Looking for some new biography and memoir books for your library? There are so many new releases this week that you’re bound to find a new favorite. You can pick up new books from Lorraine Dusky, Matthew Pratt Guteri, Abraham Riesman, and many more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!
Biographies and memoirs offer a unique opportunity to explore the human experience through the eyes of others. These books give us a glimpse into the lives of people from all walks of life, sharing their struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned. Whether you're looking for inspiration, insight, or just a good story, these new biography and memoir releases are perfect for you!
Release Date: March 6, 2023
Was I a test case to see if Facebook could actually incorporate a sixty-year-old man twenty years out of technology into the company? The thought crossed my mind.
Release Date: January 13, 2023
John Walker was a Miami undercover narcotics agent in the 1970s. Ten years later, he was in prison for smuggling 12,000 pounds of marijuana. Breaking Midnight shines a light on the gritty underbelly of the Miami drug trade. Written by John’s daughter, Lynn, this is an uncensored, up-close-and-personal true story of how a good cop goes bad.
Release Date: March 21, 2023
In this unexpected memoir, written in a creative burst of just a few months in 2022, Sam Neill tells the story of how he became one of the world’s most celebrated actors, who has worked with everyone from Meryl Streep to Isabel Adjani, from Jeff Goldblum to Sean Connery, from Steven Spielberg to Jane Campion.
Release Date: March 14, 2023
The Angel Makers is a true-crime story like no other—a 1920s midwife who may have been the century’s most prolific killer leading a murder ring of women responsible for the deaths of at least 160 men.
Release Date: March 7, 2023
A nuanced portrait of the first acting woman president, written with fresh and cinematic verve by a leading historian on women’s suffrage and power.
Release Date: February 28, 2023
“This is the story of one of the boldest women in American history: self-made millionaire, a celebrity in her era, a woman beloved by her patients and despised by the men who wanted to control them.”
Whether you're looking for a new adventure to lose yourself in or simply want to explore the boundaries of your own imagination, these books are sure to captivate and inspire you. Check out our recommendations for the best new fantasy and science fiction books to read for fans of the Imaginary Worlds podcast.
Release Date: March 1, 2023
Don't be distracted. Trust the Quest. Kill your target. Apocalypse Assassin takes the reader through an alternate world where people delve into dungeons to grow stronger, Skills bring magic to life, and the world rebuilds. All while Claire kills anyone whose name appears on her list. With magic, dungeons, and twists, you're likely to love, or love to hate, this killer teenager.
Release Date: March 15, 2023
Five years after her father's airship crashed on the surface of New Venus, Stella is consumed by the desire to uncover the truth about his failed mission. When she hears that another airship is heading down, she stows away. As she descends, Stella uncovers secrets about her father's past and the true nature of the world she lives on.
Release Date: February 28, 2023
Tom Gregory was once a powerful battlemage. Now, he’s a husband and a father, settled into a cozy suburban life. He hasn’t cast a spell in years. When an old foe returns, looking for revenge, Gregory has no choice but to tap into his arcane power again.
Release Date: March 21, 2023
Ryanne’s fae gift of foresight makes her a target for bradaís or—as her pixie companion Bricius calls them—pirates. When bradaí Titus kidnaps her, Ryanne must face the truth of her power or lose it forever.
Release Date: March 15, 2023
Dark secrets lead the Dream Rider, the agoraphobic teenage superhero, and his girlfriend, a street survivor whose voices warn of danger, to a strange world where warring cults fight for an ancient relic. To escape, the two friends must master strange new powers that grow wilder the closer they draw to the truth. Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Crystal Key, book 2 in The Dream Rider Saga.
Release Date: February 1, 2023
When a mysterious enemy threatens Lankara, spreading a deadly sickness, apprentice surgeon Brivar is attached to an embassy to the exiled Duke of Agrathon to beg his aid. But the man they have come to find is already touched by the contagion. Can Brivar prevent the man who was supposed to save a nation from becoming the thing that destroys it?
