He can paint happy dreamy landscapes in 30 minutes or less -- guaranteed! -- but can he convince his broody teenaged son that the real world is anything other than a cruddy, joyless hellhole? Inspired by (but not depicting) the great Bob Ross. Because every happy little tree needs a friend, and everyone needs to remember there are beautiful places even in a busy world.The Dark Knight assembles the mightiest heroes of the DC universe to fend off the greatest threat the Earth has ever faced.

Work at a funeral home can be mundane. Until you accidentally start bringing the dead back to life. Cassie Black works at a funeral home. She's used to all manner of dead bodies. What she's not used to is them waking up. Which they seem to be doing on a disturbingly regular basis lately. Just when Cassie believes she has the problem under control, the recently-deceased Busby Tenpenny insists he's been murdered and claims Cassie might be responsible thanks to a wicked brand of magic she's been exposed to. The only way for Cassie to get her life back to normal is to tame her magic and uncover Mr. Tenpenny's true killer. Simple right? Of course not. Because while Cassie works on getting her newly-acquired magic sorted, she's blowing up kitchens, angering an entire magical community, and discovering her past is more closely tied to Busby Tenpenny than she could have ever imagined. If you like urban fantasy with snarky humor,...

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better. Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all. Half reaper, half vampire Kora Dupree has made big changes in her life. She's on good terms with her previously estranged father and taken on all kinds of adult responsibilities. But when an opportunity to find out the truth about her late mother comes along, she can't resist pursuing it. Even when it means returning to her somewhat dubious ways. Vampire Greyson Garrett knows the bad but beautiful Kora is up to something. He's wise to her games. After all, her father has hired Greyson numerous times to save Kora from all the sticky situations she's gotten herself into. If she were just...better behaved he...

Paris, 1890. When Sherlock Holmes finds himself chasing an art dealer through the streets of Paris, he's certain he's smoked out one of the principals of a cunning forgery ring responsible for the theft of some of the Louvre's greatest masterpieces. But for once, Holmes is dead wrong. He doesn't know that the dealer, Theo Van Gogh, is rushing to the side of his brother, who lies dying of a gunshot wound in Auvers. He doesn't know that the dealer's brother is a penniless misfit artist named Vincent, known to few and mourned by even fewer. Officialdom pronounces the death a suicide, but a few minutes at the scene convinces Holmes it was murder. And he's bulldog-determined to discover why a penniless painter who harmed no one had to be killed–and who killed him. Who could profit from Vincent's death? How is the murder entwined with his own forgery investigation? Holmes must retrace the last months of Vincent's life, testing his mettle against men like...

The last thing she planned to steal was his heart. When Pandora Bramble steps aboard the Company's premiere airship Daedalus it's not for the exclusive VIP tour. It's to secure proof that the Company stole the regulator valve her father designed—even if it means tearing the engine apart. Foiled by the unexpected appearance of a handsome crew member, she despairs of ever getting another chance—until he kisses her. Captain Theolonius Hatch, sentenced to engine room duty for refusing to take part in the Company's fleet week activities, never dreamed a woman like Pandora existed. Her brains match her beauty, a combination that adds up to more trouble than he ever expected. As Pandora allows Theolonius to sweep her into a whirlwind courtship, her wildest dreams come true. As do her greatest fears, leaving her to decide what matters most. Loyalty? Or love? The clock is ticking...

Gothic fantasy meets vampire fiction in this debut novel from Kristen Painter - full of politics, intrigue, and blood. Born into a life of secrets and service, Chrysabelle's body bears the telltale marks of a comarré -- a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility. When her patron is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, which sends her running into the mortal world...and into the arms of Malkolm, an outcast vampire cursed to kill every being from whom he drinks. Now, Chrysabelle and Malkolm must work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. If they fail, a chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen will threaten to reign. **

#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson adds to his Cosmere universe shared by Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive with a new standalone novel especially for fans of Asian pop culture. Illustrated by Aliya Chen. Yumi comes from a land of gardens, meditation, and spirits, while Painter lives in a world of darkness, technology, and nightmares. When their lives suddenly become intertwined in strange ways, can they put aside their differences and work together to uncover the mysteries of their situation and save each other's communities from certain disaster? Note from Brandon:For years I've wanted to write a fantasy novel focused on people working in jobs that are normal to them, but fantastical to us as readers. Added to that, my wife has encouraged me to feature more romance in my stories. When I threw two people together whose jobs seem fantastical to each other, the tale of Yumi and the Nightmare...

When 49-year-old Belladonna Barrone's mobbed up husband does her the favor of dying in a car accident, she thinks she's finally free of the crime family she unwittingly married into. Then the boss tells her that she has to complete her husband's last job before that freedom is truly hers. No big deal, she figures. Until things go south in ways she never imagined. Suddenly she's thrust into a whole new world that makes the mob look like kindergarten. Vampires and werewolves are real? How is that freaking possible? Her dreams of a new life disappear faster than wine at book club as more problems arise from her husband's dark dealings and the unbelievable complications caused by her supernatural entanglements. Only her strength and determination (and some wild new friends) will see her through this next chapter, but the odds are against her. How much more can her life suck? She's about to find out...

Shadowvale isn't your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse. Werewolf Virginia "Ginny" French's curse means no one can remember her. Not even for as long as it takes to ring up her groceries or make her favorite iced coffee. And being that forgettable has turned her life into an incredibly lonely existence. So much so, she's thinking about doing something really wild just to entertain herself. Werewolf Ezekiel "Easy" Grayle loved his life until he got struck by lightning and lost control of his shifting abilities. It's led to some uncomfortable situations – and the decision to move to a town where the unpredictable is acceptable. He didn't realize just how acceptable until he catches his hot but maybe-crazy neighbor sneaking out of his pool in a barely-there bikini. He's too busy unpacking to pursue her, but when she comes knocking, all bets are...

