Today's Featured Books

There are worse things than being a bridesmaid at your best friend’s wedding. Hitting on the groom? Ancient history. Hitting on the best man? Regrettable but forgettable. Getting pawned off on some random guy who came as his mom’s date? Could be worse. But more happened the night of the Burkhardt wedding than Melinda is ready to admit. Now she is determined to move on. She just has to survive an all-staff retreat, carpooling with her meddling boss, newlyweds, and a passenger she’d hoped to avoid. 4.7 stars, 25 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

When Rachel and Katie, both five months pregnant, learn that their babies have birth defects, they both have to decide whether to continue their pregnancies or terminate. The women bond when they meet in a pregnancy support group, and through tears and laughter, discover they have more in common than they ever could’ve imagined. They find friendship, hope, family, and love. 4.3 stars, 165 ratings.​ From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

One wife’s story of caring for her husband with dementia—and the lessons for caregivers she learned along the way. "Heart-warming and heart-breaking​... Larkin has written an inviting resource that highlights​ and helps readers face​ the ups and downs of being a caregiver." ​~BookLife Reviews From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Jason B. Baker, a history-buff-turned-author who has been praised for his Western-style historical adventure novels. Read on to learn more! 

Special Offer: The e-book edition of The Ace's Bounty is free through May 10 and the newly released The War Remains is only 99 cents. Get both of these Civil War era Western-style adventures for less than $1!

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The Ace's Bounty: The Barber Brothers' First Adventure

Genre: Historical Fiction, Western Style Historical Adventure
4.3 stars, 154 ratings
Paperback: $11.95
Ebook: FREE through May 10!

In the aftermath of the Civil War, brothers Elijah and Moses Barber return home, haunted by shadows of the past.

Once fierce cavalrymen, their transition to civilian life is marred by poverty, loss, and a hostile reception from a town that remembers their wartime deeds with mixed emotions. With their farm failing and prospects dwindling, the Barbers possess little more than a set of lethal skills—horseback riding, sharpshooting, and tracking the lawless.

Their fate takes a twist when an enigmatic, one-armed U.S. Marshal offers them a perilous opportunity. For Moses, it's a chance to harness their deadly talents and secure a livelihood; for Elijah, it's a desperate attempt to leave their past behind. But when they discover their target is a criminal from their own haunted history, the mission becomes a dark journey fueled by justice and an unquenchable thirst for revenge.

Now, as the brothers grapple with their complicated relationship, reconcile with a childhood mentor, and question the true identity of the mysterious U.S. Marshal, they must traverse treacherous terrain, both external and within, to find the peace and prosperity that has eluded them since the war's end.

Praise for The Ace's Bounty
"This novel captures the reader from the first paragraph. Traditional Western readers should love this novel with its good pacing, plenty of action, and a hint of romance." ~Ron Schwab, bestselling author of Old Dogs and The Accidental Sheriff

"Pure historical adventure...between two brothers set in the Civil War time period. The historical realism truly brings this story to life." ~Amazon Review

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The War Remains: The Barber Brothers' Next Adventure

Genre: Historical Fiction, Western Style Historical Adventure
New release: May 9, 2024
Paperback: $11.95
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

In the shadow of a nation's rebirth, two brothers ride against the echoes of war.

In this sprawling Western saga of renewal, justice, and revenge, readers can gallop back into the gritty world of the Barber Brothers. In the raw aftermath of the Civil War, America labors to mend its divided heart, but in Omaha, the peace Elijah and Moses Barber worked so hard to achieve is razed by a vengeful blaze.

As the transcontinental railroad pioneers a new frontier, echoes of war give rise to a brutal gang hell-bent on keeping the past's violent embers alight. The brothers, alongside an eclectic posse—including a formidable woman claiming her legacy, a hardened Confederate sniper, and a resolute Black Union veteran—must carve their own justice in the untamed wilderness of Nebraska.

