fame love

All I need is you,was Vera Valdemar’s slogan, a twenty-eight-year-old Medical Technology graduate, work in Palo Alto hospital Laboratory. She was maiden like, conservative but elegant and charming on her own way. She was not the best-looking female to ever grace the planet compared to her two closest female friends. Nora Delgado, a twenty- seven -year -old graduate Nurse work in SFGH. A Filipino-Spanish origin, well-bred from a wealthy and devoted parent. Chic, smart, alluring and provocative. She grew up in a privilege life that most of the children in the Philippines did not have. Laura Sims, a twenty-six- year- old, Filipino-Chinese origin, a graduate Nurse, she also works in SFGH. She too was born from a wealthy parent, a Chinese magnate where money came from. She was eloquent, multi-lingual, sharp with a beauty of an angel in a fairy tale, looked like a sophisticated doll in a window display. Men of their Dreams: Paul Richardson, a thirty-five-year-old Lawyer, tall, brown and devastatingly handsome, a sport enthusiast male specie a figure of Michael Angelo’s David. He founded and head of his own Law Firm. He smelled power, money and stardom. Markus Gomez, a thirty-two- year- old Paediatrician Doctor and a Surgeon. An irresistible, tall, dark daringly attractive male medical member of SFGH. He smelled money, fame and glory. Bill Seifert, a young, ambitious computer wizard, ten years younger than Vera. She married him out of wrong reasons. They weren’t madly in love, but she hoped they would come to that. Leo Valdemar, Vera Seifert’s brother a wanted cop investigator who was involved in an embezzlement and corruption, the scandal of extraordinary rendition. He was forty when he illegally entered United States hiding from the Interpol and from the Philippine Justice. See what happened at the end….

"The perfect childhood friends-to-lovers story-full stop." -Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners and The Soulmate Equation Her ex-boyfriend wants her back. Her former best friend is in town. When did Hannah's life become a K-drama? Hannah Cho had the next year all planned out-the perfect summer with her boyfriend, Nate, and then a fun senior year with their friends. But then Nate does what everyone else in Hannah's life seems to do-he leaves her, claiming they have nothing in common. He and all her friends are newly obsessed with K-pop and K-dramas, and Hannah is not. After years of trying to embrace the American part and shunning the Korean side of her Korean American identity to fit in, Hannah finds that's exactly what now has her on the outs. But someone who does know K-dramas-so well that he's actually starring in one-is Jacob Kim, Hannah's former best friend, whom she hasn't seen in years. He's desperate for a break from the fame, so a family trip back to San Diego might be just what he needs…that is, if he and Hannah can figure out what went wrong when they last parted and navigate the new feelings developing between them. "A deliciously swoony romance." -Helen Hoang, New York Times bestselling author of The Heart Principle "A smart, funny book not to be missed!" -Emiko Jean, New York Times bestselling author of Tokyo Ever After "Pitch-perfect." -Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Today Tonight Tomorrow

Only for us - special edition with beautiful sprayed edges. He's on edge while she's en pointe in this fake-dating sports romance from the author of the smash hit Collide. 'Fake-dating goodness filled with delicious tension' Lana Ferguson, author of The NannyElias Westbrook, a newly drafted hockey player for the Toronto Thunder, is facing the challenges of fame and media scrutiny. The tabloids are reporting on his every move, including which woman he was last seen with, but all he wants to do is escape the spotlight.Enter from stage left Sage Beaumont, an aspiring ballerina whose lack of popularity online has put her at a major disadvantage for securing the roles she dreams of. When Sage finds herself with the chance to change her luck by fake-dating Elias, she takes her shot.Soon enough, the flimsy rules they set in place fall away. But before things can spiral out of control, Sage and Elias will have to decide if they're willing to take the leap together or if they'll have to call it quits.'Bal Khabra is a master of swoon, and lovable characters. I dare you to try and read one of her novels in more than one sitting - they're simply unputdownable.' Hannah Bonam-Young, author of Out on a Limb Readers love Spiral... 'I absolutely adored this book' ***** 'Intoxicating' ***** 'Perfect, it was just perfect' ***** 'Everyone should have an Elias' ***** 'I was gripped from the first page until the last' ***** 'I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!' ***** 'A five star read' ***** 'The banter and chemistry was everything in this book' *****

