Today's Featured Books

The Seven Days of Christmas by Tess Thompson

Romance

Flynn Barnes and his wife, Shannon, have had an idyllic marriage—until she discovers the dangerous secret he kept from her...one that threatens to ruin their marriage and the stability of a happy home for their two little girls. Flynn follows the advice of his siblings in an attempt to gain back Shannon's love and trust—but can he win back her love before it's too late? Along with their focus on Flynn, the family is also helping plan Cymbeline's wedding to Viktor. Join the Barnes family for this bonus novella in the bestselling Emerson Pass Historicals. 4.5 stars, 1300+ ratings. From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 


Osaka Games by Yurie Kiri

Science Fiction and Fantasy

"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. Book 2 in the Games Series. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Lover's Moon by Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Michael Andrews is learning to live with the side effects of lycanthropy. Other than waking up naked and bloody in Central Park once a month, he's managing just fine. Gail Sommers may not have her love life in order, but at least she's smart about things that really matter. She runs the coolest occult shop in the city, and is a pre-eminent scholar of the occult. Lover's Moon flashes back to the romantic and comedic story of how Michael and Gail met and fell in love back in the summer of 2011. Book 5 in the Canadian Werewolf series. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


FREE - West of Jaws by Capes

Romance

"Beautiful, romantic." -Foreword Reviews. As they track an enemy across a magical land, Helisent, a witch, and Samson, a wolf, uncover a series of troubling mysteries and a budding love that will change their lives forever. An adult "romantasy"...think Sex and the City meets The Witcher. "A playful twist on the fantasy genre...who knew witches like to party?" - Kirkus. Book 1 in the series. FREE - SHOP NOW


Dangerous as Sin

Romance

When you love a villain, do you become one too? In a world of black-and-white, the gray in between just got more inviting. Laws are easily broken when you are at the hands of these dangerous-as-sin men. Watch as the man before you destroys everything in his path to claim what is his: You. Villains are determined by the eyes of the beholder, and all we see is desire. Twenty-two brand-new and exclusive novellas, taking us on an anti-hero adventure, one stuttering breath at a time. 4.7 stars, 108 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


Fake Dating my Baby Daddy by Josie Hart

Romance

"An addictive, well-written story, with out-of-this-world romance and heartbreaking moments." -Amazon review. I’m fake-dating a real-life demigod with a perfect body to match his 10/10 face. His jilted ex-girlfriend wants him back, so I play new girlfriend. But pretend turns real with this big, fat plus sign. Will he stay or run, now that he’s my baby daddy? "The chemistry between Gavin and Paige is palpable and the steamy scenes are H-O-T. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon, this is it!" -Amazon review. 4.6 stars, 99 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Morrigan's Bidding by Daniel Schinhofen

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Sean was just waiting for his best friend to show up at the bar so they could play some pool. It came as a shock when the tall blonde man accosted Sean. When the fight ended, Sean found himself in a meeting with Odin, Archangel Michael, Lucifer, and Morrigan, all vying for his soul. Sean choose to go with the goddess of Fate, Death, and Battle, and found himself with a new body and the chance to live a new life on a new world. But he learns quickly that words have power in this world, and that Agreements are binding. An eBookFairs "Best in Show" selection. Book 1 in the series. 4.6 stars, 2600+ ratings. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Spotlight on National Puppy Day - and The Adventures of Bruno and Grace!

Spotlight

March 23 is National Puppy Day, a day to focus on the theme of "Love, Rescue, Adopt," and to celebrate the magic and unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives.

Another great way to celebrate? Catch up on The Adventures of Bruno and Grace from author Rachel Young! Middle grade readers will thoroughly enjoy following Bruno, a retired police dog, and his best friend, Grace, on their many adventures.


The Adventures of Bruno and Grace: Into the Wild

E-book: $4.99 (free via Kindle Unlimited)
Paperback: $10.99  

The adventures of Bruno and Grace continue in Into the Wild, Book 2 in the Series. Bruno, a retired police dog, and his best friend, Grace, continue to use their imagination on their many adventures. Now there is double the fun because Grace has a brother, Luke! Although Bruno misses police work, he keeps busy looking after these two kids. 

The Adventures of Bruno and Grace

E-book: FREE! 
Paperback: $11.99  

Want to get in on the adventures of Bruno and Grace from the start? The e-book edition of Book 1 in the Series is currently free on Amazon (and always free via Kindle Unlimited). Meet Bruno as he retires from work as a police dog and begins a new life at home with baby Grace. A special friendship develops between the two of them as they begin to share many new adventures.

About the Author
Rachel (Janssen) Young grew up in Lansing, IL, a suburb of Chicago. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. In 2006 she moved to southern California where she met her police officer husband. Today she is the mother of two children and two police K9s.