An extraordinary story of passion, art, and intrigue, this novel journeys to a time and place in Italy where desire reigns supreme—and salvation is found in the strangest of places.Beauty can be a gift—or a wicked temptation.So it is for Filippo Lippi, growing up in Renaissance Florence. He has a talent—not only can he see the beauty in everything, he can capture it, paint it. But while beauty can seduce you and art can transport you—it cannot always feed you or protect you.To survive, Pippo Lippi, orphan, street urchin, budding rogue, must first become Fra Filippo Lippi: Carmelite friar, man of God. His life will take him down two paths at once. He will become a gambler, a forger, a seducer of nuns; and at the same time he will be the greatest painter of his time, the teacher of Botticelli and the confidante of the Medicis.So who is he really—lover, believer, father, teacher, artist? Is anything true except the paintings?

A girl with an impossible life. A lapsed demon hunter. A secret that could destroy them both. Edinburgh student, Rose MacLeod, has been losing time for as long as she can remember. Days and weeks disappear, leaving terrifying gaps in her memory. Now she is seeing horrifying visions; waking nightmares of violence and death. Around the world young women like her are being killed and Rose has a ringside seat. Mal Fergusson was raised to hunt demons in the cities and mountains of Scotland. With his father dead and his brother in a coma, he no longer believes in the grand battle between good and evil. Instead, he scrapes a living as an investigator and occasional hitman for the supernatural Mafia of Edinburgh and tells himself that as long as he doesn't kill humans, he isn't truly lost. Tensions are rising in Scotland's capital and Mal must capture Rose to keep his demonic boss sweet – but is he really willing to harm an innocent to...

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better. Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all. Sunday Wells comes from a long line of powerful witches, but that doesn't explain why she's plagued by dark shadows everywhere she looks. It's not a great way to live, especially for a preschool teacher with young impressionable minds to watch over. Desperate to get control of her questionable powers, she gets help from the only reliable source she can think of. Her very powerful great aunt, Alice Bishop. But what Sunni finds out about herself will change everything. Vampire Lorenzo Robillard has dedicated his life to rescuing kidnapped children. It's dangerous work with high stakes, and Ren ends up with a lot of enemies. Like the...

​Destiny isn't given by the gods, it's made by defying them."This book is highly entertaining...""I'm loving this story!...a unique and imaginative work..""...a satisfying mix of fantasy and history.""Highly recommended...""So much political intrigue, betrayal and backstabbing that I just HAD to keep on reading."Sofia Domna has her future planned. She will follow in her father's footsteps and lead the Temple of Apollo. She'll marry her childhood love, Papinias. She'll have respect, status, and power.But when her father bitterly forces her betrothal to a stranger and orders her from the life she's always known, Sofia is thrown into a new world where any wrong move could mean her demise.Thrown into a world of full of political turmoil, violent ambition, and dangerous temptation, Sofia discovers her only chance of survival is to stay one step...

Princess Jayne Frost and Prince Consort Sinclair Crowe have been called back to Nocturne Falls for Christmas so that Jayne can help out at the short-staffed Santa's Workshop. Being back means seeing some old friends, but also finding new trouble that Jayne just can't stop thinking about. Are the random break-ins really someone trying to ruin Christmas? Because as Santa Claus's niece, that feels personal to her. But when the real reason for the break-ins gets unwrapped, Jayne decides to do everything in her power to put an end to the problem. Too bad it might also mean the end of her.

In this riotous young adult romp for fans of Recommended for You and A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, a teen girl has the worst Valentine's Day ever—only to relive it over and over again. After living through a dumpster fire of a Valentine's Day, Emilie Hornby escapes to her grandmother's house for some comfort and a consolation pint of Ben & Jerry's. She passes out on the couch, but when she wakes up, she's back home in her own bed—and it's Valentine's Day all over again. And the next day? Another nightmare V-Day. Emilie is stuck in some sort of time loop nightmare that she can't wake up from as she re-watches her boyfriend, Josh, cheat on her day after day. In addition to Josh's recurring infidelity, Emilie can't get away from the enigmatic Nick, who she keeps running into—sometimes literally—in unfortunate ways. How many days can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something...

Vampire governor of New Jersey, Belladonna Barrone has just gotten an epic offer from an unexpected visitor, but it's not something she's ready to respond to without serious thought. Besides, she already has a lot on her plate. The recent death of a high-ranking vampire means she and her crew of staff and friends are headed off to the funeral in the middle of the country. But travel can be tricky when it comes to moving vampires. The solution? Rent some luxury motorcoaches and prepare for a road trip that will be unlike any other. For one thing, the trip includes a stop off to meet the parents of her daughter's boyfriend. Something Donna isn't particularly looking forward to. After all, they're upstanding citizens and she's, well, the soon-to-be former wife of a mobster currently awaiting trial. For another, the dark shadow of serious allegations hangs over Donna and her human assistant, Pierce. Allegations made by her arch nemesis, Governor Fitzhugh, that will require...

There's nothing like an evil wizard to ruin a perfectly good trip to London. Ever have one of those weeks? You've taken an overdose of magic, you've just melted a twelve-year old girl, and Magic HQ has sent a letter "requesting" you come by to discuss your magic control issues. No? Just me then? I don't want to go. After all, I've got a boss in a wheelchair (my fault), a zombie cat who demands his treats on schedule, and a strong desire not to get involved in another magical community. But when someone slips me information tying my parents' disappearance to HQ, I can't pack my bags quickly enough. I'm soon destroying historical displays, befriending befuddled ghosts, and focusing more on uncovering the truth about my past than on learning how to rein in my magic. Which, given HQ has a test for me that if I fail... Well, best not to think about that. This second book of the Cassie Black Trilogy squeezes you through a magic portal, lodges you in a hidden spot of the Tower of London, and plunges you into a tale of mysterious mishaps, peculiar ravens, and TV-binging trolls. If you like contemporary fantasy with unforgettable characters, snarky humor, and a touch of paranormal mystery -- or if you've ever wondered what those garden gnomes are really up to -- you'll find it hard to pry yourself away from The Uncanny Raven Winston. What readers are saying about the trilogy so far... * Wow and wow again! I absolutely loved this book! You get such a feel for the characters and the story is so fast paced you don't want to put it down. * ...a clever, hilarious romp through a new magical universe... * ...suffused with dark humor and witty dialogue...a fun read for anyone who enjoys fast-paced, somewhat snarky, somewhat twisted, fantasy adventures. * I was unable to put this down when I started reading it. The author combines humour with a fast paced murder mystery all packed into a funeral home. **