Ed Sheeran is known for his heartfelt and emotional songs that often revolve around love and relationships. If you're a fan of Ed's romantic ballads, you'll love these new romance releases. Happy Reading!
Release Date: March 8, 2023
Grandma left me the home of my dreams with one giant catch. Miles Cromwell. King of grumps. Workaholic control freak. Dangerously eligible older man. We were instant enemies the day he showed up with an offer for my land. When he cornered me with a job offer, we became far more complicated. Will his final offer claim my heart or demolish me?
Release Date: February 14, 2023
Wren's a rising freshman at UC Santa Cruz, whose summer takes an unexpected turn when she finds the man that might be her father. Luca's a junior who splits his time between California and Brazil, trying to balance his dream with the one his father has for him. Sparks fly when Wren and Luca meet on the boardwalk, but falling in love is complicated.
Release Date: March 21, 2023
From Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Winter Romance comes a binge-worthy collection of seven full-length romance novels featuring grumpy alpha-hole heroes and strong, independent women. The following standalones are included: Stone Cold, Absinthe, Trillion, Hate the Game, Whiskey Moon, The Best Man, and Enemy Dearest.
Release Date: March 16, 2023
Opposites attract in this fun, swoony, single dad romcom. A smart, sassy woman meets a rough-around-the-edges tattoo artist with a heart of gold. Daddy/daughter moments, all the banter, neighborly shenanigans, a meddling family, badass lady friendships, and a hero who’s determined to fight the heat between them—until he falls first.
Release Date: March 16, 2023
A gothic, dark academia, paranormal romance... Raised to be my father’s weapon against the Coven that took away his sister and his birthright, my duty forces me to the secret town of Crystal Hollow and the prestigious Hollow’s Grove University—where the best and brightest of my kind learn to practice their magic free from human judgment. There are no whispered words here. No condemnation for the blood that flows through my veins. The only animosity I face comes from the beautiful and infuriating Headmaster, Alaric Grayson Thorne, a man who despises me just as much as I loathe him and everything he stands for.
Release Date: March 16, 2023
I spent the night with a stranger... Who got me pregnant... And turned out to be my boss... Whoops, sorry, did I say “boss”? I meant a MOB boss.
If you're a fan of the hit crime drama "Broadchurch," you might be looking for more books to satisfy your appetite for gripping mysteries and complex characters. Luckily, there are plenty of great novels out there that offer a similar blend of mystery, suspense, and maybe even some magic thrown into the mix. Check out the new mystery and thriller releases for fans of Broadchurch!
Release Date: March 14, 2023
The Psychological Thriller Inspired by the Creation of Frankenstein. Old friends reunite to write ghost stories in the vein of Mary Shelley's iconic 1816 summer with Lord Byron & company. Laughter, creativity, and reminiscence are soon replaced with deceit, suspicion, and fear as the travelers realize their host is hiding a dark secret.
Release Date: March 21, 2023
When a treasure hunt turns deadly, undercover SIA agent Holly Day is thrust into a world of mystery and intrigue. With a cast of colorful characters, including a mobster turned murder victim, this thrilling paranormal cozy mystery will keep you guessing until the very end.
Release Date: March 20, 2023
Amy Cornwall has 5 days to save the world, 4 days to save her family... James Patterson’s most riveting thriller since The Black Book.
Release Date: March 21, 2023
Fresh off exposing the biggest security breach in the history of the FBI, Special Agent Emily Slate has come to terms with her husband’s death. But before she can enjoy some peace of mind for once, a mysterious letter arrives in her dead mother’s handwriting...
Release Date: March 9, 2023
Searching for a fresh start and a serene place to heal from both mental and physical wounds, Agent Spenser Song found herself answering the job posting for the quaint town of Sweetwater Falls...