Faced with lawlessness that no badge can tame, the Barber Brothers must forge their own path to justice. Together, they embark on a harrowing journey through the untamed West, confronting the ghosts of their pasts. As they traverse this rugged landscape, they are tested to their limits, their bonds of loyalty and survival put to the ultimate test.

The War Remains is a tale of grit, brotherhood, and the quest for justice that fans of Ron Schwab, CJ Petit, and Robert Vaughan will love. Ride once more with the Barber Brothers as they confront the unforgiving wilderness of the American West and the turbulent tides of history that refuse to be tamed.

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About the Author

Jason B. Baker is a celebrated author whose passion for the Civil War era breathes life into his classic Western-style adventure and mystery novels. An Illinois native, Jason has penned notable works such as Chicago To Appomattox, a non-fiction exploration of the Civil War, as well as fiction titles. His meticulously researched narratives weave tales of justice and daring escapades and plunge readers into the richly detailed settings of America’s transformative years just before and after the Civil War.

As a career military officer, Jason brings a unique perspective to his writing, infusing his stories with authenticity and vivid historical insights. And as a member of the Western Writers of America, Jason is deeply committed to honoring the legacy of America’s past. He is also a proud Color Bearer Donor to the American Battlefield Trust, helping preserve the battlefields where history was made—a passion reflected in his work’s historical fidelity.

Jason currently lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and two young sons, where he continues to explore the rugged landscapes of history through his writing. Learn more at the Jason Baker website, sign up for The Scribe's Saloon to get the history behind the stories, and be sure to follow Jason online:
 

LitNuts subscribers are eligible for a free subscription to Foreword Reviews Online, a great source of quality reviews of independently published books. We recently learned that the discount code we were providing to new subscribers was not working, so Foreword Reviews gave us a new discount code—which means that LitNuts subscribers, new and old, can now get Foreword Reviews Online free for one year! Here's what to do:

• Go to Foreword Reviews
• Click on the "Online Only" option
• At checkout, enter discount code DIG-SUB

"The difference between reality and fiction? Fiction has to make sense." ~Tom Clancy

New release! Retro-music store owner Venus Bixby will do almost anything to be named to Chatham Crossing’s prestigious Town Committee. But when she stumbles over a body in the garden where her birthday party is scheduled to be held, she becomes both a suspect and a sleuth—not what Venus had in mind! If you're a fan of Richard Osman, Katie Gayle, or Ellery Adams, give this cozy mystery a try. 4.3 stars, 24 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. Fifty years ago, bloodthirsty aliens devastated the Earth. Most of humanity perished. We fell into darkness. But now we rise from the ashes. If you loved Ender's Game, Starship Troopers, and Old Man's War, you'll love Earthrise, a new military science fiction series from a USA Today bestselling author. "A classic readers will remember for years." ~Nicholas Smith, author of Hell Divers. 4.2 stars, 8,000+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

New release! In 1099, mercenary captain Robert Cutnose finds himself in the belly of a siege tower waiting to storm the walls in a desperate attempt to take the city. But what they find inside the city is far more terrifying than the arrows and spears that fly their way. A war-filled journey through the Crusades and into the depths of the ancient Noctis Bellum. Filled with legendary characters driven by valor and treachery alike! From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Olivia Markham has been down the aisle once already and regretted it. But she never planned on falling for Adam Burkhardt. When Adam suggests letting their mothers suss out the particulars for their wedding, Olivia agrees. She even relents to a bachelorette weekend. They should have eloped. Book 2 in The Bourbon Books series. "A fun-filled, delightful, and swoon-worthy sequel!" ~Amazon Review. 4.3 stars, 49 ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Recent release! I am Daniel Gallagher, a widower, and an art teacher moonlighting as a world-famous artist by night. To pull myself out of a slump, I have agreed to do a favor for a friend.​ Big mistake.​ Especially when the secrets I uncover have nothing to do with the “Good Samaritan” missions Emma Wagner performs in secret for her employer but have the power to rip her world apart. From $1.99 SHOP NOW / 

New release! Vodka and flirting turn into a long, hot night. He’s determined to protect me. I'm determined to stand my ground. A few weeks of hiding out drives me crazy in more ways than one. 4.4 stars, 23 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on recent releases from History Through Fiction, an indie press focused on high quality historical fiction. Read on to learn more. 