Meet Lydia Crow... Lydia has always known she has no power, especially next to her infamous and more-than-slightly dodgy family. Which is why she carved her own life as a private investigator far away from London. When a professional snafu forces her home, the head of the family calls in a favour, and Lydia finds herself investigating the disappearance of her cousin, Maddie. Soon, Lydia is neck-deep in problems: her new flatmate is a homicidal ghost, the intriguing, but forbidden, DCI Fleet is acting in a distinctly unprofessional manner, and tensions between the old magical families are rising. The Crows used to rule the roost and rumours claim they are still the strongest. The Silvers have a facility for lying and they run the finest law firm in London. The Pearl family were costermongers and everybody knows that a Pearlie can sell feathers to a bird. The Fox family... Well. The less said about the Fox family...

Dragons, dwarves, and iguanas. The perfect recipe for murderous mayhem. Like any traveling show, Zin's Circus of Unusual Creatures has hair-raising acts and fried food on sticks. But it's also got an aura-spotting centaur, a chain-smoking unicorn, and an omelet-addicted dragon. Oh, and far too many dead bodies in the big top. When his circus arrives in Salem, the satyr Zin has his hooves crossed that all will go off without a hitch. Finances are tight, but when the vivacious Ella Penn shows up looking for work, well, you can't say no to vivaciousness, can you? Ella quickly puts up the hackles of the Dumble Dwarves, the Flying Flynns, and even the peace-loving centaur Flora. So when Ella's pet iguana turns up dead, it's assumed the murder was an act of revenge. Eager to try his claws at investigating again, Duncan, self-appointed detecting dragon, is on the case faster than you can say...

Mysterious, magical, and a little bit deadly... Welcome to Unholy Island. Luke Taylor was searching for his missing twin brother when he discovered a new purpose on a magical tidal island. Living in a quirky bookshop is a dream come true - he just didn't expect it to be so damn dangerous. Running a business on a tiny island was always going to bring challenges, but Luke didn't bargain on strange customers, hexed books, or a sentient shop that seems to have its own ideas about how things ought to be done. Not to mention his deepening feelings for the island's resident witch... Esme Gray became the island's Ward Witch seven years ago and has built a life of safety and quiet for herself. A balm for her abusive past. Her feelings for the new Book Keeper have disturbed those calm waters, and when his life is threatened, she doesn't hesitate to dive in to help. But is she strong enough to pull them both out alive?...

'I loved it. Cunnell's writing has an unforgettable visual and moral clarity' – Melissa Harrison, author of All Among the Barley'His finest and most important work to date' – Cathi Unsworth, author of WeirdoThe painter Terry Godden was on the brink of his first success. After a violent crisis, he finds himself outcast.In his fifties, and with little money, he retreats to a small island. Arriving in the winter, the island at first seems a desolate and forgotten place. As the seasons turn, Terry begins to see the island's beauty, and discovers that he is only one of many people who have sought refuge here. These independent outsiders, all with their own considerable struggles, have made a precarious home.The island is owned by the business man and art collector Alex Kaplan. His decision to enforce a rent increase as he seeks to improve his property looks set to destroy this community that cannot afford to lose...

Sometimes taking an overdose of magic is the least of your worries.* Cassie Black has just lost two people through a magic portal. Her archenemy, the Mauvais, is threatening to destroy city after city if HQ doesn't hand her over to him. And HQ isn't exactly saying no to that offer. As HQ debates Cassie's fate, Cassie refuses to sit by and watch the grass grow between the toes of the surveillance gnomes. Biting back her life rule to never get involved, she knows the only way to stop the Mauvais is to go after him herself. Which is exactly what he wants. Because the instant Cassie falls into his hands, the Mauvais will gain the unlimited power he's always craved. So don't get captured, right? Easy to say. Trouble is, there's a traitor within HQ who's proving to be more devious, more powerful, and to have more tricks up the sleeve than anyone could have ever guessed. Ready for the final showdown between Cassie and the Mauvais, to discover the truth about Alastair's past, and most importantly, to see what's on the menu at the White Tower? Then pick up your copy of The Untangled Cassie Black today. In this page-turning conclusion of the Cassie Black Trilogy, the curses are flying, the pastries are plentiful, the bookworms are slithering, and the magical batteries are charged to capacity. * **What readers are saying about the series so far... * Man, oh man, I loved this book! * Wow and wow again! I absolutely loved this book! You get such a feel for the characters and the story is so fast paced you don't want to put it down. * ...a clever, hilarious romp through a new magical universe * …suffused with dark humor and witty dialogue…a fun read for anyone who enjoys fast-paced, somewhat snarky, somewhat twisted, fantasy adventures. * I was unable to put this down when I started reading it. The author combines humour with a fast paced murder mystery all packed into a funeral home. **

London is Lydia Crow's city so when a man is found hanged under Blackfriars Bridge, she takes it personally. Driven by her desire to improve her fledgling P.I. skills and an innate sense of justice, Lydia investigates. Even when it seems as if the Silver Family might be involved, Lydia refuses to back down. The Silver Family, who run the finest law firm in London, have a gift for persuasion. In the Bad Old Days it was said they could make a man jump off a roof by convincing him he could fly. But that's all in the past... Isn't it? Everybody wants something from Lydia: Her Uncle Charlie wants her to join the infamous Family Business, her ghostly flatmate wants her to test her power, DCI Fleet wants a relationship, and the Silver Family want her to keep her nose out. Trouble is, Lydia has never been much good at taking orders. And London in a heatwave is a dangerous place to be... 'My favourite new urban...

In the deep forests of my hometown in southern Slovenia, in a clearing where no road leads to and animals avoid, there sits a tranquil lake...Martin is haunted by a man in his paintings which he never remembers painting. It takes his wife to point out they should perhaps investigate who this man might be, and it is this that leads them to discoveries they should probably had left alone.

In this rom-com about rom-coms, in the spirit of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, a hopeless romantic teen attempts to secure a happily-ever-after moment with her forever crush, but finds herself reluctantly drawn to the boy next door.Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he's back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet. The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz's butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz's in. But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom...

A "beautifully written" (Hilary Mantel) story of love, madness, sisterly devotion, and control, about the two beloved daughters of renowned 1700s English painter Thomas Gainsborough, who struggle to live up to the perfect image the world so admired in their portraits.Peggy and Molly Gainsborough—the daughters of one of England's most famous portrait artists of the 1700s and the frequent subject of his work—are best friends. They spy on their father as he paints, rankle their mother as she manages the household, and run barefoot through the muddy fields that surround their home. But there is another reason they are inseparable: from a young age, Molly periodically experiences bouts of mental confusion, even forgetting who she is, and Peggy instinctively knows she must help cover up her sister's condition. When the family moves to Bath, it's not so easy to hide Molly's slip-ups. There, the sisters are thrown into the whirlwind of polite society, where...

The darkness of the night was deepened by the fact that a storm was raging outside and the sky was cloudy. Detective John Doe stood in the gloom of his office and looked out the window, where he could see the rain falling on the street below him. It had been weeks since he had made any progress on the case, and he was beginning to lose hope that anything would turn out okay. He was frustrated that he had not been able to make any headway.

Felicia Oakes is the illegitimate daughter of… well, someone or other. A pirate, perhaps, or a spy, or a royal prince… who knows? Her vivid imagination conjures a myriad possibilities, all more exciting than her position as governess to two motherless children. But when their father is drowned aboard the Brig Minerva, Felicia must take them to their new guardian in the North of England, where her life is about to be turned upside down.   The Earl of Finlassan has turned his back on the world to pursue his art, and the prospective guardianship of two young girls horrifies him. He soon finds that it’s not his wards who unsettle his life, it’s their governess, who is irritatingly impertinent with a distractingly mischievous smile. Gradually he finds himself drawn out of seclusion by his new muse. But when danger strikes, they will have to uncover the past before they can look to the future.

Shadowvale isn't your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse. For Isadora Graham, Shadowvale seems like a dream come true. A safe haven where she can hide from the darkness that lives within her, and hopefully, keep everyone else from finding out about it too. She needs this kind of place where she'll be left alone. Where no one will realize who she really is. Dr. Henry Jekyll, or rather a monstrous part of him, makes Shadowvale a more dangerous place for everyone, no matter how hard he tries to stop that side of himself from emerging. He's doing everything in his power to control it, but control is hard, and solutions don't come easy. Fortunately, the town understands he needs to be left alone. Until somehow things go wrong, and he gets a neighbor. Izzy is incredibly nice and for her own safety, Henry knows he has to tell her what everyone else already knows....

In this new Jayne Frost and Sinclair Crowe mystery, a royal road trip takes the Princess and Prince Consort of the North Pole all the way to Las Vegas. And even though they're in Sin City on official business, it doesn't take long for trouble to find them. Trouble that's very close to home. In fact, Sinclair's entire family is gambling on him and Jayne figuring out what's gone dangerously wrong with the cool new magic trick at the end of his parents' show. Thankfully, they have help from a few friends and a pair of talking cats. But how many times can they roll the dice before time runs out?

There's a new Crow in town... After the explosive events of The Copper Heart, Lydia must deal with a secret service operative with murder in his heart. The mysterious Mr Smith has sent a professional assassin after Lydia and the bonds of blood are stretched to breaking point when it turns out to be someone very close to home. Meanwhile, the head of the powerful Silver Family is demanding a favour and Lydia must comply or risk their fledgling alliance. To be strong enough to beat the odds stacked against her Lydia must delve deep into Crow Family lore, but what she discovers is far from a fairy tale... In a fight between two Crows, only one can win, but is Lydia willing to do what it takes to defeat her adversary? Don't miss the exciting sixth instalment in the bestselling urban fantasy mystery series, Crow Investigations. Praise for the...

​ Destiny isn't given by the gods, it's made by defying them. *"This book is highly entertaining...""I'm loving this story!...a unique and imaginative work.." "...a satisfying mix of fantasy and history." "Highly recommended..." "So much political intrigue, betrayal and backstabbing that I just HAD to keep on reading." * Sofia Domna has her future planned. She will follow in her father's footsteps and lead the Temple of Apollo. She'll marry her childhood love, Papinias. She'll have respect, status, and power. But when her father bitterly forces her betrothal to a stranger and orders her from the life she's always known, Sofia is thrown into a new world where any wrong move could mean her demise. Thrown into a world of full of political turmoil, violent ambition, and dangerous temptation, Sofia discovers her only chance of survival is to stay one step ahead of her enemies, but in Osteria new perils lurk around every corner and plots don't always strike down their intended victims. As Sofia's life moves through the trials of a forced marriage, motherhood, and yearning temptation, she learns that destiny isn't given; it's made by cunning, endurance, and, at times, bloodshed. With every option having dire consequences to those closest to her, when it comes down to the choice between love and power, which will win out? If you like the political intrigue, adventure, and love triangles of historical fiction by Philippa Gregory and Bernard Cornwell, and the mythological world-building of fantasy fiction by Madeline Miller and Simon Scarrow, you'll love Domna. Order your copy of Domna: The Complete Series to lose yourself in this epic tale of passion, ambition, and betrayal today. *Domna: The Complete Series includes all six parts of the serialized novel in one volume, plus several bonus features: Part One: The Sun God's Daughter Part Two: The Solon's Son Part Three: The Centaur's Gamble Part Four: The Regent's Edict Part Five: The Forgotten Heir Part Six: The Solon's Wife Four bonus glimpses into the creation of Domna An invitation to take a free tour of Sofia's world. *

Great place to stay. Shame about the corpse. A country house. Two hosts, eight guests, food, wine and sun. And a dead body. Everyone turns into suspects as secrets emerge, relationships suffer, and motives multiply like mosquitoes. In spite of herself, Sophie is soon dragged into an investigation as strange and intense as the heatwave oppressing them all - including the hapless Captain Eveno, inescapable ally, ardent adviser and persistent pain in the neck. Tongue-in-cheek homage to Agatha Christie, Painter Palaver is a modern drawing room mystery where truth and lies swap places and perhaps only the goldfish really knows what happened - unless he's just another red herring.