All I need is you,was Vera Valdemar’s slogan, a twenty-eight-year-old Medical Technology graduate, work in Palo Alto hospital Laboratory. She was maiden like, conservative but elegant and charming on her own way. She was not the best-looking female to ever grace the planet compared to her two closest female friends. Nora Delgado, a twenty- seven -year -old graduate Nurse work in SFGH. A Filipino-Spanish origin, well-bred from a wealthy and devoted parent. Chic, smart, alluring and provocative. She grew up in a privilege life that most of the children in the Philippines did not have. Laura Sims, a twenty-six- year- old, Filipino-Chinese origin, a graduate Nurse, she also works in SFGH. She too was born from a wealthy parent, a Chinese magnate where money came from. She was eloquent, multi-lingual, sharp with a beauty of an angel in a fairy tale, looked like a sophisticated doll in a window display. Men of their Dreams: Paul Richardson, a thirty-five-year-old Lawyer, tall, brown and devastatingly handsome, a sport enthusiast male specie a figure of Michael Angelo’s David. He founded and head of his own Law Firm. He smelled power, money and stardom. Markus Gomez, a thirty-two- year- old Paediatrician Doctor and a Surgeon. An irresistible, tall, dark daringly attractive male medical member of SFGH. He smelled money, fame and glory. Bill Seifert, a young, ambitious computer wizard, ten years younger than Vera. She married him out of wrong reasons. They weren’t madly in love, but she hoped they would come to that. Leo Valdemar, Vera Seifert’s brother a wanted cop investigator who was involved in an embezzlement and corruption, the scandal of extraordinary rendition. He was forty when he illegally entered United States hiding from the Interpol and from the Philippine Justice. See what happened at the end….

BEHIND EVERY HERO, THERE'S A HISTORIAN An ambitious young scholar is sent to research the mysteries of an adventurer's inn - only to uncover a centuries-old secret in this heart-warming and poignant fantasy. Perfect for readers who want to pull up a chair at the inn and never leave. 'This may be the coziest fantasy I've ever read' Ry Herman, author of This Princess Kills Monsters 'Cosy fantasy at its best!' Annie Sumerlee, author of The Book of Blood and Roses 'Charming and lovely, with a wonderful found family' Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop --------------------------------------------------- Mount Vengeance is legendary, a monumental climb with a dragon at its peak. For most, it's an adventure, or a quest to prove themselves worthy of fame and glory. For Ainsworth, it's perfect thesis material. Ainsworth Gladsly, ambitious young scholar, research fellow and up-and-coming historian is finally ready to make his mark on the world. When his supervisor learns of a rustic inn at the foot of the legendary Mount Vengeance, she sends him to be the first to document the exploits of the bold adventurers who face the perils of the mountain - and the dragon said to inhabit it. But the inn is far from the sophisticated city life he's grown to love, and even as he grudgingly warms to its rustic charm - and its lovely innkeeper, Honey - the mystery of the mountain refuses to reveal itself. Worse, Ainsworth can't find evidence that anyone has ever undertaken the climb - every adventurer comes to the inn, stays for a single night, and then returns home. And with Ainsworth's reputation as an academic on the line, it's a mystery he can't allow to remain unsolved - even if he has to push the adventurers up the mountain himself. --------------------------------------------------- PULL UP A CHAIR. STAY FOR THE NIGHT. YOU MIGHT NEVER WANT TO LEAVE. PERFECT FOR READERS WHO LOVE: Cosy fantasy Found family Magical academia Sweet romance Building a community D&D-inspired adventure Gentle mysteries Lovable characters Inns you'll never want to leave READERS ADORE THE INN AT THE FOOT OF MOUNT VENGEANCE 'I absolutely adored this book! . . . Would 100% recommend this to everyone!' _____ Reader Review 'A wholesome cozy fantasy book that focuses on found family, building a community and slowing down to enjoy life' _____ Reader Review 'This book felt like a fluffy blanket keeping me warm on a cold winter day.' _____ Reader Review 'I couldn't put it down! The story was so engaging while still having a soft, reassuring tone and the characters were really excellent.' _____ Reader Review MORE PRAISE FOR THE INN AT THE FOOT OF MOUNT VENGEANCE 'The perfect blend of magical academia and whimsical D&D flair . . . tender longing and heartfelt comfort. I will read anything she writes!' Nadia El-Fassi, author of Love at First Fright 'A book that feels like a don't-leave-the-tavern D&D session . . . Depth, warmth and impeccable world-building all at once.' Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen 'A delightful curl-up-under-a-blanket read that will be right at home on any cozy fantasy lover's bookshelf.' Emily Krempholtz, USA Today bestselling author of &l