Bonus: Sign up this month to receive news from History Through Fiction and get a chance to win a print edition of HTF's newest release, The Aziola's Cry. 

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The Aziola’s Cry: A Novel of the Shelleys by Ezra Harker Shaw

New release: May 7, 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
4.0 stars, 21 ratings on Goodreads
From $9.49

Love, tragedy, and the pursuit of literary greatness intertwine in a tumultuous journey that defies societal norms and tests the resilience of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

In the year 1814, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, a gifted teenager born into a family of literary brilliance, falls deeply in love with the youthful rebel, Percy Bysshe Shelley. Defying societal conventions, they embark on a daring escapade, accompanied by Mary's step-sister Claire, leaving behind their respective families and Percy's wife and children. However, their journey proves to be far from an idyllic romance, for it is fraught with tumultuous challenges.

In their quest for freedom and expression, Mary and Percy immerse themselves in experimental notions of free love and join forces with the enigmatic and infamous Lord Byron. Amidst these thrilling encounters and adventures, the young lovers are confronted by heart-wrenching tragedies that test their resilience and resolve.

Driven to elude the strict laws of England, which threaten to separate them from their own children, Mary and Shelley embark on a nomadic existence, wandering through the captivating landscapes of Italy while constantly evading their haunting past. As their circumstances become increasingly dire, their shared passion for writing emerges as the sole lifeline that binds them together. Through their literary endeavors, they become each other's guiding force, ultimately crafting timeless masterpieces that will etch their names into the annals of literary history.

Praise for The Aziola's Cry
"Eloquent narrative driven storytelling...truly memorable and deftly crafted." ~Midwest Book Review

"Shows us the terrible joy of life lived on the very precipice of love and art's volcano." ~Jonathan Gibbs, author of The Large Door and Randal: Or the Painted Grape

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South of Sepharad: The 1492 Jewish Expulsion from Spain by Eric Z. Weintraub

Release date: February 20, 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
4.7 stars, 28 ratings
From $9.49

Fleeing death by the Spanish Inquisition, a Jewish doctor makes an impossible choice between home and faith, then struggles to lead his family on a journey for a new life.  

GRANADA, SPAIN, 1492. Vidal ha-Rofeh is a Jewish physician devoted to his faith, his family, and his patients. When Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand conquer Granada they sign the Alhambra Decree, an edict ordering all Jews convert to Catholicism or depart Spain in three months’ time under penalty of death.

Against his wife’s belief that converting is safer than exile, Vidal insists they flee. Unwillingly leaving behind their oldest daughter with her Catholic husband, Vidal’s family joins a caravan of 200 Jews journeying to start their lives anew across the sea in Fez. On the caravan, Vidal struggles to balance his physician duties of caring for the sick while struggling to mend strained relationships with his family. At the same time, his daughter back home finds herself exposed to the Spanish Inquisition living as a converso in a Christian empire. 

Presenting readers with a painful but important part of Jewish history, South of Sepharad is a heroic, heart-breaking story of a father who holds tightly to his faith, his family, and his integrity all while confronting the grief of the past and the harsh realities of forced exile.