Today's indie books + free online lit event!

Events

Today's line-up of Featured Books is indicative of the great work coming out of the indie publishing world. Scroll down to learn more. 

What's New in Historical Fiction: Tune in to this regular panel series featuring historical novelists. This week: Erika Robuck, author of Sisters of Night and Fog; Patricia Bernstein author of A Noble Cunning; Edie Cay author of A Viscount's Vengeance; and Stephanie Marie Thornton author of Her Lost Words. Thursday, March 23, 7 p.m. CDT.  

"People of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things." ~Leonardo da Vinci


All Signs Lead To Lucy by Julieann Dove

Book of the Day

Lucy cannot fall in love with her best friend's fiancé. She must ignore all the signs leading him to her. Avoid his invitation to play "pretend" while they are on a week long trip without their significant others. And when the week is up, if they act on their feelings, a marriage, a wedding, and a lifelong friendship may all be lost. "If you love second chance romances, you will enjoy this book." -Vine Voice Review. From $5.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


The Musician by Tess Thompson

Romance

Fiona Barnes has a secret. One so big she's afraid it will destroy everything she holds dear. Not even her beloved music can save her. Li Wu has fought prejudice his entire life. But he's always felt safe and protected within the fierce love of the Barnes family. If only the object of his desire were free to be his, all would be well. Will he risk everything to be with the one? Join the Barnes family for Fiona's story and return to the world of Emerson Pass for another heartwarming installment of this American Historical Romance series by USA Today Bestselling Author Tess Thompson. 4.6 stars, 1300+ ratings. From $5.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Tokyo Games by Yurie Kiri

Science Fiction and Fantasy

"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. Book 1 in the Games Series. From $3.99 SHOP NOW


The Latina President and The Conspiracy to Destroy Her by Joe Rothstein

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

The world knows her as "Tenny." She is Isabel Tennyson, a charismatic Latina-American who wins election as U.S. President. Tenny is on a mission to reform corruption in the financial world. A cabal of the rich and powerful is determined to destroy her first through scandal, then impeachment, and, if needed, assassination. Kirkus Reviews says Tenny is an "enthralling protagonist at the heart of a gripping tale." Readers agree with 4.6 stars on 80+ ratings. Once you meet Tenny, you will never forget her. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


See These Bones by Chris Tullbane

Science Fiction and Fantasy

A Post-Apocalyptic Superhero Novel. "A must-read for any dark superhero fiction fan." -Readers' Favorite. In the post-Break world of superpowers, necromancy is the gift nobody wants. But it might also be Damian Banach's ticket to a brighter future... if only he can avoid the madness that comes with it. He will control his destiny or die trying—and he might just reshape the world along the way. Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner: Dystopian Fiction. "By far one of the best cape-punk genre books I’ve read." -Kindle reader. Book 1 in The Murder of Crows series. 4.7 stars, 866 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Chrysalis by Anna K. Abbi

Literary Fiction and Creative Nonfiction

"An amazing true story of survival and triumph." -Amazon Review. Encapsulated in a body that could not move. Caught in a cast from my hips to the top of my head, situated in a CircOlectric bed that kept everything suspended and safe. The only thing that worked was a now-injured brain that was incessantly active and asking more of my body than it could handle. I lived, fought, and won my life back with the support of a large cast of helpers. I am the fortunate recipient of those extraordinary efforts. Visiting hours are now open; please accept my invitation to stop by. 4.8 stars, 19 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


The Trouble with Podoks by Chet Novicki

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Tired of the apocalypse? Dystopia got you down? Aliens with edible—and incredibly delicious!—tails, kidnappings, incompetent cops, car chases, a new girlfriend, and a new alien friend give Professor Roger Denton almost more than he can handle in this breezy, zany, fast-paced science fiction romp set in 2111 Hawaii—the gateway to the galaxy. Book 1 in the series. 4.6 stars, 50 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Spark by A.L. Long

Romance

Revenge is a dangerous thing, and I plan on making sure that every person who has ever betrayed me gets what they deserve. Crosby McCall may have had his own hit list, but then again, so do I. Once everyone on his list is dead, he will be next. Every man alive will know who Van Wilkerson is…especially Axe Riley. The day will come when Van Wilkerson will finally get what he deserves. I will do whatever it takes to take him down. So many senseless deaths. I have to stop him before he gets to Kenzi, the only woman I have ever loved. Book 4 in the Sinful Desires series. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


Lethal Peril by Emily Jane Trent

Romance

Navy SEAL Wyatt Mercer’s new bodyguard assignment brings his past back to haunt him. A woman he doesn’t expect appears in his life and reaches out for his protection. He is sure that she isn’t telling him everything. But when threats escalate, he rises to the challenge of protecting her. The fight against danger keeps Wyatt close, and he discovers a powerful attraction between them. Book 2 in the Stealth Security series. 4.4 stars, 236 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


New Release: The Sea Lanterns by Ben Nickol

Spotlight

Congratulations to Ben Nickol and Vine Leaves Press on the release of The Sea Lanterns, a novel in which future may mean not banishing ghosts, but living forever in their company.