Release Date: March 8, 2023
Before my world came crashing down, I had it all. The successful career I dreamed of. The beautiful red-brick home where I could relax in front of the fire. The handsome, devoted husband whose blue eyes and charming smile always made me feel safe. As I call time of death, my voice is steady. My colleagues stand hushed around me, their eyes on me, confused, concerned. I have never lost a patient until today. My hands tremble inside their gloves. I slide down the cold tiled walls, my heart racing in my chest. I have never hated a patient until today. But what choice did I have, once I recognized him? And what will I do to protect myself, if someone learns the truth?
What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Apocalypse Assassin (System Orphans: Claire)?
The story behind the story is that I was stuck in a tiny apartment with my girlfriend (at the time) in Toronto during COVID and I was bored out of my mind haha. We'd been stuck inside for a bit, and I would spend most of my days doing the same things: reading fantasy stories, watching tv and movies, or playing video games. At a certain point, I realized that I needed to do something different and for most of my life I'd always wanted to write one of those stories of my own. So, for a month straight, I wrote every night and pushed out what would become my first book: 'Heavy (The Weight Of It All)'. The book had issues, but it was mine, something I'd created and come up with from scratch. Even now, I can't believe I did it.
And though I loved it, the issues were quickly pointed out. I did my best to put out an amazing series with six entire books, but I couldn't shake the feeling that the first book didn't meet the quality from some of the later books in the series. And so, one day while working through a block on book 5 in my first series, I wrote the first chapter of Apocalypse Assassin. It was a taster and a distraction, but the idea stuck as I finished The Weight Of It All. And eventually, a year after writing that chapter, I came back to it.
The story I've put out is one small part of what I'd like to produce in the future, but producing Claire's story was a major achievement for me. It's a first-in-series that I'm very proud of, and I believe Claire is the most 'real' character I've ever put to paper.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Apocalypse Assassin (System Orphans: Claire), what would they be?
I envisioned Claire like an equally determined, younger, and more angsty John Wick while writing sometimes, so I'd pick some of that soundtrack for Claire. I also fell into love with Paramore again while writing Claire's story, so I feel like she'd love some Hailey Williams as her backing track.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I am a die-hard fan of LitRPG and progression fantasy stories. Generally, these are stories that use fantasy settings, but add emphasis on the main character progressing through more difficult obstacles, such as you might see in a game. They are often characterized by visible cues showing the character’s progress, such as screens or tables. I write in this genre, using minimal screens to show progression, while trying my best to focus on the characters, the setting and the plot.
In my view, LitRPG and Progression Fantasies are done best when those things are kept as the focus, without losing sight of what makes LitRPG so much fun: visible cues that show how the character is progressing through the story.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Portal to Nova Roma 2, All the Skills, Legends and Lattes, Battlemage Farmer 3, and The fortifier.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The end of the book ends with a couple large climaxes, which change the setting quite a bit. These were a lot of fun to write, and early feedback about these scenes has been amazing. I hope to some day have fan art made about each of those scenes. The scenes in question, without giving anything away: The brother trolls and fiery lightning against the bronze god.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I have a very comfortable chair that came with the house when we bought it haha. One of my favourite things to do is sit in that chair on a Saturday, put on my favourite radio station (bbc radio 1) and try to get down some words. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it's a peaceful way to live on a Saturday 🙂
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
I think I've had many in my life, but as you grow and your life changes, I've learned to not stick to any one mantra or philosophy. Ultimately, I choose to be kind.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Claire. I spent a lot of time thinking about and crafting who Claire was, and how she would be. To me, she became a real person, with thoughts, faults, emotions and desires. I enjoy the plot of my story, but I hope people learn to appreciate Claire, even if she isn't always the most pleasant!
J.J. Thorn is the author of the new book Apocalypse Assassin (System Orphans: Claire)
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The Story Behind One Bossy Offer by Nicole Snow
Just like life, all good romance books should be bursting at the seams with banter, hilarious obstacles, and heartfelt moments so intense they leave you in a fuzzy smiling haze. In my latest grumpy-sunshine romance novel, One Bossy Offer, the seams completely rip and everything spills out.