Praise for South of Sepharad
"An epic, historical novel which brings readers directly into the lives of 15th century Jews during their expulsion from Granada, Spain." ~John W. Jarrett, author of The Dark Prairie

"An insightful, compelling, and poignant fictional recreation of the trials of displacement and what it meant to be expelled from or forced to leave one’s home." ~Teofilo F. Ruiz, author of Spain's Centuries of Crisis: 1300 - 1474

"Weintraub personalizes history, bringing heart and humanity to Renaissance geo-politics." ~Jordan A. Rothacker, author of The Pit

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Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 by Colin Mustful

Release date: October 10, 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
4.3 stars, 24 ratings
From $9.49

Two cultures met in Minnesota—one striving to maintain its homeland and traditions, another trying to create a life of freedom, prosperity, and abundance.  

Samuel Copeland was just a teenager in 1859 when he and his family left Vermont for the promise of a new life in Minnesota. But life is harder and more dangerous than he expected. Devastated by the loss of his father at the hands of Indians and seeking to protect his brother, Samuel joins the Union army believing he’d be safe on the frontier.

WaabiskiMakwa was still a boy in 1850 when his father perished at Sandy Lake because of the negligence of U.S. government officials. Seeing his way of life crumbling around him, WaabiskiMakwa leaves his home to mourn his father and seek a new way, one that includes his lost-love, Agnes.

Seeking their own solutions, neither Waabi or Samuel could see the collision course their paths had been set upon by a world in conflict. War was in their future and it was inevitable. But when war breaks out, and their cultures collide, so do their individual paths. Though they can’t stop the war, maybe they can help each other. 

Fueled by years of mistreatment and seeing the opportunity provided by the War with the South, Dakota spokesman Little Crow and Ojibwe leader Bagone-giizhig, join forces in an effort to reclaim their Native lands. Spurred by early victories over Fort Ridgley and New Ulm, the Dakota-Ojibwe Alliance heads north to Fort Snelling, the beacon of American strength in the region. Once thought impenetrable, the fort and its small group of volunteer militia fights to hang on when a new enemy arrives from the West. 

In Reclaiming Mni Sota, the true and lasting results of history are challenged. What if the defeated became the victors? What would that mean for the world today and how would that illuminate the wrongs of the past?

Praise for Reclaiming Mni Sota
"Brings one of the most tragic events in Minnesota's history to life in this carefully researched book." ~Stephen E. Yoch, author of Becoming George Washington

"Inspires contemplation about what could have happened and what did." ~Linda Ulleseit, author of The River Remembers

"An imaginative and intriguing story of what might have happened...leaves the reader pondering race relationships today." ~Candace Simar, author of the Spur-Award winning Abercrombie Trail Series

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About the Publisher

History Through Fiction seeks to provide readers with compelling narratives that also act as valuable historical resources. HTF, though fictionalized, include important primary and secondary source materials that are disclosed to readers through a variety of traditionally nonfiction elements such as footnotes, endnotes, or a bibliography. This way, readers may enjoy a fictional narrative while also examining the historical foundation upon which that narrative is based. By combining elements of fiction and nonfiction, HTF authors provide readers with an immersive experience that is both entertaining and educational.

Learn more at HistoryThroughFiction.com. Also, be sure to sign up for HTF's newsletter and to follow History Through Fiction online:
 

Free online: Memories at the Museum. In the virtual tour of the San Diego Museum of Art, docents with the Memories at the Museum program engage people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and an accompanying family member or friend in discussions about artwork to stimulate visual and verbal abilities, and to spark memory. Tuesday, May 7, 2 - 3 PM PDT. 

"Gratitude is the heart's memory." ~French proverb

In the close-knit community of Hentsbury, Arkansas, along the fictional Mud River, racism and the local paper mill’s oppressive control over the town collide in a gripping tale set in the 1990s. Rae-Ann, owner of a convenience store and unofficial mayor of Hentsbury, finds her life turned upside down when chemicals from the mill’s runoff interrupt her romance with Vernon and claim the life of Rincon, a young black boy battling asthma. From $15.33 SHOP NOW / 

Calling all young adventurers! Engaging Tales for Bright Boys whisks you away on fantastical quests. Make brave friends, face exciting challenges, and explore mystical realms. Each story teaches valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the magic of discovery. This captivating collection is a must-have for any curious and adventurous mind. 4.8 stars, 37 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

After a mistaken identity incident at a ball, Miss Julia Harbison becomes a wallflower and plots revenge on the man responsible, Lord Rushington, by making him fall for her—only to break his heart. However, as their mutual attraction deepens, will the truth destroy their burgeoning love or lead to forgiveness? Part of the Revenge of the Wallflowers series. 4.3 stars, 16 ratings. From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Sophie just wants to get through high school without drawing attention to herself. But her plans for a normal life are shattered when an Angel reveals she's not human, but a Viator with incredible powers that she must quickly learn to use because Lucifer's General, Damian, and his army of evil Malum are after her. Don't miss this thrilling YA urban fantasy, where Demons and Angels clash, teens discover magic, and found family is everything. Book 1 in the series. 5.0 stars, 41 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

There are those who are born into loving families and then there are the less fortunate who must forge their own families through strong friendships. At a local small library in New York City, one such family was born. And just like so many capricious happenstances in life, this family unit embraced newcomers and grew exponentially. But this clan was also charged with far more than spreading love and joy and a sense of belonging. This clan was formed by divine Providence to help save the planet. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Facing adversity or trauma? Looking for guidance? Author, teacher, and dedicated mother Billie Woodruff learned to receive guidance from God and overcame extraordinary challenges and heartbreak. Now she’s here to share how you can reclaim your beautiful journey. A practical and powerful resource for anyone seeking a two-way relationship with a higher power, Woodruff’s gentle hand leads you to exactly where you need to be. Learn how to ask for and secure divinely intimate support. 4.7 stars, 53 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of David W. Thompson, author of fantasy, horror, and paranormal stories and novels that can be described as habitually dark, sometimes bloody, and always original. Read on to learn more about his writing and his background. 

★★★★★ "There is a darkness that whispers through the narrative, a sense of the tragic that is both unsettling and attractive...gripping and pulsating." ~Reader's Favorite on Sister Witch

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Sister Witch

Book 1 in the Legends of the Family Dyer series
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
4.4 stars, 111 ratings on Goodreads
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  

Moll Dyer prays she can leave her troubles behind when she immigrates to the new world, but a paranormal threat grows, and soon follows her across the ocean to Maryland.

Colonial life in the Old Line state was tough on both man and woman. Hunger, disease, Indian attacks, and drought tested the resolve of the settlers daily. But troubles for the Dyers included the threat of a succubus on a mission! Will the demonic call initiated by her family prove too much to resist as she labors to rebuild her life in a distant land?

The legend of Moll Dyer originated in earliest colonial Maryland. Despite 300 years of civilization, and scientific reason, Moll's name is still often heard there, especially around campfires late at night, or as a warning to misbehaving little people. Her spirit is often seen as a wisp of unnatural fog in the swampy woodlands near her homestead, with her half wolf companion at her side. This is her story.

Praise for Sister Witch

★★★★★ "An outlandish, brave plot, enthralling characters and an incredibly well thought out backstory that will keep the reader wanting to read for hours on end." ~Red Headed Book Lover Review

"A story that powerfully demonstrates the irresistible pull of evil and allows the reader to follow one woman's journey as she struggles to find a suitable response to her family's evil and mysterious legacy." ~Readers' Favorite

"Engaging prose with a suitably historical feel." ~TCK Review

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Call of the Falconer

Genre: Science Fiction, Mythology & Folk Tales, Dystopian Science Fiction
4.0 stars, 21 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: $5.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  

You knew this was coming. I guess we all did...

In a post-apocalyptic world, teen-aged Jeremy comes of age even as the addict Morgan tries to reclaim his lost manhood...and his forgotten humanity.