Shadowvale isn't your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse. Vampire Constantin Thibodeaux was cured of his sun "allergy" when he moved to Shadowvale. Now he runs the local bookstore, which is really just a sideline to filling his own library. Books, unlike people, are far more forgiving of his prickly nature. But he doesn't care if people don't like him. He is who he is. And he's happy. Well, he's content. Okay, he's...fine. Sprite and all around party girl Andromeda Merriweather loves her carefree life – or at least she did until her sister cursed her into a magical time out. Thankfully, she's just been set free by a totally hot, but kind of grumpy vampire. Too bad this handsome grouch now holds the key to her freedom, something she'll only get if he agrees to abide by the rules of her curse. Constantin isn't interested in the terms and conditions...

*Previously title THE PERFECT DISH and COWBOY IN THE KITCHEN* When Texas-born Manhattan chef and notorious playboy Kelly Spicer realizes his recently widowed sister needs help, he turns to the most dangerous answer he knows: sorcery. Using the magic cookbook passed down through his family's generations, Kelly conjures up a recipe of chocolate-laced persuasion to enlist the only woman he thinks can pull his sister out of her grief. That woman is Mery Black, grief counselor to the stars, who secretly thinks she's a jinx when it comes to men and love. When she lets that secret slip, her latest book deal gets canceled. Dating Kelly suddenly becomes the antidote to her damaged public persona. She vows she won't fall in love again, but little does she know she's about to do even more damage. To his heart.

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better. Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all. Eamon Underwood isn't what you'd call a social butterfly. In fact, he avoids people altogether, outside of his job at his uncle's funeral home, where Eamon is the mortician. For him, being around the dead is easier than being around the living. Mostly because of his very curious gift that enables him to see just how long a person has left to live. That knowledge makes personal interaction far too difficult. Until he meets Troula Kouris. And sees...nothing. Troula comes to Nocturne Falls to join her crazy-cat-lady aunts as an oracle, one of the rare descendants of the original Greek oracles. She's...

Sophie Dupont, daughter of a portrait painter, assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. She often walks the cliffside path along the north Devon coast, popular with artists and poets. It's where she met the handsome Wesley Overtree, the first man to tell her she's beautiful. Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother's neglected duties. Home on leave, he's sent to find Wesley. Knowing his brother rented a cottage from a fellow painter, he travels to Devonshire and meets Miss Dupont, the painter's daughter. He's startled to recognize her from a miniature portrait he carries with him--one of Wesley's discarded works. But his happiness plummets when he realizes Wesley has left her with child and sailed away to Italy in search of a new muse. Wanting to do something worthwhile with his life, Stephen proposes to Sophie. He does not offer love, or even a future together, but he can save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he believes he will, she'll be a respectable widow with the protection of his family. Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie agrees to marry a stranger and travel to his family's estate. But at Overtree Hall, her problems are just beginning. Will she regret marrying Captain Overtree when a repentant Wesley returns? Or will she find herself torn between the father of her child and her growing affection for the husband she barely knows?

A Brand New Tangled & Tempting Romance from New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters.  "Must be slim, able to stand for long periods of time, and be impervious to the cold."The headline caught my attention."Hours are negotiable, pay is minimal, clothing absolutely forbidden."The second line piqued my curiosity."Able to hold your bladder and tongue, refrain from opinions or suggestions, and be the perfect living canvas."The third made me scowl."Other attributes required: non-ticklish, contortionist, and obedient. Must also enjoy being studied while naked in a crowd."The fourth made me shudder."Call or email 'YOUR SKIN, HIS CANVAS' if interested in applying."The final made my heart race.I should've kept scrolling past the advertisement.I should've applied for the boring receptionist job at minimum...

When a scheming uncle partners with the god of war, the freedom of a peaceful land and the lives of its leaders hang in the balance. In this dangerous game between gods and mortals, trust may prove to be the deadliest weapon.Believing a well-guarded treasure will prove he is rightful leader, Jason, Prince of Illamos Valley, sets out on a perilous quest to obtain it. As his voyage takes him across treacherous waters and into an aggressively fortified kingdom, Jason finds himself combatting the ire of gods and monsters, struggling to control a rebellious crew, and battling against doubts of his own worthiness to be king of the land he is fighting to save.But even if he gains the treasure, can Jason recapture the trust of his people, secure his throne, and survive the betrayal of the one person he never expected to turn against him?Vividly set in a captivating world, The Voyage of Heroes blends history, mythology, and fantasy into a...

Shadowvale isn't typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse. No one knows this as well as raven shifter Deacon Evermore, who, like everyone in his family, has a curse. While his position as Shadowvale's peacekeeper lets him use that curse for good, he'd rather live anywhere else. He stays for his family, but doubts he can last much longer. Fledgling witch Emeranth Greer is determined to escape her past and make a fresh start in Shadowvale with the aunt she's never met. Her aunt and the town prove to be far better than she imagined. There's no way Em is leaving this magical place. Especially when staying means more time with the handsome Deacon. But when Em's troubled past catches up with her and nearly destroys the romance budding between her and Deacon, her instinct is to run again. Except there's magic in the mix now and the town won't let her leave. Only...

Welcome to the North Pole, the town where Christmas is everyone's job. Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost's daughter, Santa Claus's niece, heir to the Winter Throne and soon to be newlywed. Now that she and fiancé Sinclair (and their cats, Spider and Sugar) have moved back to the North Pole, they're firmly entrenched in planning their wedding. With Jayne's royal heritage, it's a major undertaking. And while Jayne is trying to organize the myriad details, Sinclair is taking the necessary classes to learn how to be a royal and adjust to his impending new life as Prince Consort. But with too much assistance from her well-meaning mother and aunt, Jayne quickly gets overwhelmed. Sinclair suggests calling a friend to help, the ever-resourceful Birdie Caruthers. Jayne does, and Birdie is thrilled to pitch in. Not long after she arrives, however, the trio discovers the most terrible thing in the wedding carriage. Will this...