Jennifer Landers thinks she's just been handed a fresh start. Her beloved grandmother left her a cozy inn far from the big-city rat race she's used to. But before she can even stop to smell the roses with two big, lovable Dobermanns she's also inherited, in walks trouble. A rich, devilishly handsome stranger who's hellbent on buying her out for his own mysterious purposes. Chasing him off her doorstep couldn't be more awkward when the dogs yank her robe open, giving him an eyeful he'll never forget.
Miles Cromwell can't stop wondering what just hit him. Jenn Landers is too stubborn, too mouthy, and far too close to disrupting his long-sought solitude. Nothing else matters for a supergrump CEO hiding a battered heart. But Jenn isn't selling without a fight.
Until costly renovations at the inn give him the opening he needs. When a desperate Jenn signs on to work for him in exchange for a hefty payday, it should be the opening he needs.
Actually, it's an earthquake. She's not expecting the moody, demanding Miles to show any hint he has a heart bigger than a raisin—but he turns into a total softie for her dogs. He's not expecting to have his blood run molten when he sees Jenn with another man—and how can he resist storming in with a kiss that claims her soul?
But as hearts get their wires crossed, secrets come spilling out, and soon these enemies-to-lovers are forced to confront the abyss between them and Ever After. Yes, it's as emotional, heart-stabby, and beautifully unhinged as it sounds.
Don't sleep on this one if you like a spicy billionaire read with a side of serious feels. Grab One Bossy Offer while it's Free with Kindle Unlimited!
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Many Shades of Midnight?
The story explores a crisis similar to climate change, although it's very much a fantasy version, more of a zombie apocalypse than global warming. But the real story of the book is the greed and corruption that led to the crisis and that is inspired by what’s going on in our world every day. It’s an exploration of the mentality that prioritizes profits and self-interest over everything else, only in this world time really has run out and the problem is no longer one for future generations to deal with. And what then? That’s the question the characters have to answer.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Fantasy first and always, but I read lots of genres – sci-fi, historical fiction, romance, mystery/crime, and non-fiction. Give me well-drawn, interesting characters and I’ll read almost anything.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
So many! I’m currently re-reading Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond Chronicles, then after that I’m planning on reading Legacy of the Brightwash by Krystle Matar, Sordaneon by LL Stephens, The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman, The Price of Power by Michael Michel… There are lots more! My kindle is full of great books waiting for me to get to them.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Definitely the ending, though that’s a collection of scenes rather than just one. It was a really satisfying, cathartic thing to write.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Early mornings, cup of coffee, music on headphones and, most importantly, no one else around.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Life is what you make of it, so make the most of it.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
The day the blue star-violet flowered.
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Gothic Revival?
I’ve always been a fan of classic, gothic stories like Frankenstein, Dracula, Jekyll & Hyde, House of Usher, and such. Sometime last year I came across a reference to Mary Shelley and the Villa Diodati and started poking around, refreshing my memory of that fascinating story. I re-watched the mid-80s movie Gothic with Natasha Richardson and Gabriel Byrne. I remember liking it in college, but it was quite bad. I can’t say it was unwatchable, because I watched it. Twice! I also re-read Frankenstein, which held up much better.
In researching the novel, I dove into more of the genre and time period, including the collection of German stories translated into French titled Fantasmagoria. This was the book Byron read to his guests that summer, inspiring them to create their own ghost stories. My last novel is a modern-day retelling of Hamlet, so I found myself starting there. What would a retelling of this real-life event be like? Of course, Gothic Revival is not a retelling. The host character, Eric, inspires his old friends to write ghost stories, which proved to be a good set-up for my readers. I knew I could write about adults who got MFAs in Creative Writing long ago, because I’m one of them.
Do you know your plot points and twists beforehand or do they surprise you as you write?
A little of both. Knowing what I think is going to happen is a motivator for me, but that thing doesn’t always happen the way I first envision it, if at all. Gothic Revival went through several drafts that are quite different from one another. It’s interesting to look at the old versions and remember plot lines and even minor characters who didn’t make the final cut. One thing I’ve gotten good at through years of training and practice is the domino effect of plotting a story. If this happens, how does it affect that, and that, and that. An important part of the craft is choosing and designing events that work in both a micro sense, for example, a moment of surprise, and the macro sense, all the events contributing to the success of the overall story.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Gothic Revival, what would they be?
