or follow my heart?

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Love Rekindled at Evergreen Inn by Willa Lyons

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Clean & Wholesome Romance, Christmas Romance
4.3 stars, 131 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

A Small Town Parent Trap Romance

Our daughter orchestrates a parent trap, hoping for a Christmas miracle. He’s my first love, my husband, my heartbreak. Jimmy's salt-and-pepper hair and rugged face still make my knees go weak. But memories of the fire that broke our marriage burn between us like dying embers. The imminent birth of our first grandchild and the resurrection of my parents' bakery brings us back together. Now, we're snowed in at Evergreen Inn, and forced to confront our past. As we frost cookies side-by-side, old flames threaten to reignite. This Christmas reunion could save our family's legacy or destroy it forever.

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Stuck With My Christmas Crush by Francesca Spencer

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Clean & Wholesome Romance, Christmas Romance
4.4 stars, 210 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

A Sweet, Opposites-Attract Romantic Comedy

I’m dressed as a Christmas fairy. My car is broken. My phone is dead. I get rescued by a bossy grump, and as a storm closes in, I hunker down with Jason, the handsome capable ex-military, and Rocko, his enormous dog. At first, Jason resents my presence. Then the power goes out, and we’re left with nothing but a wood-burner and candles. Jason’s frosty exterior melts away in the soft warm glow. He even forgets to be annoyed about the trail of pink glitter I’ve left in his room. Maybe I shouldn’t admit that I’m having the best time in this snowed-in disaster. I know what I want for Christmas. I wonder if Jason wants it, too.

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A Not So Merry Ex-Mas by Abby Greyson

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Christmas Romance
4.5 stars, 252 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

A Sweet, Second-Chance, Holiday Romantic Comedy

For years I've been dreaming of a real Christmas back home. Tree trimming, decorating, Christmas carols. What I wasn't expecting was Cole. Tall, broad shoulders, smile to die for, dreamy green eyes, and a heart of gold. We had planned out every detail of our lives together, including his dream of becoming a major league pitcher. When my gran got sick and I needed to take care of her, I gave him the push he needed, breaking my heart, and his, in the process. A decade and a divorce later, I'm starting over, beginning with Christmas at my best friend’s cabin…and the man I’ve done everything to leave behind. Is Christmas past here to haunt me, or to bring a future I stopped letting myself dream of?

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A Christmas Call of Duty by Ava Wakefield

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Christmas Holiday Romance, Military Romance, Small Town Romance
4.6 stars, 203 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

A Sweet, Small-Town Military Romance

When I asked Santa for a Christmas miracle, dropping my ex’s hunky brother on my doorstep wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. After my last breakup, I swore off dating military men once and for all. So when a dreamy K-9 handler for the U.S. Army came into my clinic with an injured dog and bedroom eyes, you better believe I was sending him packing as soon as my work was done. But now we're stuck together in a blizzard. Colt Ralston is the reason I missed spending Christmas Eve with my family, but now that our local animal shelter is in trouble, avoiding him is easier said than done. Colt’s mission is clear: Help save the shelter and infiltrate the fortress around my heart. 

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Finding Me in The Storm by Hazel Belle

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Christmas Holiday Romance, Clean and Wholesome Romance
4.6 stars, 189 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

A Small-Town Holiday Clean Romance

After finishing my residency, I needed a restful escape. But a snowstorm leaves me stranded at a ski lodge. Nate, the laid-back owner of the lodge and my best friend’s older brother, is nothing like I anticipated—he’s fun, adventurous, and charming in a way that contrasts my meticulous, all-business attitude. Snowed in together, Nate introduces me to the warmth of spontaneity, festive cheer, and maybe even a sprinkle of Christmas love. Our forced proximity kindles an unexpected spark, revealing that our different worlds might just be a perfect holiday match. Can I let Nate show me how to savor the simple joys of life. Or will my career ambitions keep us from celebrating a future together?

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Snowbound With My Grumpy Ex by Lily Waters

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Holiday Romance, Men, Women & Relationships Humor
4.6 stars, 124 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

One blizzard. One cozy guesthouse. One ridiculously oversized Santa sleigh.

When my car skids off the road in the middle of a snowstorm, I'm forced to seek shelter in Devon's family guesthouse. Now I'm decking the halls with the guy who broke my heart. My mission? Transform this dusty cabin into a winter wonderland before I lose the biggest break of my design career. And try not to strangle him with tinsel in the process. But with every ornament hung and every unexpected moment of kindness, something's melting, and it's not just the icicles. So, Santa, if you're listening, I don't need presents this year. Just get me out of here before I do something crazy...like fall for this snow-dusted heartbreaker all over again.

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Sleighed by the Farmer's Daughter by Deanna Lilly

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Holiday Fiction, Christmas Romance
4.7 stars, 165 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

He thought his holidays were ruined until he was rescued by an elf in Santa’s sleigh.

Seth hasn’t been home for Christmas in more than a decade, but now his niece and sister-in-law demand his presence. Last-minute complications at the factory mean driving hours through a snowstorm. One wrong turn, and he finds himself stranded on a farm in the middle of nowhere. Mackenzie is overwhelmed running Santa’s village, and this blizzard isn’t helping. The last thing she needs is an unexpected guest. With her family out of town, taking in a tall, handsome stranger may not be wise, but she can’t let him freeze to death. Can Seth help Mackenzie save Christmas for the small town of Cloverdale before he loses his heart and unwraps a love he never thought he wanted?

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Cabin Fever With My First Flame by Madison Love

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Women's Christian Fiction, Women's Romance Fiction, Christmas Romance
4.7 stars, 200 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

A Sweet, Second-Chance, Christian Holiday RomCom

After my divorce, I got the better end of the deal with three sassy daughters, my food truck, and what was left in the bank account—enough for a fresh start and three tanks of gas. The problem is, I needed four. Being stranded on the side of the road isn't the end of the world—unless it's during a blizzard and we're rescued by the one person I never wanted to see again: Finn Hollister, a.k.a. my first love. Stuck in a cabin with Finn and kids ready to play matchmaker was not how I planned to spend the holidays. When it comes time to make our Christmas wish lists, Finn asks for one thing. I just don't know if I can afford to give it to him.

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Faking It with My Bossy Ex by Leah Blair

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Clean and Wholesome Romance, Christmas Holiday Romance
4.7 stars, 143 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

My gorgeous ex is now my boss and he wants to date me again.

Working under my handsome ex is a holiday nightmare. One minute he's a bossy jerk, and the next his gaze lingers a little too long. When a snowstorm traps us in the town’s iconic romantic inn, he wants us to fake being a couple to snag the last room that’s reserved for lovebirds only. He even insists we enter the Christmas Couples Contest. I came for work, not to swoon over the fact he still carries a photo of us in his wallet. I should remember how he dumped me years ago. But when the kisses under the mistletoe feel too right to be wrong, I think he may be faking his way into a second chance…

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A Holly Jolly Mix Up by Bella Greene

Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series
Genres: Police Romance, Clean and Wholesome Romance, Holiday Romance
4.6 stars, 146 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
E-book: FREE

When life gives me a snowstorm and a double-booked rental, I find a Christmas miracle in the form of a sassy journalist.

Jane is as sharp as the snowflakes falling outside. She’s less-than-thrilled about being stuck with a detective. But with every day we’re snowed in, her playful banter warms the coldest nights. And I discover a side of her that’s as sweet as sugar cookies. Little does she know, unraveling the mystery of her heart might be the most intriguing case of all. Whether this is a holiday spark or the start of something lasting, my heart's ready for the greatest gift of all—love.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of author Mark Fuller Dillon, including four FREE works of horror, science fiction, and fantasy.

"Mark Fuller Dillon is an original talent, whose precise use of language, obliquely disturbing imagery and meticulous world building single him out." ~Peter Tennant, Black Static #35

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At First, You Hear the Silence

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Science Fiction
4.40 stars on Smashwords
E-book price: FREE

A dark modern fantasy, suitable for Young Adult to Adult readers.

At thirteen, Philippe can see his father trapped in a world of secrets and silence, a world with no place for honesty or courage. But when the walls of that world fall apart, and something from outside breaks in, the silence becomes a warning shout...and Philippe will be tested in ways his father could never imagine.

"An enthralling encounter with mysteries from beyond." ~Jeffrey Thomas, author of Punktown

"A new twist on what used to be called science fantasy, it strikes a great balance between horror, sf, and action writing." ~David Longhorn, editor of Supernatural Tales

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In a Season of Dead Weather

Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Short Stories
4.13 stars on Smashwords
E-book price: FREE

Short stories based on dreams and nightmares. (May be too intense for young readers.)

The weird, the uncanny, the strange: these are the local conditions of dead weather.

In a season of dead weather, the mind clutches at reality; but what does it find instead? Madness, or monsters? Ghosts, or things more terrible than ghosts? Illusions, or invasions? Dreams, or the darkness at the end of all nightmares? One thing is clear: these are tales that echoes tell in a season of dead weather...of things barely glimpsed in the moonrise...of places perfectly normal by day but haunted by the light of winter stars.

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Doorways Unforeseen

Genre: Literary Fiction, Horror, Fantasy
New release: October 2024
E-book price: FREE

Doorways to nightmares in prose and verse.

In Doorways Unforeseen, doorways lead to nightmares...from a bone-white church in a dead town of the captured and collected, to a barren farm where floating figures mob and kill, to a cedar forest where a creature from the sky reaches out to shatter souls. In prose and verse, these horror stories and nightmares wait beyond the mind's doorways unforeseen.

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All Roads Lead to Winter

Genre: Science Fiction, Erotica
4.11 stars on Smashwords
E-book price: FREE

An erotic science fiction novella.

The aliens are here, and now our lives are different: no wars, no hunger, no exploitation. For political prisoner Thomas Bridge, there can be a strange new love; for the alien delegate Avdryana, there can be companionship in a world that she finds crowded and foreign. But even with hope for the future, can there be an escape from the stifling ideas and expectations of the past?

At the heart of this story are parallel worlds, politics, the grip of memory, the strength and generosity of women, the pain of loss, the mystery of love...and all the roads that lead to winter.

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Ice & Autumn Glass

Genre: Poetry
Paperback: From $14.40

Poetry from Mark Fuller Dillon.

"Mark Dillon marries the Jacobean line and gothic imagery to a colloquial, thoroughly modern, goth-punk demotic, a frenzied coupling that yields up a species of frictive, delirious lyricism, a monstrous infant both old and new." ~Richard Calder, author of Dead Girls and Babylon

"These poems have strong bones, but they also have heart. They have a soul that reveals much about the poet and even more about ourselves." ~Jason E. Rolfe, author of Clocks

"Elegantly, meticulously constructed...accessible and acutely felt." ~Jeffrey Thomas, author of Haunted Worlds and Punktown

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About the Author