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better. Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all. Private investigator Wyatt West finds his job a little tedious most days, but that changes when he meets a bewitching blonde florist who needs a favor in the way of a wedding date. There's definitely something magical about her, but little does he know just how correct that first impression is. Single mom Marigold Williams finds herself instantly attracted to Wyatt, but doesn't dare tell this handsome human that she's a witch and things in Nocturne Falls are a little spookier than he suspects. He's just a nice guy who's offered to be her plus one. She doesn't need to turn his world upside down with the truth over one date....

For Raman the sign painter, life is a familiar and satisfying routine. A man of simple, rational ways, he lives with his pious aunt and prides himself on his creative work. But all that changes when he meets Daisy, a thrillingly independent young woman who wishes to bring birth control to the area. Hired to create signs for her clinics, Raman finds himself smitten by a love he cannot understand, much less avoid-and soon realizes that life isn't so routine anymore. Set in R. K. Narayan's fictional city of Malgudi, The Painter of Signs is a wry, bittersweet treasure. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Acclaimed author Arturo Pérez-Reverte has earned a distinguished reputation as a master of the literary thriller with his international bestsellers The Club Dumas and The Queen of the South. Now, in this haunting new work, Pérez-Reverte has written his most accomplished novel to date. The Painter of Battles is a captivating tale of love, war, art, and revenge. Andrés Faulques, a world-renowned war photographer, has retired to a life of solitude on the Spanish coast. On the walls of a tower overlooking the sea, he spends his days painting a huge mural that pays homage to history’s classic works of war art and that incorporates a lifetime of disturbing images. One night, an unexpected visitor arrives at Faulques’ door and challenges the painter to remember him. As Faulques struggles to recall the face, the man explains that he was the subject of an iconic photo taken by Faulques in a war zone years ago. “And why have you come looking for me?” asks Faulques. The stranger answers, “Because I’m going to kill you.” This story transports Faulques to the time when he crossed continents to capture conflicts on film with his lover, Olvido, at his side. Until she walked into his life, Faulques muses, he had believed he would survive both war and women. As the tense dialogue between Faulques and his visitor continues, the stakes grow ever higher. What they are grappling with quickly proves to be not just Faulques’ fate but the very nature of human love and cruelty itself. Arturo Pérez-Reverte perfectly balances the shadows of the heart with the chaos of war in this stunning composition on morality. Superb and tautly written, The Painter of Battles is a deeply affecting novel about life and art. From the Hardcover edition.

Jayne Frost and husband Sinclair Crowe are off on another adventure, this time to Nashville, aka Music City, to pay a royal visit to one of the Santa's Workshops toy stores. Once that's done, they'll have a little time to sightsee and play tourist. Which they do. Until something rather peculiar happens in the Country Music Hall of Fame that leaves Sinclair feeling all shook up. Suddenly, they have a new mystery to solve. And time is ticking for Sinclair. Even a necromancer can only take so much. Can Jayne and Sinclair get to the bottom of things before it's too late?

It's not paranoia if it's real. "If you want a thrilling read with some solid creepy elements, this book is for you!" —Jonathan Pongratz, author of Reaper '...the storyline had me on the edge of my seat — really hard to put down. You need to read it!" —Bookbub Reviewer "...keeps the reader engaged wanting to see where this will lead. But still...not wanting it to end." —Bookbub Reviewer At first, Moire's sleepwalking incidents don't faze her. She's never had them before, so surely they'll pass. When further troubling events and coincidences begin plaguing Moire's sleeping and waking world, her paranoia mounts. Paranoia her husband Neil insists is a clear sign that Moire needs help. Moire struggles to get a grip, telling herself what she believes is too crazy to be true. But when people close to her start disappearing, she realizes what's been happening is more disturbing than she...

You can get away with many things in Port Athens. Breaking contracts is not one of them. The founders of the prosperous fishing village of Port Athens have each agreed to give up certain luxuries and a great deal of power to settle into a new life. So when one of the founders, Eli P. Marin, returns from the city with a suspicious purchase, the rumor mill churns into action. Is he only showing off? Is it even real? Most importantly, will Eli break their contract and reclaim his former influence despite knowing how harsh the punishment might be? Find out today as you wander the quaint streets and meet the mysterious founders of Port Athens in Testing the Waters. If you've ever wondered how the Greek gods would behave in the modern world and what tricks they might get up to, you'll love this quirky tale of temptation, rules, and rivalry. This story contains 4,800 words, or about 18 standard paperback pages.

With the gods as your allies, your life, your world, and your sanity have never been in more danger.Soon after returning to Athenos to celebrate his father's recent marriage, Theseus learns his homeland must submit to the cruel demands of an unexpected enemy. Goaded by his father's new wife, Theseus volunteers to defend his land by entering a battle to the death in the pitch black depths of an ancient maze. A battle against a monster of the gods' creation. A battle no other has survived.Aided by the goddess Aphrodite, Theseus stands a stronger chance of triumph than his predecessors, but as ever, the gods' kindness harbors ulterior motives. His bravery, his sacrifice, his struggle to push his world back from the brink of war only serves to further Aphrodite's goals. Goals that will destroy the stability of Osteria and anyone who stands in her way.The Maze of Minos delivers an exhilarating tale of deception and determination,...

Mysterious, magical, and a little bit deadly... Welcome to Unholy Island. The close-knit community on Unholy Island is protected by ethereal wards, keeping the unusual residents and their secrets safe from prying eyes. But the island is more than a sanctuary for the magically-inclined and the not-quite-human, and when the mayor goes missing, the ramifications threaten the whole world... The Island God is the captivating conclusion to the Unholy Island trilogy. *The Unholy Island series is set in the same world as the urban fantasy mystery series Crow Investigations, but it can be enjoyed independently. Praise for the Unholy Island series: 'Sarah Painter is always a treat' Charlaine Harris, NYT bestselling author

Mysterious, magical, and a little bit deadly... Welcome to Unholy Island. Esme Gray runs the guest house and tends to the ethereal wards that protect the island. She's sheltering from a terrible past and will do anything to stay safely hidden. Luke Taylor has been searching for his missing twin for months, but has begun to believe that his brother might be dead. With his hope in tatters, a tip off leads him to a remote tidal island in the North Sea. It's further out than the famous Holy Island, and far stranger. Visitors shouldn't be able to stay for more than two nights, so when Luke breaks this rule, the close-knit community is sent into turmoil. The residents of Unholy Island have secrets and they intend to keep them. When Luke stumbles across one of the islanders dead on the shore, he finds himself under suspicion, made worse by his own troubles washing up on the tide. Esme is drawn to Luke, but she doesn't trust her own...