“A wickedly funny examination of college sports, colliding egos, and the often inadvisable ways we go about the pursuit of our dreams.” ~Margaret Malone, author of People Like You


The Sea Lanterns by Ben Nickol

NEW RELEASE: March 21, 2023
From $5.99  

Marooned at a backwater college and hungry for more, Athletic Director Scott Darrow plots his ascent to a better job at a better school.

He has the talent, charm, and Machiavellian nerve to go far, but when he hires a famous coach to run his basketball program, the coach proves to be unstable and possibly insane.

To escape professional oblivion, Darrow must maneuver and manipulate this coach, and manage the town’s intensifying suspicions. No measure is too drastic. No tactic too cruel. But complicating Darrow’s work is his own unsettled history, and in wrestling with this history, Darrow begins to understand his frail coach with jarring personal clarity.

Perhaps the two men aren’t as dissimilar as they’d seemed. And perhaps Darrow’s future—even if it’s triumphant—will mean not banishing his ghosts, but living forever in their company.
 
Praise for The Sea Lanterns
“A poignant and uncompromising novel with gritty and luminous prose. Nickol demands the reader’s attention on every page as he explores the price of ambition at all costs.” ~Soon Wiley, When We Fell Apart

“Who knew a book about a mediocre JuCo basketball team in a gloomy Pacific Northwest town could be such a delight with so much heart.” ~Margaret Malone, People Like You

About the Author
Ben Nickol’s books include The Sea Lanterns and Sun River: Stories, which was named a Quivering Pen Best Book of 2019. His stories and essays have also appeared widely in venues such as Alaska Quarterly Review, Crab Orchard Review, CutBank, and elsewhere. Originally from Idaho, he returned to the Northwest in 2021 after teaching for several years in the M.F.A. program at Wichita State University. To learn more, visit bennickol.com.
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.


Celebrate great indie books today, World Poetry Day tomorrow!

Events

Celebrate great indie books today (and every day!) with the LitNuts Newsletter and LitNuts.com. And be sure to celebrate World Poetry Day tomorrow, March 21, by taking time to read the works of your favorite poets from around the globe. Learn more at Poets.org

“What cannot be said will be wept.” ~Sappho


Set The Night On Fire by Libby Fischer Hellmann

Book of the Day

“A tremendous book—sweeping but intimate, elegiac but urgent, subtle but intense." -Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series. A woman discovers her parents were not the people she thought. And why is someone trying to kill her? Set The Night on Fire travels back to the late Sixties to answer those questions. Part thriller, part historical novel, and part love story, Fire paints an unforgettable portrait of a group of young idealists who tried to change the world. “A top-rate thriller that taps into the 1960s… Hellman’s insightful, politically charged whodunit explores a fascinating period in American history.” -Publishers Weekly. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


The Problem Child by Tess Thompson

Romance

Victor has cared for Cymbeline his whole life, but Cymbeline declared Viktor her arch-enemy when they were children. Now, she sees him as a hero, but she still can't let go of the idea that her destiny is waiting somewhere else in the world. Will Cymbeline come to terms with her life and wake up to the idea of love before it's too late? Book 4 in the Emerson Pass Historicals series. 4.6 stars, 2000+ ratings. From $5.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


New York Stories by Yurie Kiri

Science Fiction and Fantasy

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. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


The Three Pillars Of Stoicism by Thinknetic

General Nonfiction

Develop Character In Accordance With The Stoic Ideal Through The Lives And Teachings Of Seneca, Epictetus, And Marcus Aurelius. What takes someone from good to great? This question has haunted humanity for millennia, engaging the most learned people in finding its answer. To help you achieve that wholesome mentality that takes you from good to great, we analyzed three of the greatest philosophers and broke down their observations on human nature, mentality, and happiness. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Salt by Liz Shipton

Science Fiction and Fantasy

What do you do with a drunken sailor when the world is underwater? Twenty years after the pandemic that nearly wiped out humanity, seventeen-year-old trainwreck Bird Howsley is struggling to find her place. In a world mostly underwater—beset not just by pandemics but also by climate change—sailing isn’t just a pastime: it’s the way of life. Unfortunately, Bird is a terrible sailor, with a drinking habit to boot. Fortunately, she has a lifeline: her best friend Sargo, a second-generation immigrant and Bird’s straight-laced sailing instructor. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW