Today's Featured Books— Spotlight

You're invited...to a Reading Retreat!

Today we are writing to share news about a unique opportunity for booklovers: a Reading Retreat in Delhi, New York, being organized by LA Bourgeois, an avid reader who also happens to be an author and LitNuts subscriber. Read on to learn more!

A Reading Retreat for Everyone

We've all heard about writing retreats for authors. But LA's idea is for booklovers to come together to enjoy time reading and talking about books. She selected the small town of Delhi, New York, as the location for the Reading Retreat, a peaceful oasis a few hours drive from New York City, and also easily accessible from Ithaca, Albany, Binghamton, and other locations. (LA lives in Ithaca, and invites attendees from other locations to fly into Ithaca and travel to Delhi together.)

Here are some of the details:

• Event: Reading Retreat
• Location: Birdy's House, Delhi, NY
• When: September 27 - 30
• Cost: $100

To learn more, click here: Who Could Use a Reading Retreat?

Photos of Birdy's House and Delhi, New York

  

  

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Martha's Notebook by C. Fulster, the first book of a new zombie apocalypse trilogy. Pre-order your copy now to be among the first to receive this new book when it is released on October 1! 

Bonus: Get the e-book for a special price of $2.99 now through October 5. (After that, the e-book will be available at a regular price of $4.99.)

Martha's Notebook

Before the incident, Martha’s biggest worry was her parents’ divorce. Now she’s hiding from a zombie horde hell-bent on annihilating humankind nicknamed “Chippers.”

But this attack wasn’t spurred by a viral outbreak. Instead, these zombies seem to be puppets of an AI technology gone rogue, and with every day that passes, it’s learning more about how to accomplish its sinister goal.

But why is an AI creating, controlling, and upgrading zombies—and more importantly, how do you stop an ultra-intelligent, world-ending technology that can shift course at a moment’s notice?

Only one thing is clear: there’s no going back.

Martha’s Notebook is the electrifying first installment of a new sci-fi horror trilogy that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every twist. Jam-packed with survival, suspense, and existential dread, it’s sure to satisfy any post-apocalyptic fiction enthusiast.

About the Author

      

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on When Shepherds Kill by James Hammonds, a thriller set in Chicago that follows a city councilman as he helps investigate the death of his friend and fellow city councilman. 

When Shepherds Kill

“We are the only people in America who have to protect ourselves from our protectors.” ~Stokely Carmichael

Inspired by the 1963 unsolved murder of Chicago Alderman Benjamin Lewis, this novel follows Councilman David Strong as he gets involved in the murder investigation of his friend and colleague, Councilman Earl Williams.

When Williams is found slumped over his office desk, Detective Harry Johnson persuades Councilman Strong to assist in the murder investigation of their mutual friend.

The dead councilman's constituents are angry, so the mayor has the police make a quick arrest. This strategy to keep the city calm goes south fast as demonstrators demand the release of the incarcerated young man.

David Strong, a reluctant sleuth, investigates Williams’ death while supporting the protestors. His efforts put him in the crosshairs of the police, Russian mobsters, Mexican drug dealers, and local street gangs.

If Strong is going to unravel this murder mystery and come out alive, he must use all of his wits.

About the Author

      

Congratulations to Michelle Tobin and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Home for the Bewildered, the story of a psychologist who has no problem saving her patients...but can she save herself?

★★★★★ “A poignant, funny, inspiring exploration of the healing power of empathy and common humanity.” ~John Neafsey, psychologist, author of A Sacred Voice is Calling

Home for the Bewildered

It's 1974 and Dr. Dorothy Morrissey becomes the first female psychologist at St. Lawrence Asylum in Lansing, Michigan.

Dorothy’s patients mirror her emotional issues as they draw her into their often-chaotic lives:

• Thomas’s flair for drama as a cross-dressing homosexual with bi-polar makes Dorothy laugh as much as he makes her cry.
• George is at the asylum after pleading "not guilty by reason of insanity," causing Dorothy to wrestle with an inexplicable aversion to him.
• Ruth’s post-partum psychiatric break threatens to draw Dorothy in with her.
• Marcella, labeled as borderline, frustrates Dorothy's efforts to keep her from self-harm.

As good as Dorothy is at holding and interpreting her patients’ past traumas, she resists looking at her own, causing a strain on her relationship with Kenneth. It seems Dorothy has no problem saving her patients...but can she save herself?

Praise for Home for the Bewildered
★★★★★ “Tobin masterfully takes us deeper and deeper into the minds and hearts of her characters. You finish, wanting a sequel.” ~Dan Mulhern, J.D., Former First Gentleman of Michigan

★★★★★ “Tobin tackles HUGE subjects: grief, homosexuality, priest abuse, family denial, parental guilt, the AIDS crisis, hypermasculinity, and feminine stereotyping with a clear sense of unity and emotional richness.” ~Beth Gylys, Ph.D., author of Body Braille

★★★★★ “A compelling work of fiction that could also serve as an excellent resource for teaching the art of psychotherapy.” ~John Neafsey, author of A Sacred Voice is Calling

"Humorous and inspiring." ~Publishers Weekly

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Saskatchewan Romance Series, two books from author Jamie Anderson that follow Kate, Julie, and their close-knit circle of friends and family as they navigate the pitfalls of modern dating and self-discovery.

Bonus: Both books are currently available at big discounts via Kindle Countdown Deals! 

Someone to Kiss

A Hilarious and Heartening Romantic Comedy

As the clock strikes midnight over a disastrous New Year’s Eve and happy couples celebrate all around her, Kate makes a resolution, hastily scrawled on the back of a napkin, that by next New Year’s Eve she will have found someone of her own to kiss.

But when you’re a forty-something cat mom who’d rather binge Netflix than brave the singles scene, finding someone to kiss turns out to be harder than it sounds. Kate is totally unprepared for navigating hook-up apps, speed dating, and sliding into somebody’s DMs.

With the end of the year rapidly approaching, Kate seems further than ever from reaching her goal. As relationships crumble around her and dark long-kept secrets spill out, could Kate's fixation on her quest cause her to let true love slip through her fingers forever?

Someone to Kiss is a wry and witty romantic comedy, tackling serious issues with real heart.

Praise for Someone to Kiss
"A New Year's resolution kicks off a dating journey with unexpected and heartwarming results." ~Publishers Weekly

"This book is about so much more than dating in your 40s. It's about friendships, family, acceptance of who you are, knowing your worth, and never settling for less. A very funny, yet moving story." ~Kate's A Bookworm

"Filled with fun, wit, humour, laughter, friendship and plenty of dating do's, don'ts and disasters." ~She Loves to Read

"You will laugh but you will also gasp, tear up, get angry...feel your heart strings be pulled, and just about every feeling in between." ~The Romantic Comedy Book Club

Love, Julie

A  Richly Emotional Tale of Recovery, Forgiveness, and Romance

Once, Julie dreamed of a life filled with love and laughter. Now, in her mid-forties, she faces a starkly different reality. She's single, lonely, and reeling from breaking her hard-earned sobriety in front of her family and friends.

Opting for self-recovery over romance, Julie dives into planning her best friend Kate’s wedding. However, sharing this task with the irritatingly cheerful best man, single dad Luke, proves to be an unexpected challenge.

As Luke’s persistent kindness chips away at her icy exterior, a friendship forms, stirring a longing she’d sworn to suppress. But with self-forgiveness as her biggest hurdle, and her past ready to sabotage her future, can Julie confront the shame and trauma that have darkened so much of her life and find the courage to love again? Or will her demons shatter both her and Luke’s hearts in the process?

Praise for Love, Julie
"An utterly charming novel that puts romance and modern life hand in hand in an authentic and highly enjoyable plot." ~K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite

"Engaging and playful." ~Publishers Weekly

"A lovely, thought-provoking book." ~Emily Pankhurst, Good Housekeeping Book Room

An inspiring novel of self-healing and the power of friendship." ~Sue Slade, The Miramichi Reader

"Emotional and unique...perfect for those looking for a romantic comedy with a more mature aspect." ~Bookish Dreams

About the Author

      

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Moonlight in Glenwood from Lita Hunt and Aynsley J. Fraser, an urban fantasy series that follows the adventures of Evie and Laika, two strong heroines (who also happen to be werewolves) with a diverse supporting cast in the supernatural world of Glenwood.

★★★★★ "A hidden gem in the urban fantasy genre." ~Amazon Review

Bonus: Run with the pack! Sign up for Lita & Aynsley's newsletter and get a free download of Rising Moons, the novella prequel to the Moonlight in Glenwood series!

Moonburn

Evie and Laika are werewolves working part-time as Moonlighters for the supernatural task force, MOONS. Neither is ready to give up her day job yet because when trouble is afoot, their pack, Night Claw, isn’t getting the call. No one believes a pair of barely-trained, late twenties werewolves are ready for more than domestic disturbances.

However, when a magical murder mystery shatters the peace of their Californian suburb, it’s all Moonlighters on deck. With suspects ranging from vampires to witches, no clues to go on, and murders starting to pile up, Night Claw finally has an opportunity to prove themselves.

Can Evie and Laika rise to the challenge before anarchy spreads through Glenwood?

★★★★★ "An awesome mix of paranormal/action." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A breath of fresh air." ~Amazon Review

Corrupted Moons

Evie and Laika have been chasing down leads to find the Glenwood Anarchist. But after nearly two months, the supernatural task force MOONS is no closer to stopping the magical attacks than before. Instead, the pool of suspects keeps growing...

The Night Claw pack may have found a connection between the previous attacks. However, information is hard to come by, and their sources aren’t exactly conventional. Tensions are starting to rise between Evie and Laika as they struggle to agree. Especially as signs start to point toward someone close to the pack.

Can Evie and Laika trust their fellow moonlighters, or will this become a witch hunt?

★★★★★ "An excellent sequel!" ~Amazon Review

Lunacy

After the upheaval of the last few months, Evie and Laika try to settle back into their regular lives. However, new jobs, new relationships, and a growing need for better gear make finding a comfortable pattern impossible. Toss in going back to school, and the Night Claw pack is at its breaking point.

When a spree of maulings rips a bloody path across Los Angeles and Glenwood, there are no suspects in sight and too many victims for just one werewolf. Poised for a chance to really break into the big leagues of moonlighting, Evie and Laika are on the case. However, as people around them start disappearing, this spree might get personal. Can Evie and Laika find the source of the maulings before they lose their minds?

★★★★★ "I loved where it picked up from the end of Corrupted Moons, still carrying some threads from the previous books while also moving on to some new events in the lives of Evie, Laika, and company." ~Amazon Review

About the Authors

    

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Murder Under Redwood Moon by Sherri L. Dodd, a #1 Best Seller in the Occult Supernatural and Supernaturalism categories. This cozy paranormal murder mystery is sure to be fun read for mystery junkies as well as for fans of modern fantasy fiction and witchcraft.

★★★★★ "A compelling blend of the mystical and the macabre." ~K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite

Murder Under Redwood Moon

At the age of eight, Arista Kelly was whisked off to an isolated town in the California Redwoods. Two days later, her parents were gone. Now at the age of twenty-three, Arista has settled into an eclectic lifestyle, much like her Great Aunt Bethie, who has been Arista's guardian since childhood.

But Arista's tranquil life in the Santa Cruz Mountains takes a dark turn when her recurring visions and a ghostly presence disrupt her peaceful existence. With a penchant for herbs and crystals and a connection to nature, Arista's unique lifestyle intertwines with the mysterious events unfolding around her. The discovery of a classmate's body and the looming threat of a serial killer force Arista to confront the encroaching darkness in her once-idyllic mountain sanctuary.

Praise for Murder Under Redwood Moon
★★★★★ "An energetic and suspenseful witchcraft-filled murder mystery." ~Chelsey Tucker, Independent Book Review

★★★★★ "An engaging and atmospheric novel that skillfully blends elements of realistic mystery with the supernatural." ~K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite

★★★★★ "A thrilling supernatural mystery." ~Amy's Bookshelf Reviews

Literary Titan Award Winner: "Dodd’s skillful fusion of nature reverence, supernatural themes, and suspenseful plot twists results in a narrative brimming with intrigue and a touch of witchy allure." ~Literary Titan

About the Author

  

• Playing Horseshoes With Aliens
• Buchanan's Express: Adventures in Intergalatic Trucking
• Crater Stumble

Playing Horseshoes With Aliens

Laugh at the cosmos when UFO chaser Dale, along with his two friends, get pulled into a strange horseshoe contest hosted by a gnome-shaped, banjo-playing alien! It gets crazy when they fight off thugs who want the same mysterious horseshoes. This could result in an invasion of alien laughter. This is not a government cover up.  

★★★★★ "An enjoyable and fun reading experience for all ages." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Good story about senior citizens saving the world. Loved it." ~Amazon Review

Buchanan's Express: Adventures in Intergalatic Trucking

Interstellar trucking would have been a dream job for Buchanan, also known as Buck, until her husband was murdered by hijackers. With her new partner, Slick, she must move cargo across the galaxy while avoiding pirates. When offered a large payday, Buck decides to transport a mystery box to a pirate-controlled planet. Will she and Slick succeed? 

★★★★★ "This book had me on the edge of my seat then in tears. Proof that the stars are not the limit." ~Amazon Review

Crater Stumble

Caley, a small-town sheriff, found the job much like any other small-town law enforcement officer. Crater Stumble is primarily a peaceful farming village. The town is unlike any other in one regard. It sits on an alien planet. When her hometown found itself in the middle of an alien war, she had to organize and arm a community of farmers with alien weapons. What was once a serene community will become a battlefield for the residents of Crater Stumble.

★★★★★ "What an adventure! Loved it." ~Amazon Review

One in a Million

This book is a heartfelt journey into motherhood, filled with personal experiences and valuable advice. It covers all stages of pregnancy, from planning and medical preparation to childbirth and the first months of motherhood. The book provides recommendations on nutrition, physical activity, medical examinations, and psychological support. It will be a reliable companion for expectant mothers, helping them navigate this important and wonderful period of life.

Praise for One in a Million
★★★★★ "A must-read for anyone planning for or already embarking on parenthood." ~Nataliia S, Kobo Review

★★★★★ "A reliable companion for expectant mothers, helping them navigate this important and wonderful period of life." ~Denis M., Amazon Review

★★★★★ "An incredible personal story that deserves the attention of those who plan to have children. Great and practical tips that will be valuable both during the second half of pregnancy and after birth." ~Roman B., Kobo Review

 

Soft Case

When the most famous man in New York City dies suspiciously, homicide detective John Keegan must follow a trail of corruption that may just lead to the top of city government...and the end of his career.

Ronald Mullins had it all...money, power, and a happy family. Suicide seemed an unlikely end for him. Partnered with Rick Calhill, a rising star in the NYPD, Keegan hesitates to investigate, knowing the case would attract more attention than he needed. Calhill would bask in the spotlight.

Then they discover Mullins prepared a Senate run. The happy family myth later crumbles. Relations between Mullins and his business partner appear frayed. Calhill dives in while Keegan stays on the sidelines, wary of the political implications of the case. His instincts prove correct as he ends up in handcuffs, accused of taking a bribe he never received. The whole department turns on him. Calhill conveniently distances himself from the case.

Suspended, threatened, and betrayed, Keegan must solve the case to save his career, with only a handful of people he has no choice but to trust. He learns hard truths about the people he respected most. In the end, he risks his job and his life to solve the biggest case the city has seen in decades.

The First Cut

It's 1999 and NYPD homicide detective John Keegan gets his first solo case when Cassandra Lavelle, an aspiring artist, is found brutally murdered in her apartment. Keegan investigates, seeing early indications that point to her boyfriend.