Shadowvale isn't your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse. Exiled king of the goblins, Robin Gallow, has no choice but to live in Shadowvale. That was the deal he made with his ex-wife and current queen of the goblins in exchange for the antidote to the poison she gave him. Now, the town has become his prison and his world is closing in on him. It's enough to drive a man insane. Theodora "Moody" Middlebright wants nothing to do with Shadowvale or the royal beast she's about to spend the next year of her life with. But her father owes the man a debt and he's too unwell to pay it himself. So Theo has come in his stead. Doesn't mean she's one bit happy about it. But then Theo hasn't been happy about anything since her mother died. Turns out, Theo's sharp wit and brash attitude are the breath of fresh air Robin didn't know he needed, and the two somehow hit it off. But...

You know by now what a woman is capable of. Caroline is home with her father and the woman she loves—but with the Leviathan still unaccounted for, such peace can only be temporary. Soon, the mysterious Mr. Smith is asking for her aid once more: one of the Mastersons' conspirators has been murdered, and the only clue lies in a painting that was last seen in Medby. Meanwhile, Jo has worries of her own, as her affianced sister wants assurances she cannot give—not without denying her very self. With her arrival in London marked by a second murder, Caroline finds herself once more drawn into a world she wanted to forget. Aided by old friends and new, she and Jo search for the painter, while staying out of reach of Jo's sister's powerful fiancé. But soon they suspect that darker forces are behind the murders, involving not only the painter but his young, pretty wife ... and an imaginary land called Arcadia. As Caroline and...

In the tradition of Stephen King's dark humor and even darker monsters, 13th Hour will delight you, mystify you, and make you cringe.13th Hour's seventeen tales tick through questions such as....Can you dream forever? What is it really like to work for the gods? What would you do for love? Or for revenge? Do ancient creatures still stalk the earth? What lurks in paradise? What is your family's darkest secret? …and many more.So sit down and unwind your clocks because it's time for the 13th Hour.What Readers Are Saying:"I usually don't read fiction but this I really liked. The stories were varied in the type of suspense/horror. To me these stories seem like a cross between Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock.""I'm a huge fan of supernatural short stories, and this book was perfect. My favorite story, 'Island Ways' creeped me out in the way I only thought Stephen...

Heavy is the head that wears the crown... Lydia has taken over as the leader of the Crow Family and is trying to keep the criminality to the bare minimum. DCI Fleet has told her he is 'all in' but there have to be limits and Lydia doesn't want to find out what they are. When the head of the Silver Family, Alejandro, drops down dead, Lydia needs to work out whether it was natural causes or murder. And fast. Lydia has made enemies of the Pearl King, Maria Silver, and her own uncle. Plus, her position at the top puts her in the sights of many more. Lydia has evaded death in the past, and is gaining greater mastery over her power every day, but now she isn't just worried about saving herself... Can Lydia find out what happened to Alejandro Silver before she runs out of luck? Don't miss the exciting fifth instalment in the bestselling urban fantasy mystery series, Crow Investigations.

Cassie Black is back, and she's now heading up MagicLand's newest detective agency. Well, sort of.... Cassie Black may have just defeated an evil wizard, but that hasn't stopped her from getting kicked out of the Academy's detective training program. The upside is that it's forced Cassie to start her own agency. The downside? A complete lack of clients. Cassie thinks her career is on the upswing when Rosaria's new mayor hires her to find a missing jewel. It's a huge case that could turn the agency around. Trouble is, the jewel hasn't been seen for well over 500 years, and Cassie suspects there's more to the mayor's sudden demands the jewel be found ASAP. What's more... something besides tea is brewing over at Magic HQ, but thanks to a little snag in the Magic bureaucracy, Cassie isn't allowed to lend her skills to the problem. In fact, if she doesn't sort out that bit of bureaucracy in the next few days, her...

IT'S NOT EVERY DAY YOU MEET AN AMATEUR SLEUTH WITH FANGS. "...a charming tale of dragons, deception, and dastardly deeds, and I loved every minute of it." "...an excellent read...[a] hilarious series" "Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down...it was that good!" "Light and fanciful with a darn good mystery woven in. What fun!" If you like fantastical mysteries that mix in laughs with murderous mayhem and mythical beasts, you'll love the Circus of Unusual Creatures Mysteries. HEY EVERYONE, CORDELIA HERE. Duncan (aka "Deadliest Dragon in the West") has finally finished typing up the third sleuthing adventure he got us tangled up in. It's the one that involves booze smuggling, dragon matchmaking, too much lemonade, and a unicorn having a very bad hair day. I'm not sure about Duncan calling it a "masterpiece of mystery," but trust me, it's a good one. Especially when...

Get the Crow. A man dies in a locked room, leaving a message written in blood and a lot of unanswered questions. Lydia is still recovering from the fallout with her psychopathic cousin, but there are new threats to the Crows, and she must fight to maintain her position as leader of the Family. Meanwhile, an actor has gone missing and Fleet is under pressure to find him fast. But there seems to be more to his tension than he is letting on... Can Lydia solve the mysterious murder before she gets arrested for it? Don't miss the seventh instalment in the bestselling urban fantasy mystery series, Crow Investigations. Praise for the series: 'My favourite new urban fantasy series, clever and twisty and deliciously magical, with a shivery sense of wonder that feels utterly grounded in its London setting. Perfect for fans of Ben Aaronovitch, Genevieve Cogman or Robert Galbraith!'...

It's not every day you meet an amateur sleuth with fangs. "Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down...It's so good!" Like any traveling circus, Zin's has hair-raising acts and fried food on sticks. But it's also got an aura-spotting centaur, a chain-smoking unicorn, and an omelet-addicted dragon. Oh, and a body in the center ring. Duncan — aka "Brutus Fangwrath, Deadliest Dragon in the West" — wakes one morning to find his best friend isn't just sleeping off a hangover. He's been murdered. Suspicion for the crime quickly turns to the circus's new hire, Cordelia Quinn. After all, she's got motive, she got means, and she's got loads of circumstantial evidence stacked against her. When it looks like no one else is going to step in to help Cordelia, it's up to Duncan to unravel the case, prove Cordelia's innocence, and uncover a...

Black water, dark skies, a reckoning like no other A new threat has sailed in on the tide and is haunting the waterways of London. DCI Fleet is struggling to control his gift and can no longer tell reality from illusion. Meanwhile, Uncle Charlie is making trouble from his prison cell, proving how hard it is to keep a Crow caged. Worst of all, the truce between London's four magical Families lies in ruins. If Lydia can't rebuild it, and fast, all will be lost. London is Lydia Crow's roost... But for how long? Don't miss the eighth instalment in the bestselling urban fantasy mystery series, Crow Investigations. Praise for the series: 'I'm a huge fan!' Charlaine Harris, award winning and bestselling author of mystery and fantasy 'My favourite new urban fantasy series, clever and twisty and deliciously magical, with a shivery sense of...

RetailPeter Heller, the celebrated author of the breakout best seller The Dog Stars, returns with an achingly beautiful, wildly suspenseful second novel about an artist trying to outrun his past. Jim Stegner has seen his share of violence and loss. Years ago he shot a man in a bar. His marriage disintegrated. He grieved the one thing he loved. In the wake of tragedy, Jim, a well-known expressionist painter, abandoned the art scene of Santa Fe to start fresh in the valleys of rural Colorado. Now he spends his days painting and fly-fishing, trying to find a way to live with the dark impulses that sometimes overtake him. He works with a lovely model. His paintings fetch excellent prices. But one afternoon, on a dirt road, Jim comes across a man beating a small horse, and a brutal encounter rips his quiet life wide open. Fleeing Colorado, chased by men set on retribution, Jim returns to New Mexico, tormented by his own relentless conscience. A stunning, savage novel of art and violence, love and grief, The Painter is the story of a man who longs to transcend the shadows in his heart, a man intent on using the losses he has suffered to create a meaningful life. From the Hardcover edition.ReviewPraise for The Painter: "Jim Stegner, celebrated painter, ardent fisherman and homespun philosopher, narrates this masterful novel, in which love (parental and romantic), artistic vision, guilt, grief, and spine-chilling danger propel a suspenseful plot. . . Heller is equally skillful at describing the creation of a painting as he is at describing the thrilling details of a gunfight. Here, he explores the mysteries of the human heart and creates an indelible portrait of a man searching for peace, while seeking to maintain his humanity in the face of violence and injustice." --Publishers Weekly (starred) "Heller's writing is sure-footed and rip-roaring, star-bright and laced with ‘dark yearning,' coalescing in an ever-escalating, ravishing, grandly engrossing and satisfying tale of righteousness and revenge, artistic fervor and moral ambiguity." --Booklist (starred) Praise for *The Dog Stars: "Extraordinary. . . . One of those books that makes you happy for literature." --Junot Díaz, The Wall Street Journal "This end-of-the-world novel [is] more like a rapturous beginning. . . . Remarkable." --San Francisco Chronicle "For all those who thought Cormac McCarthy's The Road the last word on the post-apocalyptic world--think again. . . . Make time and space for this savage, tender, brilliant book." --Glen Duncan, author of The Last Werewolf "Heart-wrenching and richly written. . . . The Dog Stars is a love story, but not just in the typical sense. It's an ode to friendship between two men, a story of the strong bond between a human and a dog, and a reminder of what is worth living for." --Minneapolis Star-Tribune "A dreamy, postapocalyptic love letter to things of beauty, big and small." –Gillian Flynn, author of Gone Girl "Heartbreaking" --The Seattle Times "A brilliant success." --The New Yorker *About the AuthorPeter Heller is the best-selling author of The Dog Stars. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in both fiction and poetry. An award-winning adventure writer and a longtime contributor to NPR, Heller is a contributing editor at Outside magazine, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic Adventure, and a regular contributor to Bloomberg Businessweek. He is also the author of several nonfiction books, including Kook, The Whale Warriors, and Hell or High Water: Surviving Tibet’s Tsangpo River. He lives in Denver, Colorado.

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better. Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all. Fire chief and werewolf, Titus Merrow, has a pretty good life. Great family, great job, great friends. No love interest, sure, but he's got too much going on to worry about that. Like the 10k race for charity that he's helping to plan. Too bad the woman he's planning it with is so hot. No, wait. He meant annoying. Sheriff's deputy and valkyrie, Jenna Blythe, has somehow gotten stuck working on a charity event with her boss's brother. Not only is Titus Merrow full of himself, but he challenges every suggestion she makes about the race. Why are the handsome ones always so smug? She can't wait to beat him in...

Desire can heal the coldest heart—or burn it to ashes. Alrik Gunn knows from bitter experience that change isn’t always for the better. From the woman who annihilated his Viking clan to the goddess who tricked him into centuries of slavery, betrayal has dogged his existence. The Goddess of Love is going to let him avenge his family, but for a price. As a Phoenix—a merchant of change—he must grant a human woman three chances to change her life. When former Irish dancer Calleigh McCarthy tosses a carved-bird statue that belonged to her ex into a roaring bonfire, she unwittingly summons an honest-to-god Phoenix. A sexy, irresistible Viking who offers her an unbelievable bonus—three get-out-of-her-crappy-life-free cards. She’ll take it, even if it means guarding her cautious heart against the dark pain behind Alrik’s eyes. Alrik has vowed never to let love sway him again, but Calleigh’s innocence and kindness throw him off balance. Yet even as his need for revenge fades and his love for her grows, he is bound to let her make her choices without interfering. One wrongly chosen word, and any chance for happiness—for either of them—will go up in flames.