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Christine Daaé. Her Voice. Her Story. As it's never been told before. The haunting gothic romance and reimaging of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, told through the eyes of Christine Daaé as she rises to fame while torn between love, ambition, and the haunting secrets of the opera house - from the bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows, Erin A. Craig . She was never just the voice he shaped . . . A rising soprano with a gift she is only just learning to embrace, Christine Daaé has moved through the glittering world of the Opera Populaire longing to find her purpose. Instead, she finds herself caught between two men who refuse to let her slip quietly into the chorus. One is Raoul, her childhood friend turned devoted admirer, offering her a future filled with warmth, safety, and a love that feels like sunlight. The other is a mysterious masked figure who lurks beneath the opera house: The Phantom. His brilliance, obsession, and dangerous devotion to nurturing Christine's talents ignites a dark and complicated passion in her heart. As Christine's star ascends, so does the tension between Raoul and the Phantom. She must decide who she is when the curtain falls - and what she's willing to risk for the life she wants. Set against the haunting, romantic world of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, Our Strange Duet allows Christine Daaé to take centre stage to tell her own story. Praise for Our Strange Duet and Erin A. Craig: 'A haunting, deeply romantic tale... I was enchanted from the very first page.' Ava Reid, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning 'Chilling and atmospheric . ' Laura E. Weymouth, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Castle and the Cloister 'I never realised how much I wanted to step inside a fairy tale' Stephanie Garber, bestselling author of Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart 'A twisty gothic romance that drew me in from the first sentence' Kendare Blake, bestselling author of Three Dark Crowns ' Haunting atmosphere , simmering passion , and heartbreakingly emotional ...this book is a must read!' 5* reader review 'Christine finally gets the voice she always deserved. I couldn't put it down. ' 5* reader review 'A gorgeously gothic YA retelling of The Phantom of The Opera' 5* reader review '[A] must read for any Phantom of the Opera fan' 5* reader review 'The gothic atmosphere was perfection' 5* reader review 'I'll be thinking about this novel for a long time to come... Chef's kiss 1000/10 !' 5* reader review

One of the world’s most beloved science fiction authors offers an unflinching look into the inner recesses of his mind through delightful (and delightfully embarrassing) vignettes from his storied career and life. Arguably the greatest science fiction writer who ever lived, Isaac Asimov also possessed one of the most brilliant and original minds of our time. His accessible style and far-reaching interests in subjects ranging from science to humor to history earned him the nickname “the Great Explainer.” I, Asimov is his personal story—vivid; open, and honest—as only Asimov himself could tell it. Here is the story of the paradoxical genius who wrote of travel to the stars yet refused to fly in airplanes; who imagined alien universes and vast galactic civilizations while staying home to write; who compulsively authored more than 470 books yet still found the time to share his ideas with some of the great minds of our century. Here are his wide-ranging thoughts and sharp-eyed observations on everything from religion to politics, love and divorce, friendship and Hollywood, fame and mortality. Here, too, is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the varied personalities—John W. Campbell, Harlan Ellison, Arthur C. Clarke, Judy-Lynn del Rey, and others—who along with Asimov helped shape science fiction. As unique and irrepressible as the man himself, I, Asimov is the candid memoir of an incomparable talent who entertained readers for nearly half a century and whose work will surely endure into the future he so vividly envisioned.