Jeremy's younger sister Alicia holds a teddy bear in her arms...and the heart of a lion beating in her chest. The monsters are real, both the human ones and the perversions of man. In the old world's rubble, an ancient legend inspires a new hero to rise, but will our intrepid trio survive until his emergence?

Call of the Falconer is a dystopian novella creating a new mythology, as the forgotten of society become its heroes.

Praise for Call of the Falconer

★★★★★ "In the tradition of Moby Dick, Ulysses, and many Stephen King stories, this first person narrator bares his soul as he shares his emotional journey." ~Readers' Favorite

"A dystopian novella for young and old alike." ~Twisted Quill Press

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'Possum Stew

Genre: Fantasy Anthologies & Short Stories, Dark Fantasy Horror
4.5 stars, 18 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: $16.99
Ebook: $6.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  

This collection of short stories begins with the New Year and follows the seasons through all the major holidays. From dark tales inspired by ancient mythology to those flavored with cutting-edge technology, these stories are impossible to forget or put down.

Brace yourself for a journey back in time to face a Native American Wendigo! Or let the creatures hidden in the dark woods stir your blood. Fairies are sweet, gentle creatures...right? Perhaps the terrors of day-to-day life are enough. (You'll find them here too.) 'Possum Stew is the sure cure to quench your thirst for dark adventure. 

Praise for 'Possum Stew

★★★★★ "A collection of spine-tingling, chilling short stories." ~Readers' Favorite

★★★★★ "Dark poignant short stories with holiday themes." ~Amazon Germany Review

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About the Author
David W. Thompson is an award-winning author, an Army veteran, and a graduate of the University of Maryland, University College. He is a member of the Horror Writers' Association, the Mystery Writers of America, and the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association. He lives in picturesque southern Maryland, blessed with nearby family and dear old friends. When he isn't writing, Dave enjoys time with his family, kayaking, fishing, hiking, archery, gardening, winemaking, and woodcarving. Learn more at dthompsonwrites.com. 

Free online: The Back Room. Join authors Ashley Elston, Michael Koryta, K.T. Nguyen, and Kaira Rouda for this virtual cocktail party. The program begins with brief introductions, a game of 20 questions, and book recommendations from the authors. Attendees are then divided into breakout rooms that will be visited by each author. Everyone’s video is turned on and their mics are open so you can chat with the authors about whatever you like. Sunday, May 5, 6 - 8 PM CDT.

"May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope." ~Emily Brontë

When forensic accountant Jane Mitchell steps into the glittering world of New York's Fashion Week, she's prepared for stunning designs, not a deadly turn of events. But when a top model collapses under mysterious circumstances, Jane is plunged into an intricate web of high-end fashion, shadowy financial transactions, and dangerous liaisons. Dive deep into a thrilling narrative where every stitch reveals a secret, and the high stakes of the fashion industry meet the high risks of crime-solving. 4.8 stars, 82 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Harriet Hastings has nowhere to turn. After losing her parents, she is penniless and alone. When a relative arranges for her to live with strangers, she must also leave her home. Edmund Derringer is on a mission to recover family heirlooms he lost to cover his debts. The last thing he needs is to be saddled with his cousin’s ward. But when outside forces threaten, Harriet and Edmund must examine what they believe about one another and their goals for the future. "An amazing story of two people struggling to make their lives better." ~Goodreads Review. 4.2 stars, 46 ratings on Goodreads. FREE - SHOP NOW /

Who says you can’t write your destiny? "Not only does she know what she wants, she knows how to get it!" ~Goodreads Review. Olivia has it all—career, beauty, but no ring. Faced with family pressure and a ticking biological clock, she hatches a plan sure to shock them all. Then comes Mr. Right Now, the enigmatic man who holds the key to her plan. In a world obsessed with finding The One, she challenges the status quo. Why wait for Mr. Right when Mr. Right Now could be the answer? "While short, it’s impactful." ~Goodreads Review. 4.5 stars, 42 ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /