Books from Netherlands

Raven has always secretly loved Ares Windsor, the man destined to marry her older sister, Hannah, as part of their family's high-society marriage arrangements. When Hannah vanishes on her wedding day, Raven is forced to step in and marry Ares herself. Now bound to the man she adores, Raven must navigate a life where her feelings are unreciprocated, all while hoping to finally win his heart.

• marriage of convenience
• slow burn
• forbidden love

Rutger Bregman's "Humankind" challenges the idea that people are inherently selfish. He presents a compelling case for our innate goodness, suggesting that a more optimistic view of humanity can lead to positive societal change. This book offers fresh perspectives on how we can build a better world by understanding our true nature.

Rutger Bregman makes a bold case for utopian thinking in 'Utopia for Realists.' He revisits radical ideas like a universal basic income and a shorter workweek, arguing that we can build a better future by moving past conventional political thought. This book encourages a fresh look at what societal progress is truly achievable.

Billionaire Dion Windsor and pianist Faye have been engaged since childhood, but a 10-year age gap and Dion's hidden guilt over his parents' death kept him away for years. Forced to return for the wedding he can no longer avoid, Dion discovers Faye has a boyfriend and a hidden life. As he falls for the woman she truly is, he must decide if he can keep her in a marriage she never wanted, especially when all she desires is freedom.

• marriage of convenience
• second chance
• slow burn
• forced proximity

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Clarissa Wild brings you TWENTY-ONE (21), a new Dark Romance, which is a stand alone without cliffhanger. 21 years On her 21st birthday she’s taken. Collected by a rich family as an unpaid debt. Her body sold. Her mind his. 21 weeks For 21 weeks she carried a burden no girl should ever have to carry. Now she loses her freedom to a man born to destroy her. 21 days His name: Angel DeLuca. His mission: To break her in 21 days before she sees through his lies. But she won’t give up without a fight. 21 minutes It takes only 21 minutes for their lives to be forever entwined. 21 seconds 21 seconds to spill. Time is running out. Secrets ruin them … but not all truths are worth the price. This is a STANDALONE Dark Romance novel. WARNING: contains explicit situations, graphic violence, and other disturbing content some readers may find offensive.

'De avond is ongemak' is het schrijnende verhaal van een religieus boerengezin dat wordt getroffen door de dood van een kind. Matthies komt op een dag niet meer terug van het schaatsen en laat zijn zusje Jas in totale verwarring achter. Door de ogen van de dertienjarige Jas zien we hoe de familieleden elk op hun eigen manier omgaan met het verlies. Vader en moeder zijn volledig verlamd door verdriet en zien niet hoe Jas en haar zusje Hanna en haar broer Obbe ondertussen langzaam ontsporen. Onder leiding van Obbe ondernemen ze morbide experimenten met dieren en Hanna en Jas dromen hartstochtelijk van een Redder, een man als Boudewijn de Groot, een man die hen mee kan nemen naar de Overkant en hen in kan wijden in de geheimen van hun seksualiteit. Marieke Lucas Rijneveld (1991) geldt als een van de grootste talenten van de Nederlandse letteren. In 2015 debuteerde ze met de meermaals herdrukte dichtbundel 'Kalfsvlies', die werd bekroond met de C. Buddingh' Prijs voor het beste poëziedebuut.

A young girl grapples with the sudden death of her older brother, retreating into a world of her own making. As she navigates her family's grief and the unsettling changes around her, her imagination blurs the lines between reality and a disturbing fantasy. This story delves into the psychological impact of loss and the dark corners of childhood innocence.

• unreliable narrator

Explore the enduring legacy of Erasmus, the most celebrated thinker and polemicist of the early modern era, whose ideas on tolerance, education, and anti-nationalism resonate powerfully today. This comprehensive volume presents his seminal work, 'In Praise of Folly,' alongside selections from his 'Adages,' 'Colloquies,' and personal letters. Discover the daily life, friendships, and intellectual battles of this influential humanist through an expertly curated collection.

• epistolary

This book explores the long-held belief that your birthday influences your personality and how you interact with others. It details characteristics associated with being born on specific days and months, offering insights into individual traits. The book aims to help readers understand themselves and their relationships through the lens of birthdate astrology.

Lauren instantly recognizes Joel Rockwell upon meeting him in Indonesia, despite never having seen him before. She feels an inexplicable, strong connection to him, as if they've known each other forever. However, Joel is engaged to another woman, leaving Lauren to question the meaning of these powerful bonds and the possibility of a future together.

• forbidden love

This book explores the origins and evolution of wargames, from ancient combat simulations to modern computer games. It examines who played them, why, and how their development mirrors changes in real-life warfare. The text considers which aspects of war these games capture or omit, and what they reveal about human nature and the conduct of war throughout history.

This collection brings together a diverse array of mystery stories, each presenting a unique puzzle for the reader to solve. From classic locked-room scenarios to intriguing character-driven plots, these tales explore the darker side of human nature and the art of deduction. Prepare to be challenged by cunning criminals and brilliant detectives in this curated selection of short mysteries.

• locked room
• multiple povs

Explore the fascinating world of ethnic detectives in this collection of seventeen unique stories. The anthology delves into what defines an ethnic sleuth, where their heritage often plays a crucial role in solving crimes and navigating complex issues of identity and belonging. These tales offer a diverse look at characters whose backgrounds shape their perspectives and adventures.

• multiple povs
• quest

This collection features short stories from a diverse group of female authors, exploring themes of identity, society, and the future. Each piece offers a unique perspective, showcasing a range of styles and voices. It's a look at contemporary issues through a speculative lens.

• multiple povs

Explore the grim realities and strategic challenges of future warfare in this tenth volume of the acclaimed anthology series. Leading authors present a collection of stories that delve into the evolution of combat, technology, and the human element on the battlefield. Prepare for a stark look at the conflicts yet to come.

• multiple povs

Gloria Wekker examines 'mati work,' a long-standing practice among Afro-Surinamese working-class women who choose alternative family structures over traditional marriage, often with both male and female sexual partners. Wekker provides a detailed look into the lives of these women, exploring their unique sexuality beyond conventional categories. This analysis offers new insights into Caribbean women's experiences, transnational LGBTQ+ movements, and an Afro-Surinamese tradition that questions Western ideas of marriage, gender, and desire.

• found family