La autora de éxitos de mayor venta del New York Times, Francine Rivers, regresa a sus raíces románticas con esta inesperada y redentora historia de amor. Un profundo relato que nos recuerda que la misericordia de Dios puede restaurar aun a los más quebrantados y convertirlos en una obra maestra imperfecta pero maravillosamente impresionante. Román Velasco es un exitoso artista de Los Ángeles, California, que aparenta tenerlo todo: mujeres, fama y fortuna. Solo Grace Moore, su nueva y reacia asistente personal, entiende cuán poco posee en realidad. Los demonios del pasado de Román parecen hacer eco en los pasillos de su inmensa y vacía mansión y opacan la impresionante vista del cañón de Topanga. Así como Román, Grace también lucha con fantasmas y secretos de su pasado. Después de pasar por un matrimonio desastroso que sacó su vida completamente de curso, ella juró nunca más permitir que el amor le robara sus sueños; pero a medida que conoce más al hombre enigmático detrás de la reputación que lo opaca, es como si los fragmentos de su pasado pronto comenzaran a entrar de nuevo en su lugar . . . hasta que algo totalmente inesperado sucede y cambia el curso de su relación y de sus vidas para siempre. New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to her romance roots with this unexpected and redemptive love story, a probing tale that reminds us that mercy can shape even the most broken among us into an imperfect yet stunning masterpiece. A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want--money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman's past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it's as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship--and both their lives forever.

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Michael Jackson tells the story of his life, in his words. In this intimate and often moving personal account of Michael Jackson's public and private life, he recalls a childhood that was both harsh and joyful but always formidable. Michael and his brothers played amateur music shows and seamy Chicago strip joints until Motown's corporate image makers turned the Jackson 5 into worldwide superstars. He talks about the happy prankster days of his youth, traveling with his brothers, and of his sometimes difficult relationships with his family over the years. He speaks candidly about the inspiration behind his music, his mesmerizing dance moves, and the compulsive drive to create that has made him one of the biggest stars in the music business and a legend in his own time. Jackson also shares his personal feelings about some of his most public friends…friends like Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, Fred Astaire, Marlon Brando, and Katharine Hepburn. He talks openly about the crushing isolation of his fame, of his first love, of his plastic surgery, and of his wholly exceptional career and the often bizarre and unfair rumors that have surrounded it. Illustrated with rare photographs from Jackson family albums and Michael's personal photographic archives, as well as a drawing done by Michael exclusively for this book, Moonwalk is a memorable journey to the very heart and soul of a modern musical genius.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER From the author of Funny You Should Ask comes an inspiring romance novel about honoring the past, living in the present, and loving for the future. A dramatic, humorous, and sexy masterpiece that packs an emotional punch I loved every page! New York Times bestselling author Sarah Adams In her small Montana hometown, Lauren Parker has assumed a few different roles: teenage hell-raiser, sister of superstar Gabe Parker, and most recently, tragically widowed single mother. She s never cared much about labels or what people thought of her, but dealing with her grief over the loss of her husband, Spencer, has slowly revealed that she s adrift in her own life. Then she meets the devilishly handsome actor Ben Walsh on the set of her brother s new movie. They have instant chemistry, and Lauren realizes that it has been far too long since someone has really and truly seen her. Her rebellious spirit spurs her to dive headfirst into her desire, but when a sexy encounter becomes something more, Lauren finds herself balancing old roles and new possibilities. There s still plenty to contend with: small-town rumors, the complications of Ben s fame, and her daughter s unpredictable moods. An unexpected fling seemed simple at the time so when did everything with Ben get so complicated? And is there enough room in his life for the woman Lauren wants to be? Alternating between Lauren s past with Spencer and her present with Ben, Totally and Completely Fine illuminates what it means to find life-changing love and be true to oneself in the process.