Probably old, atmospheric Peter Gabriel like "Intruder" or "No Self Control" (Obscure, I know).
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I do read thrillers, but they are often hit-or-miss for me.
Is this your first book in the thriller genre?
Sort of. Instead of being lofty or pretentious, my Hamlet retelling, which is titled Simon, is a down-to-earth revenge story in which a young man plots to kill his uncle. I know from the reviews that I was successful building suspense, despite the story being so well known. Writing that had more of a puzzle aspect to it, manipulating the plot of the original to make everything fit in a modern setting. I took some liberties which I’ve been told are clever, so that was nice. Because the protagonist in that book is nineteen, I’m told Simon is “New Adult Fiction.” The category stuff doesn’t always make sense to me, but okay.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I think perhaps the scene in which Eric, the reunion host, reveals why he brought them back together: his obsession with their group being a modern version of the famous literary one (Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, etc) that met in Geneva in 1816. Eric’s excitement and the others’ reactions were fun to craft.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Adjustment Day by Chuck Palahniuk.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
My dog Finn is always sitting with me. I swear sometimes his looks resemble those of an editor.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I think if my readers are surprised and entertained, that’s the goal. Hopefully my characters are real and engaging enough that they linger once the reading is done.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on two projects to see which will emerge as my next novel. Coincidentally, both already exist as screenplays I wrote years ago when I thought that’s what I’d be doing professionally. The process of turning a screenplay into a novel has been fun and interesting, the opposite of what we usually think of as an adaptation. What I have are skeletons of sorts onto which I can build out and explore. I feel one of the stories would be a nice follow-up to Gothic Revival because it’s inspired by another iconic tale from that era: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. My story is a next generation sequel of sorts. The other is a modern-day thriller in which a poor, impulsive decision made by a group of friends attracts the attention of a serial killer the media is obsessed with.
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Facebook’s Oldest Intern?
I thought, what a perfect time to write my story with so many people over 45 or even over 40 years old looking to reinvent themselves. Maybe they want to change careers but think they are too old. My story is how I reinvented myself. Think about it. What were the odds of a 60-year-old fitness trainer reinventing himself with the most unlikely of companies? Facebook. I know it's called meta now, but I hate that name.
I sent out tons of resumes, networked, did what you were supposed to do, and nothing. Just crickets. I could have given up and believe me, I was close, but I kept pushing and as my mother always said, “it only takes one”. I am hoping my story gives people that are of a certain age the inspiration and hope that it can be done. It’s not easy, but if you keep trying something good will happen.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Facebook’s Oldest Intern , what would they be?
For me it's all about the character ROCKY BALBOA. He never, ever gave up. The theme from ROCKY and "Eye of the Tiger". And I need to throw in "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey as well.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite books are action/thrillers such as Lee Childs's Jack Reacher books and Brad Thor's Scot Harvath books. The thing is, I am not a writer. I am a believer in fate and felt I got accepted to Facebook for a reason. To help and inspire people. After being impacted by the layoffs and being at facebook for almost 2 years it was time to tell the story and give people hope.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Another Lee Child book. I am on to his 4th book!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene has to be chapter 1. “Finding something to do in bed”. Because without my wife’s nagging, I wouldn’t have a story to write.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
No. I just wrote in a journal every week of what I did at Facebook.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
My mom always had these sayings and I remember them to this day and they make so much sense. "It only takes one", "Nothing ventured noting gained", and "If you don’t ask you will never know" (I think that one was dating advice… if you don’t ask the girl out you will never know if she would say yes or no…But, I also had three older sisters, so plenty of dating advice...)
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
You are never too old to change. It's not easy, but it can happen.
Howard Waldstreicher is the author of the new book Facebook’s Oldest Intern - How a 60-year-old fitness trainer reinvented himself with the most unlikely of companies
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