This week’s five indie favorites bring together fierce heroines, fiery passions, and fast-paced thrills. From spy games and small-town sparks to shipboard shenanigans and historical heat, these standout reads offer something for every kind of fiction lover. Whether you’re craving danger, desire, or a dose of dry wit, this lineup is ready to deliver.
Flirting With Trouble by Melissa Foster
She planned to grieve quietly—he had other plans. When Victoria Braden lets loose on the anniversary of her husband’s death, she doesn’t expect to end the night in the arms of Silver Island’s most notorious playboy, Wells Silver. But forgetting him proves harder than she imagined, especially when the charming rule-breaker keeps showing up with that infuriating smile. Set against the sun-kissed shores of Silver Island, Flirting With Trouble delivers a steamy, emotional opposites-attract romance. Perfect for fans of age-gap tension, unexpected passion, and heroes who fall first—and hard.
What Readers Are Saying: “This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, heartwarming, steamy and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.” – RobinD, B&N Reviewer
Ghosts of Hiroshima by Charles Pellegrino
From bestselling author Charles Pellegrino comes a haunting and urgent work of nonfiction, soon to be a major motion picture directed by James Cameron. Ghosts of Hiroshima follows the harrowing true story of Tsutomu Yamaguchi—the man who survived both atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki—and countless others whose lives were forever altered in the blink of an impossible flash. Through forensic research and survivor interviews, Pellegrino reveals not only the devastating physical toll, but the long-term emotional and generational scars left behind. This is a story of unimaginable loss, quiet resilience, and a warning humanity cannot afford to forget. Deeply moving and unforgettable, it’s a powerful account of the moment the world changed forever.
What people are saying: “Not since Titanic have I found a powerful, heartbreaking, and inspiring real-life story as found in Ghosts of Hiroshima by Charles Pellegrino. This is an amazing book and a film I am excited to direct.”— James Cameron
The Governess and the Rogue by Mimi Matthews
A Penniless Victorian governess finds herself caught in a fake engagement with a charming rogue aboard a ship bound for England. Stranded and nearly out of options, Beatrice Layton accepts the unexpected protection of Colonel Jack Beresford. He’s a wounded soldier whose solution to her troubles is an improvised betrothal. What starts as a temporary arrangement quickly deepens as sparks fly and feelings grow, even after the ship docks. But meddling families and high society pressures threaten to unravel their fragile connection. Above all, this is a perfect mix of wit, warmth, and slow-burn chemistry. It is a must-read for historical romance fans!
What people are saying: “Thank you, Mimi Matthews, for gifting us with such a rich world, one that entertains, moves, and makes us think about the world around us.” – bookish.helen, B&N Reviewer
Asset Nine by Jack Mars
In this pulse-pounding installment of the bestselling Lara King series, CIA agent and lethal operative Lara races through Mali and Washington to stop a global disaster in the making. First, what begins as a mission to track down insurgents quickly escalates into a deadly conspiracy that could change the world. With explosive secrets at stake, Lara must navigate betrayal, political intrigue, and the ghosts of her past. As the truth about her parents’ mysterious deaths resurfaces, her loyalty to the agency is pushed to the breaking point. Gritty, high-stakes, and utterly addictive, Asset Nine cements Lara King as a spy thriller heroine to watch.
What people are saying: “One of the best thrillers I have read this year. The plot is intelligent and will keep you hooked from the beginning.” – Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos
Against the Grain by Lainey Davis
Rule-following inspector Adam has spent his life clinging to structure—until wild, rule-breaking Eila Storm barrels into his world with dreams of turning a vacant lot into an urban farm. She’s chaos in a crop top, and everything about her electrifies his carefully calibrated life. But when Adam discovers she skipped the permits, he faces a choice between enforcing the law or protecting her vision. Sparks fly as opposites clash, and Adam realizes the biggest risk may be rewriting his own rules for love. Overall, Against the Grain kicks off a witty, steamy rom-com series about finding connection in the unlikeliest places.
What people are saying: “This was a fun read that had me entertained from the beginning. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I would definitely recommend this book.” – HHBOOKLOVER, B&N Reviewer