Just as the case appears cookie-cutter, details of a secret relationship with another man emerge. The lure of the mystery man draws Keegan in, and he attempts an investigation with two suspects. He must choose the right one in order to fulfill the promise of justice he whispered to Cassandra as he encountered her body. How can a detective choose between two equally likely suspects? Keegan will find out, perhaps the hard way. At the same time, Keegan must manage his developing relationship with investigative reporter Elena Moreno.

In the end, Keegan will realize his life and career depend on how he manages his mistakes more than his successes. The partial justice he delivers to Cassandra and her family and the remnants of his relationship will forever guide his life and help shape him into the man he becomes.

The First Cut is an exciting trip back to the 20th Century and perfect for fans of procedural mysteries. The twists and turns will keep readers constantly guessing, and the novel's ending will provide insight into the imperfections within the justice system that all detectives must navigate.

Second Time Around

Still reeling from his partial failure in his first case, Keegan is partnered with department snob Rick Calhill, an upwardly mobile detective who looks down on Keegan. It's an unlikely partnership, but their boss believes they complement each other. Keegan could not disagree more. When Keegan's boss asks him to "watch" Calhill for him, the partnership becomes more antagonistic.

Seeing the partnership as punishment for his failure, Keegan attempts to work the case, a seemingly simple murder of a convenience store clerk, by himself. When curious clues surface, Keegan dives deep into the case as Calhill deals with personal issues that cause him to retreat.

Initial signs pointed to the clerk intercepting a robbery. This theory begins to unfold when the surveillance VHS tape goes missing, and attempts to elicit answers from the owner prove fruitless. When happenings at the store indicate trouble, Keegan and Calhill realize they stumbled on something larger, and are determined to solve the case and get justice for the clerk's family.

        

Who Am I: Mending a Lost Identity

Winner, 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Award

Who am I is a collection of poems and prose that captures the author's emotions as he worked to heal and rediscover his identity after learning he had been conceived during a date rape incident. His lineage, which he had once believed to be an essential element of his being, was lost forever. The pain and internal struggle caused by this revelation consumed his thoughts daily.

Review by Ananya Hazarika for Readers' Favorite
A dark secret, a devastating truth, an identity crisis, choices, fighting depression, and acceptance, Who Am I is a collection of poems and prose by Anvil Long. Anvil, a child of rape, is shocked when he learns the truth about his biological father. This discovery initiates a change in his perception of his identity, and he starts questioning the foundation of his existence as if it were a lie. But when his friend mentions Ben Lerner, Anvil draws inspiration from his poems and starts penning his innermost feelings and confessions.

Divided into three parts titled Impetus, Discovery, and Healing, each part is a revelation of his struggles in each phase of denial and acceptance. He shares his experiences of the journey he takes, from being depressed after discovering the truth to healing from trauma and accepting himself as an individual despite bloodlines and lineage. He later realizes that family is not defined by blood, but by choice, love, acceptance, and trust. It is a memoir that is inspiring, motivating, and emotional.

Who Am I is one of the most interesting and sensitive memoirs I have come across in a while. Anvil Long shares his experiences of beating depression by starting to write. His written accounts reveal his deepest feelings, which is proof of the pain he went through. The poems remind me of Wordsworth: "Poetry is the continuous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotions recollected in tranquility." As I kept reading, a few lines from Anvil's poem "Finding Myself in Part 3" reminded me of "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. Anvil finds his love for solo riding on open roads, which finally gives him clarity and the making of his destiny.

Anvil Long sets the perfect example of how we can learn to channel our pain to achieve a greater sense of purpose, achieve freedom, forgive and accept the harshest of truths, and move forward without waiting for society's approval. The flow of his thoughts reflects in his figurative language, and poetic liberty gives him the upper hand to explore various writing styles, doing justice to literature. One should have a copy of this at home as it inspires and gives hope to those that are lost and struggling to connect to their loved ones. It is also proof that writing is another way of coping, which provides one with a sense of ownership of the story.

The Man in Cabin Number Five

When Annie Parker discovers her husband’s infidelity, she doesn’t let it destroy her. She packs her bags and heads to Lake Arrowhead, California, the mountainside town where her family used to summer. Immersing herself in the restoration of seven 1920s-era cabins, Annie begins to put the pieces of her life back together. But starting over is never easy.

Alyce Murphy needs closure. When she discovers her father did not die from a heart attack, as she’s been led to believe for the last 30 years, but in a murder/suicide, she is determined to uncover the truth of his death. But when she visits the cabin where her father ended his life, Alyce has to accept she may never know the true story.

Annie is looking toward her future while Alyce needs to put the past to rest. In parallel stories, both women are drawn to the rustic mountainside cabins as they search for the missing pieces—but they soon discover that the cabins have their own stories to tell.

Praise for The Man in Cabin Number Five
"A touching novel charting two women’s parallel lives, tied together by mysteries, transformation, and a cabin." ~BookLife

"A masterpiece with smooth storytelling that juxtaposes the serenity of the mountains with the eruptive chaos of dangerous secrets." ~San Francisco Book Review

"Masterfully written, intriguing, mystifying, and spooky." ~Readers' Favorite

"Blends memoir and mystery in an entertaining page-turner." ~Susan Denley, former Associate Features Editor, Los Angeles Times

The Girls in Cabin Number Three

In book two of the Guest Book Trilogy, eighty-one-year-old Annie Parker recounts taking on an out-of-town design project that leads her down a path that is more than she bargained for.

Back in Lake Arrowhead, California, a long-awaited mystery is buried in Cabin Number Three. Annie meets Carrie Davis who wants to update her childhood home on the lake and feels a tie to Annie’s cabins. Apparently, Carrie’s parents stayed here during the Roaring ‘20s when Bugsy Siegel ran an underground speakeasy and distillery. Unconvinced, Annie decides to investigate and finds their names in the old guest books—Elizabeth Davis and Thomas Meyer. As exciting as that sounds, it’s only the start of a winding tale that Carrie and the new man in her life uncover. The pair unravel a family history filled with gangsters, working girls, and a surprising twist to a family tree.

Praise for The Girls in Cabin Number Three
"Great for fans of Julia Kelly’s The Light Over London and Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife." ~BookLife

"Rife with charming characters, a gorgeous mountain setting, and meticulous research." ~IndieReader

"Personal drama and historical tidbits combine nicely for a quick and entertaining read." ~Kirkus

"With themes of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the complexity of life, readers will get hooked from the very beginning." ~San Francisco Book Review

The Starlet in Cabin Number Seven

In this heartwarming tale of friendships, forgiveness, and a touch of old Hollywood glamour, a young Annie Parker is struggling to overcome her grief over the recent loss of her sister, when a childhood friend unexpectedly turns up seeking refuge from an ill-fated marriage. It would have been easy for Annie to sink deeper into sadness, but when she learns her newest design client, Hudson Fisher, is the son of the late film actress Celeste Williams, her curiosity is peaked.

As it turns out, the Roaring 20s starlet was no stranger to the Lake Arrowhead cabins—and this revelation sparks the unraveling of a scandalous story from Hollywood’s bygone era. Did an illicit romance between this leading lady and her dashing costar take place in Cabin No. 7? What really went on behind-the-scenes during the filming of that silent picture? Will discovering a piece of the past bring closure to Annie’s present?

Praise for The Starlet in Cabin Number Seven
"Feels like catching up with old friends as the narrative amiably revisits the highlights of Lake Arrowhead…. A light and engaging read, with an enticing mountain setting.” ~Kirkus Reviews

"A delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries and those who appreciate stories of hope, redemption, and the enduring bonds of friendship. " ~Readers’ Favorite

The Maidservant in Cabin Number One

After her father’s death in 1923, when Ruth Ann Landry is just ten, she joins her mother as a maidservant for a wealthy Seattle family. The hours are long, the rules are strict, but she and her mother desperately need her wages to survive.

By the time she’s seventeen, Ruth and her mother have moved into the house, and Ruth has become a mistress to her employer. While accompanying the family on vacation, she sees an opportunity to start a new life, and leaves. Ruth eventually finds solace in the mountain town of Lake Arrowhead, California, where she stays in one of the cabins owned by a man who becomes part of her future.

The Maidservant in Cabin Number One is the beginning of the story of The Guest Book Trilogy, and of Annie Parker, who eventually comes to own the cabins where Ruth Landry stayed.

Praise for The Maidservant in Cabin Number One
"Braun uses the mountainous area and cabins to her advantage in telling the stories of her characters. An exceptional plot. Her character development is outstanding." ~Readers'Favorite

"It is truly uplifting to follow the life of a young woman who is in a predicament and then watch her fight to create a better life for herself. The story carries themes of hardship, family, love, perseverance, and strength." ~City Book Review

           

All he wanted was to end the war. Fate had other plans.
 

• Magic-Price, Book 1 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy
• Magic-Scars, Book 2 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy
• Magic-Borne, Book 3 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy
• The Wandering Isles, a sneak peek at Book 1 of Soulbound Journeys

The Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy

An adult epic fantasy that follows the trials of Ian Troy, a man born with an addiction to magic living in a world where magic is reviled and its users are enslaved.

The Crown of Stones Trilogy holds an adventure that transports you to a shattered land in need of rescue, an immersive reading experience that drops you into the mind of exiled soldier Ian Troy. Travel with Ian as he returns to the past to save the future, crossing time to solve the mystery of The Crown of Stones, his true connection to the artifact, and the role it played in shaping all their lives.

Read on to learn more about each book in the trilogy...

The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price

What if you were born with an addiction to magic? What if your pleasure meant their pain?

The brutality of war was all Ian Troy had ever known. Peace was all he ever wanted. Fate had other plans when it placed the Crown of Stones, an ancient artifact of untold power, into his battle-weary hands. With one reckless wish, he ended a conflict that had been tearing the realms apart since before he was born. And paid a terrible price.

A decade later, Ian is still haunted by that tragic day. Running from the blood in his veins and on his hands, he struggles to forget—what he’s done and what he is. But when a fateful encounter with a pretty assassin brings his past crashing into the present, denial is no longer an option.

Praise for Magic-Price

• Bronze Medal - Epic Fantasy, Readers' Favorite International Book Awards
• First Place - Fantasy, Top Shelf Book Awards
• "One of the most original fantasy novels I have ever read." ~Peachy Keen Reviews
• "The characters are beautifully flawed and realized. The story is a fine addition to any collection...a very bright star that is well worth your notice." ~Red Star Reviews
• "A fantastic read...dark fantasy with a twist." ~Stephen Rhodes, Fantasy Faction
• "A rollicking, unpretentious good adventure." ~Readers' Favorite

The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars

They took it all: his will, his freedom, his magic. How far will he go to get it back?

Struggling to reconcile the man he once was with the man prison made him, Ian Troy emerges from captivity to an unfamiliar world gripped with fear. In the wake of his fall, those he cares for suffered their own grim fates, leaving friends endangered and scattered.

His old enemy, Draken of Langor, seized control of Mirra’kelan and named himself High King. Draken’s brutal reign sparked a desperate rebellion that Ian now finds himself a part of. His one task: recover and repair the Crown of Stones, in the hope that it will tip the balance in their brewing revolution.

Praise for Magic-Scars

• "A story that rivals the best books in the fantasy genre." ~Amazon UK Review
• "The sophistication of magic spells, sources of magic and their effects continue to impress, they hold me to the story and don't let go. Every chapter left me needing more, and at every turn of the story, I felt more and more connected to Troy and his quest." ~The Scary Reviews

The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne

How far can a man fall before he can’t rise again?

In one fell swoop, the resistance was shattered. Lives were taken. Hope was lost. Peace slipped like grains of sand through his fingers. So did the Crown of Stones. Now, forced into hiding, Ian Troy grapples for a way to save the realm—and free its people—from the sadistic clutches of Mirra'kelan's new self-appointed emperor.

Entrusted with the future of his race, Ian becomes the linchpin for lasting change. But how much burden can one man carry? And how much is he willing to sacrifice in the name of peace?

Praise for Magic-Borne

• "Intricate, fast-paced, and angsty, it was filled with nail-biting intrigue and suspense, heartbreaking moments. and crazy situations." ~Cover2Cover Reviews
• "Beautifully written, vivid description, compelling action...Magic Borne will not disappoint." ~Michael R. Stern, author of the Quantum Touch Series

           

• Beta Readers: Kevin is looking for beta readers for a forthcoming epic fantasy novel.
• Trinitarian Knights Collection Special Edition Boxed Set
• Free e-book edition of Avenging Love, Book 1 of the Trinitarian Knights Collection

Become a Beta Reader
Kevin is looking for beta readers for The Last Sundancer, an epic fantasy in the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien and Terry Brooks. Kevin expects to start reaching out to beta readers in the next few weeks. If you are interested in being a beta reader for The Last Sundancer, contact Kevin at kevin@kevinmansoor.com.

What is a Beta Reader? A beta reader is a person who reads a work of fiction before it is published. Beta readers have an opportunity to suggest improvements and otherwise shape the final content of the novel. It's a great way to get involved as a reader and to have an opportunity to interact with an author.

The Trinitarian Knights Collection Special Edition Boxed Set

This special edition boxed set includes all three novels in the series, plus a novella and exclusive bonus content that delves deeper into the characters and events of this epic saga.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the realms of Heaven, Earth, and Hell with the complete Trinitarian Knights Collection:

• Avenging Love (Book 1): Haunted by tragedy, David embarks on a life-changing journey with his loyal St. Bernard, Duke, to honor the memory of their beloved Sarah. Their laughter-filled escapades and heartbreaking trials weave a tapestry of love and resilience. Together, they confront unimaginable challenges, discovering that David's true strength lies in the enduring power of love. Join David and Duke on this unforgettable quest for redemption.
• Behind the Bravery: Unveiling Heroic Spirits (a bonus-content short): Get the perspective of Duke, David's canine companion in Avenging Love. From heartwarming cuddles to heroic rescues, Duke reveals the hidden depths of the characters you thought you knew. 
• Protecting Love (a novella): Before Avenging Love, a tormented David battles to protect his family. Plagued by nightmarish visions, David confronts a sinister offer that could silence the demons within. As the line between good and evil blurs, David must choose his path: a life free from torment or a battle for his family that could take his life.
• The Deception of Fear (Book 2): David's illusion of tranquility shatters when a nemesis, long believed dead, appears on his doorstep, igniting a maelstrom of mystery and fear. A chilling revelation sends David spiraling into a desperate battle to reunite his loved ones from the clutches of evil. As darkness closes in, David must find the strength to protect his family while discovering the true meaning of fear while feathers fall from the sky.
• Buried Within (Book 3): A creeping darkness threatens to engulf the world as David's closest ally, the fallen Archangel Michael, prepares for a long-foretold battle. With the apocalypse looming, David's family races against time to join Michael's side. But to secure victory, David must embrace a truth he has always denied.

Avenging Love

If you're not quite ready to dive into the full Trinitarian Knights Collection, you can start with a free download of the first book in the series, Avenging Love.

Can one man's love defy the depths of Hell?

Avenging Love is an exhilarating journey that unfolds in a world where the supernatural is just beyond the veil of our understanding. This urban fantasy novel introduces us to David, a once-respected Trinitarian Knight, whose life has spiraled into a haze of tequila and sorrow. Haunted by the loss of his beloved wife, Sarah, he finds solace only at the bottom of a bottle. Yet, when the formidable demon Saraphiss emerges, David must awaken from his stupor and face his demons—both those within and those that lurk in the shadows.

More than a mere tale of revenge, this is also a story of love's transformative power, the resilience of the human spirit, and the redemption that comes from embracing one's true destiny. This narrative is a vivid exploration of the themes of loss, grief, and the unyielding strength of love. It delves into the dichotomy of good versus evil, and the gray areas that define our moral compass.

Join David on his exciting journey, where good and evil blur, and love is the true power behind his sword. 

More About Avenging Love

• An Amazon International Best-Seller: it has ranked #1 in its category in seven different Amazon markets/countries and has never left the top 50 in its category on Amazon in the United States.
• "A thrilling, unforgettable, and incredibly entertaining fantasy tale that will take its readers on a brilliant journey full of twists and turns galore!" ~Goodreads Review
• "Kevin puts you right in the middle of what's happening. So many emotions...anger, fear, humor...I even laughed out loud a couple times. It was refreshing to read a book so well written." ~Amazon Review
• "An absolute masterpiece!" ~Google Play Review

About the Author

Kevin M. Mansoor is a storyteller whose novels have captivated the hearts and imaginations of readers worldwide. His literary journey is driven by a deep passion to not just tell stories, but to fully immerse readers in them—creating characters so lifelike that you’ll share in their joys, sorrows, and triumphs as if they were your own. Learn more at KevinMansoor.com. Be sure to also sign up for his newsletter and to follow him online:
 

    

Countdown to Love

Dani has until New Year's to polish Donnie's dating skills in this clean, lighthearted romantic comedy.

Donnie’s been busy co-partnering a business for the past decade, but now that he has more time to invest in romance, he’s not sure how to start. Social graces are definitely not his strong suit. He's grateful when his best friend, Dani, agrees to coach him.

Dani knows she can turn Donnie into a gentleman just in time for the New Year’s work party. But when her desire to help Donnie turns into a desire for him, how can she continue to give him dating advice? And more important, what will happen to their friendship when sparks fly between them in this countdown to a new year?

Praise for Countdown to Love

The Accidental Relationship

Kaida is a newspaper journalist whose career advancement depends on getting the hottest story of the year: Dakota Roberts, the CEO of a highly reputable company, is being sued. There's only one problem: Dakota is a hard-nosed, pompous jerk who won't give her the time of day.

Dakota is sick of the media and just wants to get back to his private life. When an accident causes him to have amnesia, he has to relearn his own business. Thankfully, his new personal assistant turns out to be helpful, delightful, and strangely familiar.

When Dakota asks Kaida out, she’s taken aback. She can do this fake dating thing, for her career. After all, she's already pretending to be his assistant to get the scoop. But then she sees an endearing side of him she didn't think existed. How long can she pretend to be somebody else? And what will happen between them, and to her big story, when he gets his memory back?

Praise for The Accidental Relationship

About the Author

Amazon bestselling author Cristina Ryan lives with her Marine Corp. veteran husband and an entertaining clan of children and pets. Cristina also writes YA Christian Suspense as Krista Wagner. You can follow Cristina online on Goodreads and via her Amazon Author Page. 

1968 – the most pivotal year of a pivotal decade. The assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy...Tet, the North Vietnamese incursion into the South...LBJ’s decision not to seek a second term...the riots at the Chicago Democratic Convention...the election of Richard Nixon... 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on two historical novels from acclaimed author Libby Fischer Hellmann. Both novels are set in 1968, and both capture the emotions, conflicts, and consequences of that time. You’ll see, smell, feel, and taste the tumult, hope, and despair in Set the Night on Fire and A Bend in the River. 

Historical note: Set the Night on Fire takes place in Chicago during the time of the 1968 Democratic Convention. With the 2024 Democratic Convention set to take place in Chicago August 19 - 24, now is the perfect time to read a novel set against the backdrop of the historic events of the 1960s.

Set the Night on Fire

Someone is trying to kill Lila Hilliard. During the Christmas holidays she returns from running errands to find her family home in flames, her father and brother trapped inside. Later, she is attacked by a mysterious man on a motorcycle—and the threats don’t end there.

As Lila desperately tries to piece together who is after her and why, she uncovers information about her father’s past in Chicago during the volatile days of the late 1960s—information he never shared, but information that now threatens to destroy Lila.

Part thriller, part historical novel, and part love story, Set the Night on Fire paints an unforgettable portrait of Chicago during a turbulent time: the riots at the Democratic Convention…the struggle for power between the Black Panthers and SDS…and a group of young idealists who tried to change the world.

Praise for Set the Night on Fire

• “A tremendous book—sweeping but intimate, elegiac but urgent, subtle but intense." ~Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher Series
• “A top-rate thriller that taps into the 1960s… Hellman’s insightful, politically charged whodunit explores a fascinating period in American history.” ~Publishers Weekly
• "A brilliantly-paced thriller, transitioning seamlessly from modern-day Chicago to the late '60s. First-rate characterization... Best to start early in the day, as it is easy to stay up all night reading it." ~Foreword Reviews

A Bend in the River

In 1968 two young Vietnamese sisters flee to Saigon after their village on the Mekong River is attacked by American forces and burned to the ground. The only survivors of the brutal massacre that killed their family, the sisters struggle to survive but become estranged, separated by sharply different choices and ideologies. Mai ekes out a living as a GI bar girl, but Tâm’s anger festers, and she heads into jungle terrain to fight with the Viet Cong.

For nearly ten years, neither sister knows if the other is alive. Do they both survive the war? And if they do, can they mend their fractured relationship? Or are the wounds from their journeys too deep to heal? In a stunning departure from her crime thrillers, Libby Fischer Hellmann delves into a universal story about survival, family, and the consequences of war.

Praise for A Bend in the River

• "A stunning piece of historical fiction." ~William Kent Krueger, author of This Tender Land
• "This gripping international saga illuminates the complexities of politics and loyalty and love, and is a powerful testament to the strength of women." ~Sujata Massey, The Perveen Mistry
• "Hellmann smoothly integrates into her harrowing narrative such aspects of the conflict as guerilla warfare, spying, Agent Orange, reeducation camps, and boat people. This passionate story of survival has staying power." ~Publishers Weekly
• Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Winner, 2020
• Winner, Book of the Year - Indie Fiction, Chicago Writers Association
• Finalist, IAN Books of the Year, Historical Fiction
• Finalist, Indies Next Generation Book Awards, Historical Fiction

Get a Free Gift!
Sign up for Libby's monthly newsletter and get a collection of seven short stories intended to help you get to know Libby's style and voice as a writer—which will help you decide which novel of hers you will want to read next!

About Libby Fischer Hellmann

Libby Fischer Hellmann is a critically acclaimed crime writer loved by readers the world over for her compulsively readable thrillers and strong female characters. Her fast-paced crime fiction spans 17 novels and 25 short stories. She also writes historical fiction standalones and edited the evergreen crime fiction anthology Chicago Blues. Doubleblind, her newest PI Georgia Davis thriller, #6 in the series, was released in March 2022.

Libby's richly varied novels have won numerous awards, and Libby has also served as the National President (2005-2006) of Sisters in Crime, a 4,000+ member organization dedicated to strengthening the voice of female mystery writers.

Libby started out in broadcast news, beginning her career as an assistant film editor for NBC News in New York before moving to DC to work with Robin MacNeil and Jim Lehrer at N-PACT, the public affairs production arm of PBS. Retrained as an assistant director when Watergate broke, Libby helped produce PBS's night-time broadcast of the hearings. She moved to Chicago to work for public relations firm Burson-Marsteller in Chicago, and then later created Fischer Hellmann Communications.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Libby earned a BA in History from the University of Pennsylvania, and then a Masters Degree in Film Production from New York University. She's lived in Chicago more than forty years now, has two kids and a cat.

Learn more at LibbyHellmann.com, get seven free short stories by signing up for Libby's newsletter, and be sure to follow her online:
 

               

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Debbie Burke, author of the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers, a series that features quirky characters, witty dialogue, and breakneck plot twists. 

Get Book 1 FREE!
Get a free copy of the Kindle edition of Instrument of the Devil, Book 1 of the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers series (4.3 stars, 194 ratings on Amazon, 4.3 stars, 76 ratings on Goodreads). "Fast-paced and well-plotted." ~Leslie Budewitz, Agatha Award Winner 
 

Instrument of the Devil

Book 1 of the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers
4.3 stars, 194 ratings 
Paperback: $13.99
Ebook: FREE!



Dial T for Terrorist. Kahlil Sharivar can destroy the electrical grid with only a few keystrokes on a smartphone. His target: Montana’s Hungry Horse Dam. Who will be blamed? Seasonal employee Tawny Lindholm, a lovely widow he seduces.

Once Sharivar places the incriminating device in Tawny’s hands, her life spins out of control. Soon the feds are chasing her, and her family is in peril. Can Tawny turn the instrument back on the devil who set her up? If not, the lights go out and she dies.

Stalking Midas

Book 2 of the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers
4.5 stars, 36 ratings 
Paperback: From $10.93
Ebook: From $3.99



At six foot, seven inches tall, charismatic attorney Tillman Rosenbaum owns any courtroom he enters. Tillman is brilliant, successful, and doesn’t trust anyone except his lovely new investigator, Tawny Lindholm, who has an intuitive gift with people. Tawny's honesty and integrity have opened Tillman’s soft underbelly. When Tillman suspects his wealthy, estranged father, Moe, is a victim of elder fraud, Tillman knows only one person who can break through to the stubborn, secretive man.

Meanwhile, Tawny is broke from her late husband’s medical bills and desperate to keep her job—even though her boss is the rudest, most arrogant man she’s ever met. But with his James Earl Jones’ voice, he’s also sexy as hell, and Tillman’s loyalty to his father touches Tawny.

But as Tawny digs deep into the case, she begins to wonder if Moe is the victim of a million-dollar scam or the villain behind it. Neither Tawny nor Tillman realize the danger Tawny is in until it's too late!

Eyes in the Sky

Book 3 of the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers
4.7 stars, 29 ratings 
Paperback: From $13.99
Ebook: From $3.99



Investigator Tawny Lindholm loves her boss, renowned criminal attorney Tillman Rosenbaum, but his troubled teenage children scare her. But when Tillman's honor student daughter overdoses and Tawny saves her life, Tawny's resolve to keep her distance goes out the window.

Meanwhile, someone is out to destroy Tillman Rosenbaum by targeting his family. Will Tawny pay the ultimate price to protect him and the children she has come to cherish?

About the Author
Debbie Burke writes the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers with Passion series. She is a regular blogger at The Kill Zone, a popular website about crime writing. Her nonfiction articles have won journalism awards and appear in national and international publications. She is a founding member of Authors of the Flathead and helps to plan the annual Flathead River Writers Conference in Kalispell, Montana. Her greatest joy is mentoring young writers. Learn more at debbieburkewriter.com. 

 

Keeper of the Sword

Book 1 of The Alex 9 Saga
4.5 stars, 42 ratings
Paperback $8.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


It’s the 22nd century, and the Corporate Wars rage through our Solar System. Alex 9, an elite commando on a crucial mission, finds herself in Deep Space. Something went wrong with her ship, and she ends up on a planet much like Earth—a world at war where Humanity is still in the Middle Ages. Armies of knights, bowmen, and spearmen clash as empires fight to the death and alliances are stretched to the limit. But is Alex there by accident?

A mysterious prophecy seems to have predicted her coming. And why is she in possession of the deadly Japanese Sword of the Dragon, once the prize of the Takahashi-McNamara Corporation? What secret powers are at work? In this new world, she will have to find a new family, a new mission and her own destiny.

Mission from the Past

Book 2 of The Alex 9 Saga
4.4 stars, 17 ratings
Paperback $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


Stranded on a new planet with the Sword of the Dragon King, Alex 9 is taken to King Gobbiel III of Brodom and Prince Jikard, amid a deadly invasion of assassins and rogue tribes, while Prince Dael and the army of Brodom are away on a campaign against the relentless forces of the Tshiu. Is this the time for Alex to rise to her place in history?
 

Crown of the Gods

Book 3 of The Alex 9 Saga
4.2 stars, 11 ratings
Paperback $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


Alex 9 has a new mission. But it’s not just Prince Jikard and King Gobbiel III who are in peril. The whole Kingdom of Brodom faces multiple threats. Back on Earth, Clayton 5, Kaoru, and Pierre Bach are faced with surprise after surprise as they start to reveal the role of Alex in the grand scheme of things. They will have to deal with a large enemy plot to undermine them. And Dael returns to Brodom. Will he be able to defend the Crown of the Gods?

Warrior Queen of Brodom

Book 4 of The Alex 9 Saga
New release: July 31, 2024
Paperback $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


As Brodom is falling to enemies from all sides, Alex 9 is once again propelled into a new life. A life she had never imagined. But first she must survive. And protect the princes of Brodom—Jikard and Dael. She still doesn’t know why all these forces are after them all. Who are these mysterious Brothers of the Blood Night? How is it possible they are so strong and powerful? And how can she stop them?

About the Author
Bruno Martins Soares has written fiction since he was 12 years old. In 1996, he won the National Young Creators Award for Writing, representing Portugal at the 1997 Torino Young Creators of Europe and the Mediterranean Fair. He published a collection of short stories in Portugal in 1998, and published Keeper of the Sword, the first book of The Alex 9 Saga, in 2012. Many of his works have been translated from his native Portuguese into English and other languages.

Learn more about Bruno and his work at BrunoMartinsSoares.com and be sure to also follow him online:
 

        

The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Book 1 - The Gifts of the Dark God

4.8 stars, 75 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback $12.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


At the beginning of time, the God of Light created the souls of men using the sparks of the Primeval Flame. Millennia have passed since then, and almost all the gods have perished in their battles, leaving humanity weak and corrupt.

A dark prophecy unfolds as the world descends into chaos. Radamant, a malevolent sorcerer, assassinates the last emperor of Heidal and seizes the Primeval Flame. With this stolen power, the daughters of the God of Darkness unleash a plague of the undead, turning the dead into monsters that prey on the living.

In this epic fantasy adventure, the Primeval Flame's light fades, and humanity's survival hangs by a thread. Amidst this turmoil, an undead named Rhys rises. Cursed with a scarlet-eyed demon within his soul and devoid of memories from his past life, Ryhs knows only his name, which means "Chosen one" in the ancient language of the gods.

The three Keras, goddesses who control the fate of humanity, summon Rhys but are unable to decipher the enigma of his curse. Ancient legends speak of an undead who will one day determine the fate of the world. Is Rhys destined to be this figure? What path will he choose in this dark fantasy saga?

Praise for The Gifts of the Dark God
★★★★★ "A powerful blend of magic, mystery, and action." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "A true masterpiece, blending dark fantasy elements with profound character development." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "With its complex characters and intricate plot, this novel stands out in the fantasy genre." ~Goodreads Review

      

Moonlight Beach

Book 1 in the Murder and Magic Series
4.1 stars, 47 ratings on Goodreads
From $0.99


Winner of the Hollywood Book Festival Award for Genre Fiction and the Chick Lit Café Award for best Paranormal Thriller, Crime & Mystery

Bodies are washing up on Moonlight Beach in the idyllic, seaside community of Rancho, California, worrying the privileged one percent in the gated communities of one of SoCal’s ritziest enclaves. Speculation centers on sharks, satanic rituals, and greedy venture capitalists. But then two more people are killed on a cliff overlooking the beach—and all their organs are missing. What the hell is going on? They better figure all this out before more people get butchered or, God forbid, Rancho’s inflated property values plummet.

Moonlight Canyon

Book 2 in the Murder and Magic Series
4.2 stars, 30 ratings on Goodreads
From $1.49


Winner, Best Sequel, Los Angeles Book Festival

The rural paradise of Silver City, just south of Moonlight Canyon, is under attack. Half-eaten, mutilated bodies are showing up in public places. The peaceful residents of Silver City are in a panic. Is it drug smugglers? A biker gang? Some sort of dark ritual? Space aliens? Whatever is terrorizing Silver City must be stopped and fast before this pastoral heaven becomes a living hell.