"In loving yet unsentimental prose, Sy Montgomery captures the richness that animals bring to the human experience. Sometimes it takes a too-smart-for-his-own-good pig to open our eyes to what most matters in life.” —John Grogan, author of Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog A naturalist who spent months at a time living on her own among wild creatures in remote jungles, Sy Montgomery had always felt more comfortable with animals than with people. So she gladly opened her heart to a sick piglet who had been crowded away from nourishing meals by his stronger siblings. Yet Sy had no inkling that this piglet, later named Christopher Hogwood, would not only survive but flourish—and she soon found herself engaged with her small-town community in ways she had never dreamed possible. Unexpectedly, Christopher provided this peripatetic traveler with something she had sought all her life: an anchor (eventually weighing 750 pounds) to family and home. The Good Good Pig celebrates Christopher Hogwood in all his glory, from his inauspicious infancy to hog heaven in rural New Hampshire, where his boundless zest for life and his large, loving heart made him absolute monarch over a (mostly) peaceable kingdom. At first, his domain included only Sy’s cosseted hens and her beautiful border collie, Tess. Then the neighbors began fetching Christopher home from his unauthorized jaunts, the little girls next door started giving him warm, soapy baths, and the villagers brought him delicious leftovers. His intelligence and fame increased along with his girth. He was featured in USA Today and on several National Public Radio environmental programs. On election day, some voters even wrote in Christopher’s name on their ballots. But as this enchanting book describes, Christopher Hogwood’s influence extended far beyond celebrity; for he was, as a friend said, a great big Buddha master. Sy reveals what she and others learned from this generous soul who just so happened to be a pig—lessons about self-acceptance, the meaning of family, the value of community, and the pleasures of the sweet green Earth. The Good Good Pig provides proof that with love, almost anything is possible.

Fleabag meets Big Swiss in this visceral, darkly hilarious, and surprisingly moving debut novel about a charismatic misfit who livestreams herself for seven straight days to raise money for her comatose sister's life support 'Propulsive, witty and deranged - I couldn't put it down. If you're a fan of My Year of Rest and Relaxation, you will love this book.' Nussaibah Younis , author of Fundamentally 'Fans of Melissa Broder, Rufi Thorpe and Ottessa Moshfegh will laugh, cringe, empathise, and be mesmerised by the spectacle of one woman's attempt to solve all her financial and emotional problems in the most adventurous, public and high-stakes way possible. Just Watch Me is addictive and propulsive.' Emily Gould, author of Perfect Tunes Dell Danvers is barely keeping it together. She's behind on rent for her bathroom-less studio apartment (formerly a walk-in closet), she's being plagued by perpetual, spiking stomach pain, and her younger sister, Daisy, is in a coma at a hospital that wants to pull the plug. Freshly unemployed and subsisting on selling plant propagations to trust fund kids, Dell impulsively starts a 24-hour livestream under the username mademoiselle_dell to fundraise $14,000 for a week of private life support for Daisy. In the dungeon of her stream, Dell is in control, banishing those who don't abide by her terms of engagement and steadily rising up the platform's ranks with her sympathetic story and angry-funny screen presence. On a dare, she discovers that she has a talent for eating spicy food, and her streaming fame explodes as her pepper consumption graduates from jalapeño to habanero to ghost. Finally, Dell is good at something-but as her behavior becomes riskier and riskier and a troll-turned-incel threatens to expose her dark past, Dell must reckon with what her digital life ignores, and what real redemption means. Narrated in seven taut chapters, one for each day of Dell's livestream, Just Watch Me careens us through a nonstop week in the life of this charismatic misfit with a heart of gold. Voyeuristic and visceral, audacious and outrageous, Lior Torenberg's debut is both an incisive, zippy tragicomedy about the internet economy as well as a moving meditation on love, loss, and forgiveness.

*THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER* EMBARK ON THE JOYOUS AND NOSTALGIC JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME IN THE LATEST NOVEL FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THIS TIME TOMORROW AND ALL ADULTS HERE 'Pure joy' Ann Patchett 'Fun, delicious, big-hearted' Taylor Jenkins Reid 'So funny and wise and perfectly done' Lena Dunham 'Criminally readable' Maria Semple 'I can't TELL you the enjoyment it gave me' Marian Keyes 'I was completely swept away' Coco Mellors 'You will feel so understood by this novel' Rainbow Rowell 'Unexpectedly hilarious. Cheaper than therapy and a lot more fun!' Holly Brickley 'I longed to be aboard the American Fantasy' Lauren Bravo --- Annie is on a journey straight back to her past. When the American Fantasy cruise ship sets sail for a four-day themed voyage, aboard are all five members of a famous 1990s boyband, and three thousand women who have worshipped them since their youth. Newly divorced and with an empty nest, Annie is on board as a lark to appease her sister. Once a diehard fan of the band as a teen, she now feels out of place amid the sea of bedazzling t-shirts bearing the singers' faces. Yet when the lights go down, the cocktails are poured and the band starts singing, Annie finally reconnects to a long-submerged part of herself. As she encounters Keith, the band's slightly depressed, fifty-something lead singer - not just a celebrity but someone clearly in need of a friend - she feels like anything is possible. But is the connection between Annie and Keith just a fantasy? Or is this the beginning of a new chapter for them both? Full of laugh-out-loud reflections on fame, nostalgia, marriage and growing up, American Fantasy celebrates the magic of revisiting our youth, and the even greater magic of starting anew. --- PRAISE FOR EMMA STRAUB 'Has all the pleasures of reading one of Anne Tyler's compelling family portraits' NEW YORK TIMES 'Nostalgic, wise, funny, and filled with love' GABRIELLE ZEVIN on This Time Tomorrow 'Smart, compelling, irresistible ' LIANE MORIARTY on Modern Lovers 'Her warmth and sense of humour electrify every page' NEW YORK MAGAZINE

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER LOCUS AWARD WINNER FOR BEST SCIENCE FICTION HUGO AWARD FINALIST FOR BEST NOVEL NEBULA AWARD FINALIST FOR BEST NOVEL LONGLISTED FOR THE GOLDSBORO GLASS BELL AWARD WINNER OF THE LIBBY AWARD FOR BEST SCIENCE FICTION 'This one has it all' GEORGE R. R. MARTIN 'As delicious as it is disorienting' ZAKIYA DALILA HARRIS 'Beautifully evoked' THE GUARDIAN 'Mind-bending' THE NEW YORK TIMES 'Suspenseful, timely, and heartfelt' PEOPLE *** The future of storytelling is here. Life has thrown Zelu some curveballs over the years, but when she's suddenly dropped from her university job and her latest novel is rejected, all in the middle of her sister's wedding, her life is upended. Disabled, unemployed and from a nosy, high-achieving, judgmental family, she's not sure what comes next. In her hotel room that night, she takes the risk that will define her life - she decides to write a book VERY unlike her others. A science fiction drama about androids and AI after the extinction of humanity. And everything changes. What follows is a tale of love and loss, fame and infamy, of extraordinary events in one world, and another. And as Zelu's life evolves, the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur. Because sometimes a story really does have the power to reshape the world. Nnedi Okorafor, a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, presents a sweeping tale about family, culture and identity, and a breathtaking examination of the relationship between writer and reader . . . and robots. Death of the Author is heartfelt, tender, and an ambitious meta-drama about what makes us human. *** 'There's more vivid imagination in a page of Nnedi Okorafor's work than in whole volumes' URSULA K. LE GUIN 'A deeply felt dazzle. A blaze. It is true deep to the bones' LUIS ALBERTO URREA 'An ambitious, inventive tribute to the power of storytelling itself' NIKKI ERLICK

