Today's Featured Books

An arranged marriage, age-gap, mafia/cartel romance. The Roríguez Cartel and the Luciano Famiglia are improbable partners, yet even Vincent Luciano can’t deny the possible benefits. The only way to solidify the deal is for me to marry Catalina Ruiz, the eldest daughter of Andres Ruiz, a top lieutenant in the Roríguez Cartel. Catalina is young, beautiful, and thinks she understands the path she is being forced to follow. There is no way for her to know the monster she is about to wed. Book 1 of the Brutal Vows series. 4.4 stars, 1250+ ratings on Goodreads. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

How do you truly stand out? Frustrated by vague advice and lacking practical guidance, Louis Grenier set out to find the answer himself. Drawing from 15 years of experience in marketing, running a podcast with more than 2 million downloads, and three years of refining insights from top experts, this book is the no-nonsense guide he wishes he had when starting out. Packed with actionable strategies that actually work. 4.9 stars, 32 ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Born in 1749 in the mountains of Gevaudan, the last of a long lineage of witches, Eve is an almost ordinary peasant girl, except for the fact her birth name was Paul. She grew up in a land of magic and mystery with the love of her mother, but as an adult, she must face the scorn of a society that does not accept her nor any woman seeking independence. Accused of witchcraft, she finds refuge with Nicolas, a mysterious count who has terrorized the villagers for years as the Beast of Gevaudana, and whose love for Eve is laced with cruelty. But that is only the beginning for Eve, who awakens as a vampire with unique abilities. From $5.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

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

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

Read on to learn more!

Flirting With Extinction

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

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

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

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

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

The Moon Shall Not Give Her Light

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

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

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

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

Listen to Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free online: An Evening with Amy Tan. Best known for her iconic novel The Joy Luck Club, Amy will share insights from her latest work, Backyard Birding Chronicles, a heartfelt exploration of her connection to nature through birdwatching. Through this intimate look at her own backyard, Amy’s book highlights the profound impact that everyday interactions with the natural world can have on our lives. This event is several weeks away, but it's sure to sell out, so reserve your spot now! February 25, 7 PM PST. 

"In the quiet mornings, the birds' songs are a symphony, a reminder of life's simple, enduring beauty." ~Amy Tan, Backyard Birding Chronicles

Humanity is locked in a brutal war with an alien race, but for Ranger Tomi Ryan, her secret pregnancy poses a personal battle of its own. While leading a daring mission to infiltrate a pirate stronghold, Tomi and her team uncover a betrayal that threatens the Federation's survival. As they face deadly enemies and the looming Brood War, Tomi must rely on her training and resilience to protect her comrades—and the future growing within her. 4.6 stars, 22 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Tired of eating wilted tasteless grocery store veggies? Afraid that you don't have what it takes to grow your own food? Companion planting will wipe away your fears and empower you to grow bountiful harvests. In just three weeks, you can have fresh, juicy veggies from your garden to the table even if you never planted a seed before. Maximize your backyard, balcony, or patio space with snazzy clever companion planting methods. Healthy veggies are just a planting season away, and a sustainable, budget-friendly lifestyle awaits you. 5.0 stars, 10 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Veteran CIA operative Titus Ray flees Tehran with the help of Iranian Christians, sparking a journey of faith and danger as he seeks refuge in the United States. Targeted by a Hezbollah assassin, Titus grapples with his past failures, newfound beliefs, and the possibility of betrayal from those he meets, including a captivating detective. As he uncovers layers of intrigue, he must confront a question: can a man trained to deceive truly embrace a life of faith? Book 1 of the Titus Ray Thrillers. 4.6 stars, 2600+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

On a quiet island shrouded in secrets, Policewoman Christine Lane is determined to prove herself after a humiliating transfer. When a resident is killed during a violent protest, Christine defies orders and secretly investigates, uncovering dark local secrets. As danger closes in, she must unmask the killer before both her career and her life are cut short. Book 1 in the Christine Lane Mystery Series. 4.2 stars, 860+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

When Pinky’s devoted husband dies on his eightieth birthday, she is left heartbroken and turns to her nephew, Paul, for support, unaware of his hidden motives fueled by a long-standing family feud. As Paul’s greed spirals out of control, dragging them from the streets of Bradford, UK, to India and Nepal, he is forced to confront the consequences of his deceit. Can he break free from his own web of lies and find redemption, or will his greed lead to ruin? From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

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

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

Tsunami of Greed

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Whispers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to see more of the world this weekend? Visit the Cinque Terra, the Sahara Desert, the Antartic, Manhattan, the Great Pyramids, and more via AirPano.com. 

"Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving." ~Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

Imagine having a hidden ability encoded in your DNA, just waiting to be unlocked. Fast forward three hundred years, and scientists have discovered how to unleash these latent powers within us. Such a profound transformation would undoubtedly usher in a new era of extraordinary capabilities and unprecedented advancements. The world as we know it would be forever changed, with individuals harnessing their newfound strengths to reshape society and redefine what it means to be human. From $1.99 - SHOP NOW / 

The Empire knows what Minna and Alyn Hunter are capable of and won't rest until they are dead. As the daughters of the greatest seer who ever lived, they know their mother saw a path to defeating the Empire. But their mother was struck down before telling anyone her plan, leaving them to find the way forward alone. And they are in more danger than they know. Witches more powerful than the one who killed Ragan are tracking them. "An exhilarating journey into a world of magic, danger, and sisterhood." ~Readers' Favorite. From $5.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

A gripping tale of grief, survival, and the supernatural set in the eerie Appalachian wilderness. Seeking solace from heartbreak, Emily ventures into the forest despite warnings of its dark legends, only to uncover chilling truths that blur the line between her past and the forest's sinister secrets. Perfect for fans of atmospheric horror and psychological thrillers, this novel weaves raw emotion with haunting suspense to keep readers hooked until the end. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

The complete 9-book sci-fi adventure! Gareth Weston feels old. After retiring from a lifetime as a soldier, he expected peace and quiet on Earth, but fate has other plans. When a mysterious force invades, obliterating cities, Gareth must confront his battered body and fight to survive. With a rogue doctor as his only ally, escape becomes his only hope. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

New release! Danger. Corruption. Passion. When an explosion unearths human remains—and almost lands them in the morgue—historical preservationist Samantha Jordon and San Antonio police detective Nick Ballard reluctantly team up to investigate. Deadly Secrets Texas Trilogy - Book 3. A standalone, enemies-to-lovers, romantic suspense novel. 4.5 stars, 20 ratings. $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

What happens when a rugby star loses his knees and his mind? How far can mania take you before you're forced to face the truth? Tyler Kania takes readers on a raw, unfiltered journey through his experience with undiagnosed Bipolar I Disorder. Tyler's story is both brutally honest and often darkly humorous. Living with Bipolar I Disorder and two rare rugby injuries, he brings a unique perspective on mental health, resilience, and self-discovery. 5.0 stars, 17 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

They say opposites attract, but they didn’t warn me about the whiplash. As the sunshine to Butch Hastings' storm cloud, our May-December romance raised eyebrows in Willow Creek. And now, as newlyweds, we face even bigger challenges—Dad's illness and ranch troubles. When tragedy deepens Butch’s grief and pushes me away, I refuse to let go. I’m all in, determined to show him that our love can weather any storm. 4.4 stars, 77 ratings. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW / 

When Eliana and her alcoholic dad ran away from their home, they weren’t intending to ever return. Years later, Eliana not only graduated from the way-out-of-budget Harvard, she became a successful lawyer. When she receives the sad news of her father’s death, she can’t help but feel a slight sense of relief...she can finally stop living in fear and come out of hiding—until her hot biker ex shows up at the funeral and takes her for the debt that her father owed. 4.1 stars, 970+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

The true story of a young single mother whose life is upended by a debilitating condition. She struggles to raise her son as they navigate medical madness. Her greatest fear is that her hardship will destroy her son’s future. The invaluable life lessons from her journey offer insight and guidance to help protect the futures of all children from being quashed. "Moving memoir that chronicles the resilience of a young, single mother." ~Amazon Review. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

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

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

Rampart

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

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

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

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

Free online: Author Talk with Anika Hussain. Join the New York Public Library online for a discussion with Anika Hussain about her YA romance novel, This Is How You Fall in Love. Perfect for young readers ages 13 - 18. Friday, January 24, 3 - 4 PM ET. 

"You don’t have to understand things for them to be.” ~Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time

The chill of my own grave clings to me as I awaken, suspended in a liminal space between life and death, my past a fragmented mystery. A cryptic raven and an enigmatic angel guide me through perilous dreams, but their secrets cast shadows of doubt over my path. With malevolent darkness closing in, I must descend deeper into the labyrinth of my soul to reclaim my life and unlock the dormant magic within. But as the lines between reality and illusion blur, one haunting question remains: is it already too late, or am I merely dreaming the endless night of the dead? From $0.99 - SHOP NOW /