"A mystical tale that walks a thin line between paranormal and crime-based stories." ~Amazon Review

Moonlight Rocks

Book 3 in the Murder and Magic Series
4.8 stars, 21 ratings
From $1.49


What would you do if God fell into your lap?

The desert east of Los Angeles can be a dangerous place. The rocky landscape is littered with meth labs, drug gangs, abandoned mines, and broken down ranches with fringe people living in them. Despite the risks, the natural beauty and clear skies attract stargazers and campers. One night, a group of friends set up camp to watch the Leonid meteor shower. A space rock crashes to earth nearby, and the first person to reach it becomes the target of a deady chase by religious fanatics who believe that the meteor heralds the birth of a new Messiah. Is this the dawn of a new spiritual age, or just a bunch of psychos raging in the desert?

"Full of mystery, suspense, thrill and lots of action." ~Goodreads Review

Moonlight Rip Tide

The newest book in the Murder and Magic Series!
4.2 stars, 11 ratings
From $1.49 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


Want to go for a ride in a classic car? Park by the ocean? Sounds nice huh?

Mona found the man and his car, a beautiful, old Ferrari, very attractive. Sure, she'd go for a ride with him to look at the ocean. The party was boring anyway. Maybe by the time they got back things would liven up a bit...

She felt the bag tighten around her neck, cutting off her air supply. This cannot be happening. She gasped and struggled, but it was no use. He was too strong. Everything went dark as she lost consciousness, her last thought was about the mistake she'd made threatening to tell Danny's wife...

Later, Susan felt that someone was stalking her. She'd gotten several strange calls attempting to make appointments for private exercise and aerobics lessons. Who was this unknown client?

Tokyo Games

Book 1 in the Games Series
4.2 stars, 30 ratings
From $0.99


"A magical ride through Asian Sci-Fi." ~Amazon Review

Virtual reality has become all too real. With the right equipment, virtual gamers can see and hear everything another human being, a game character, is experiencing half a planet away. When a game character witnesses a gruesome murder, the initially entertaining virtual experience becomes an ordeal for survival in a deadly world filled with dark forces, demi-gods, demons, and people trying to control them. Vigilance is essential or total annihilation will be their fate.

Osaka Games

Book 2 in the Games Series
4.7 stars, 7 ratings
From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


"A fascinating, complex novel relating the inner workings of a worldwide virtual reality game." ~Amazon Review

The Game Master keeps everyone safe during their virtual video games. But everything changes when the Game Master witnesses a murder and kidnapping by a wealthy and powerful player. Could it be a play for world domination? A team in LA, with the help of their nearly sentient computer, is dragged along with a game character in Osaka as that character experiences the murderous power of gangsters, samurai ghosts, body-swapping spirits, and brutal Japanese sword fighting. It’s anyone’s guess who will survive this paranormal vortex of betrayal and bloodshed.

New York Stories

4.7 stars, 20 ratings
From $1.49 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


Winner, Best Science Fiction & Post-Apocalyptic Novel, Chick Lit Cafe & Best Science Fiction & Post Apocalyptic Novel, Artisan Book Reviews

The wars have wound down and New York still stands, largely undamaged and more crowded than ever before. Global warming has left the city hot and soggy, and the oceans are rising. Terrestrial travel is difficult, but "spiritual travel" is an option...have your spirit extracted and shot into space, leaving your empty physical body "sleeping" on Earth. And if you're afraid of travel, there is a tough, complex computer game available to play. So life can be fun—as long as the game doesn't want you dead.

"A huge cast of characters, a plot line with multiple twists and turns, and an element of magical realism." ~Amazon Review

Buy Bundles and Save!

About the Author
Yurie Kiri speaks Japanese, English, and French, and has studied Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish, along with a smattering of other languages, including Korean and Russian, as well as binary and hexadecimal machine language. Why? Because if you really want to get to know someone, you need to speak their language no matter if they’re machine or human.  

Yurie currently lives on that sailboat, cruising between various ports in the Pacific Ocean. Sailing, writing, and photography are Yurie's primary passions. Learn more at YurieKiri.com. 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Silent Codename action/adventure series from author E.S. Benton. Follow Alpha Team...a group of covert agents that includes ex-spies, a computer expert, and an ex-assassin...as they hunt a group responsible for committing heinous acts following supposedly natural disasters, and as a global toxin conspiracy plunges the team into a race for the antidote.

★★★★★ "An ensemble action thriller that delivers epic action scenes and enigmatic heroes." ~BestThrillers.com

Operation Storm's Eye

★★★★★ "A gripping, action-packed espionage thriller." ~Readers' Favorite

Someone is responsible for committing heinous acts following supposedly natural disasters, and it's up to Alpha Team to hunt them down. But within the shadows and deep underground, Alpha Team are much like their targets; hidden to all who seek them. With nothing more than the name of one man, their morality, trust, secrecy, and armory are stretched to the limit by a hidden enemy.

The deeper Alpha Team goes, the more difficult it becomes for them to stay under the radar. As the natural disasters become more targeted, it’s clear their enemy is more than one step ahead. Their enemy might have assets and technology, but so does Alpha team. The enemy might seem unstoppable, but so is Alpha team.

"A high-octane thriller with a fantastic hero team and an engaging premise." ~Samantha Ann Rainbow, ManyBooks.net

"A relentless rush of espionage and adrenaline." ~Self-Publishing Review

Operation Cavolo

A toxin conspiracy threatens the world, and Alpha Team has only 86 hours to find the antidote and thwart a lethal countdown. As they grapple with internal sabotage and unseen connections to their adversary, trust becomes as scarce as time.

Tensions mount as leadership fractures and revenge fuels a battle that blurs the line between friend and foe. In the end, their greatest ally might be the very villain they seek, dangling a cure above their heads.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Three Sixes and a Forked Tongue (aka, Cold Medicine and a Liar) by James Tyler Toothman, a book that has been described as a "satirical and deliciously dark."  

"An intriguing coming-of-age horror novel in which outcast friends encounter witchcraft and grow apart." ~Clarion Reviews

Note: The audiobook version of Three Sixes and a Forked Tongue was recorded at the world famous Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, and co-stars Joe Lawrence Parsons, Jr., along with the author as narrators. 

Three Sixes and a Forked Tongue or Cold Medicine and a Liar

It's 1971 and deep in the woods of West Virginia, two childhood friends discover a book that dismantles and unravels everything they once considered reality. When an enigmatic stranger later rolls into their small coal mining town in the back of a Rolls Royce, the teenagers are plunged deep into a world of drugs, sex, music, and violence.

Together, the two friends confront the forces of good and evil head on—the unwitting pawns of an eternal game played without rules or directions. Badder than Louisiana Lightning, flyer than Sly Stone on a 747 jumbo jet, feverish, satirical, and deliciously dark, Three Sixes and A Forked Tongue or Cold Medicine and a Liar is an offbeat, coming-of-age, face-melting novel unlike anything you've seen or heard before.

Praise for Three Sixes and a Forked Tongue

"A wild brew of sorcery, Satan, and rural America." ~Kirkus Reviews

"Follows friends as they learn to live fully—and then face the consequences of their choices." ~Clarion Reviews

"Those seeking off-kilter stories celebrating the occult as a tool of feminist vengeance will be immersed in Priscilla’s magical awakening as a country witch." ~BlueInk Review

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Leslie Anne Lee, author of literary fiction, historical fiction, and romantic fantasy. 

"Ms. Lee is an old soul writing for a new world. She crafts both storytelling and story-sharing into a perfect web of enchantment I want to get stuck in." ~Diane Mark

Child of Dawn

Her anger enveloped her. Witch. So that was what she was to them.

Anda always knew she had been different. Little did she know how that difference would change her life.

Dagsbrun knew he was a monster...he had been called that since birth. And yet, as he raged against his immortality, he dared to dream of finding peace.

Enter the world of the Vale, ruled by elves and vampires and destined for destruction unless a prophecy can be fulfilled...and two individuals who are completely opposite can find something in common.

The Rock and the Wind

Rowena is a girl caught between two men, and two worlds. Atticus, wild and intemperate; and Morgan, sophisticated, and offering security and safety. Rowena's heart is torn between the two. How can she betray one with her love for the other.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Maine's coastline in a time where marriage was a woman's identity, The Rock and the Wind is a poignant tale of how large the human heart can grow, and how much love one person can have for an individual. Or two.

Demons in the Hog Shed

Written as an homage to women dreamers and survivors everywhere, this novel shifts between the agony of the past and the promise of the present as the author weaves a wrenching narrative of a woman chased by her own demons in this hauntingly beautiful portrayal of what it is like for survivors of bullying and abuse.

The story follows Audrey from the "middle of the middle of nowhere" in Wyoming to the immensity of New York City. Her past has driven her from her home, but as she tries to begin again, a secret haunts her that no one in the city knows. The enigmatic Mr. C does his best to pull down the walls she has built up to protect herself, but even he might be too late to save her from her demons.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Edward Hochsmann, author of the Cutter Kauai Sea Adventures, a series of contemporary sea thrillers. Read on to learn more!

"Its setting, alternating POVs, and excellent writing put it ahead of many comparable novels." ~The BookLife Prize (Publishers Weekly) on Book 3 of the Cutter Kauai Sea Adventures

Dagger Quest

An obsolete patrol boat is all that stands between the world and nuclear annihilation!

The world is on the brink of war, with NATO mobilizing to counter a Russian threat to Poland and Lithuania and leaders openly discussing war options. In the midst of the crisis, a Russian bomber collides with a U.S. fighter off Florida causing the accidental launch of a nuclear-tipped hypersonic missile.

A Coast Guard cutter finds a drug-laden sailboat smashed and adrift north of the Florida Keys. The boat’s damage is from a near miss by the Russian missile which has not harmlessly flown deep into the Gulf of Mexico as originally thought, but crashed somewhere in the Keys.

The Coast Guard crew is in a race against a vicious and powerful international crime syndicate to find and recover the Russian nuke before its discovery can trigger a nuclear war. Exploring the friendship and teamwork of a typical ship’s crew, in the face of unexpected and hazardous challenges, Dagger Quest provides a fast-paced, taut story – excellent fare for both suspense and action/adventure  fans.

Praise for Dagger Quest

"A highly entertaining cross between a seafaring adventure and a high-stakes military drama." ~Self-Publishing Review

"An adventurously gripping story that will not only have you craving for the next book in the series, but also craving your own tropical forage in South Florida and the Caribbean!" ~Entrada Publishing

Caribbean Counterstrike

It’s the deadliest nerve gas ever made, and it has fallen into the hands of a murderous Caribbean drug cult!

The criminal 252 Syndicate has developed a game-changing battlefield nerve gas in a secret lab hidden on an oil rig servicing ship. But the ship has been caught in a drug war in a Caribbean country, seized by one of the most vicious drug cartels in existence, and held for ransom.

When the U.S. government learns that the 252s plan to launch an attack in five days, the best of the bad options is a covert raid led by young Coast Guard Officer Ben Wyporek and his crew aboard the newly-upgraded, stealth-equipped Cutter Kauai. However, Ben’s last lethal encounter with the 252s has cured his hunger for glory, and he has found his soulmate in the beautiful genius, DIA analyst Victoria Carpenter. 

It is yet another deadly race against the 252s to save the world, and now Ben and Victoria have everything to lose.

Praise for Caribbean Counterstrike

"Hochsmann's meticulous prose hums with lived experience and authenticity... This gripping maritime thriller delivers in every way." ~Self-Publishing Review

"Filled with action and adventure, mixed with a little romance, it is an ideal read for anyone that wants to escape from their daily lives for a few hours." ~Entrada Publishing

Bravely and Faithfully

A new captain’s first patrol turns into a fight for their lives.

Sam Powell gets a well-deserved promotion to Lieutenant Commander and a coveted slot at the Naval War College. His replacement, hard-charging young Lieutenant Haley Reardon, is about to get a baptism of fire. Opening with the rescue of a young family from a stricken sailboat in the middle of a major hurricane, Bravely and Faithfully presents an exciting series of adventures, culminating in the covert insertion and recovery of an assault team from a hostile Caribbean island.

This third installment of the series conveys the humor, friendships, and teamwork of Kauai‘s crew from the previous books, with a new series of exciting actions from search-and-rescue to combat. The crew and their new skipper must come together for the toughest mission they have ever faced. Enjoy the action, the teamwork and camaraderie of the crew as they face life-and-death together with their new captain, and the course of second-in-command Ben Wyporek’s sweet courtship of the beautiful, neurodiverse genius Victoria Carpenter.

Praise for Bravely and Faithfully

"A riveting sea adventure with a top-rate protagonist." ~Independent Review of Books

"A captivating tale that will interest even readers who are not familiar with the Coast Guard nor its lingo. While there is plenty of action in the story, it is the character-driven plot that elevates this adventure novel." ~BookLife

Indies Inferno

When the cover story becomes more dangerous than the main mission...

The crew of the small Coast Guard cutter Kauai is tasked with a covert intelligence operation. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when a volcanic eruption rocks the shores of the picturesque Caribbean island of Saint Ignatius.

Within this explosive military adventure, the crew of the Kauai also thwarts an eco-terrorist plot to sabotage an oil tanker, saving countless lives. But their heroism doesn't end there, as they valiantly rescue dozens of individuals trapped aboard a burning and sinking dive boat.

Amidst the chaos, duty and desire collide on the high seas as the crew balances personal relationships while facing their most perilous mission yet.

Praise for Indies Inferno

"Riveting maritime drama with explosively high stakes and a consistent edge of gritty realism." ~The Independent Review of Books

"A pulse-pounding thriller that combines action, suspense, and human drama equally." ~The Book Commentary

More from Edward Hochsmann

  

            

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on To Own Two Suns by Fran Tabor, in which a NASA expedition to the edge of the solar system in 2112 encounters a long-hibernating alien. 

"Imaginative high-stakes SF breathes fresh life into the alien-first-contact genre." ~Kirkus Reviews 

To Own Two Suns

Which is better, a great peace supported by a lie, or a massacre justified by the truth?

In the year 2112, Captain Jerrison's fragile research vessel becomes the first manned spaceship to venture beyond Neptune. Jerrison and his crew plan to research exotic Kuiper Belt objects. Instead, the defenseless crew encounters a lone scout from the alien Morgi civilization.

Jerrison learns that two Morgi clans will battle for ownership of Earth. The Morgi scout is from the weaker clan. If the more powerful clan wins, the Morgi will exterminate unsuspecting humanity. 

An unlikely friendship forms. Can an unarmed human tip the balance of power in favor of the weaker Morgi clan? If not, the Morgi scount, his entire clan, and all humanity will die. 

Praise for To Own Two Suns
"In the year 2112, a NASA expedition (a dangerously cut-rate, low-budget one, it turns out) has sent volunteers to explore deep space, with little or no chance of return. The crew, led by Commander Jerry Jerrison, is on the edge of Pluto’s orbit when they make an epochal discovery: a fantastically advanced, shape-shifting alien spaceship, guided by an artificial intelligence and harboring one hibernating occupant... Readers will enjoy the sidelong jabs at human-style colonial imperialism and realpolitik." ~Kirkus Reviews (read the full review HERE)

"Readers gain empathy as both cultures try to adjust to each other... Another appealing aspect of the novel is the humor the author uses when human cultural norms are viewed through the perspective of [alien] values." ~LeighBee, OnlineBookClub.org (read the full review HERE)

"Recommended to adults and young adults who are lovers of science fiction and also enjoy books about extraterrestrials and space exploration." ~Chuks Ogechukwu Bianca, OnlineBookClub.org (read the full review HERE)