#1 New York Times Bestseller ¿ Selected by Barack Obama as one of his favorite books of the year What year was Michael Jordan the absolute, undisputed Devil-mode version of Michael Jordan? Who belongs in the elite, deeply disrespectful Dunk Hall of Fame? What are the exact, unwritten laws governing what is allowed and absolutely forbidden in a pickup basketball game? Basketball (and Other Things) is the definitive collection of pivotal, ridiculous, and brilliant fan disputes from hoops history. Perfect for fans of sports trivia, pop culture essays, and deep-dive NBA analysis, this book breaks down the standard talk-show debates you've heard a million times into the hyperspecific questions you didn't even know your brain needed answered. Award-winning writer Shea Serrano covers everything from the analytical (How many years was Kobe Bryant actually the best player in the league?) to the wonderfully chaotic (Which NBA player would you want as an ally if The Purge happened in real life?). With a foreword by NBA legend Reggie Miller and packed with stunning, comic-book-style illustrations by Arturo Torres, this classic 33-chapter masterpiece treats the mythology of modern basketball with equal parts brilliant insight and hilarious irreverence. It's the ultimate sports gift book for anyone who has ever stayed up until 3:00 AM arguing about the NBA's greatest what-ifs, or for anyone ready to fall in love with the beautiful absurdity of basketball fandom for the very first time.

'A masterfully crafted, brutally compelling Norse-inspired epic' Anthony Ryan THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD. A century has passed since the gods fought and drove themselves to extinction. Now only their bones remain, promising great power to those brave enough to seek them out. As whispers of war echo across the land of Vigrið, fate follows in the footsteps of three warriors: a huntress on a dangerous quest, a noblewoman pursuing battle fame, and a thrall seeking vengeance among the mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn. All three will shape the fate of the world as it once more falls under the shadow of the gods. Set in a Norse-inspired world, and packed with myth, magic and bloody vengeance, The Shadow of the Gods is the first book in the Bloodsworn Saga - the internationally bestselling epic fantasy series from the king of heroic fantasy, John Gwynne. Further praise for The Shadow of the Gods 'Visceral, heart-breaking and unputdownable' Jay Kristoff 'A satisfying and riveting read. The well-realised characters move against a backdrop of a world stunning in its immensity. It's everything I've come to expect from a John Gwynne book' Robin Hobb 'A masterclass in storytelling . . . epic, gritty fantasy with an uncompromising amount of heart' FanFiAddict 'Quintessential Gwynne honed to perfection . . . The Shadow of the Gods is absolutely stunning, one hell of an epic series opener and a spectacular dose of Viking-flavoured fantasy' The Tattooed Book Geek 'Reminds me of all that I love in the fantasy genre. The Shadow of the Gods is an action-packed cinematic read' Fantasy Hive

This audiobook narrated by Olivia Vinall provides a bold new account of how celebrity worksWhy do so many people care so much about celebrities? Who decides who gets to be a star? What are the privileges and pleasures of fandom? Do celebrities ever deserve the outsized attention they receive?In this fascinating and deeply researched book, Sharon Marcus challenges everything you thought you knew about our obsession with fame. Icons are not merely famous for being famous; the media alone cannot make or break stars; fans are not simply passive dupes. Instead, journalists, the public, and celebrities themselves all compete, passionately and expertly, to shape the stories we tell about celebrities and fans. The result: a high-stakes drama as endless as it is unpredictable.Drawing on scrapbooks, personal diaries, and vintage fan mail, Marcus traces celebrity culture back to its nineteenth-century roots, when people the world over found themselves captivated by celebrity chefs, bad-boy poets, and actors such as the "divine" Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923), as famous in her day as the Beatles in theirs. Known in her youth for sleeping in a coffin, hailed in maturity as a woman of genius, Bernhardt became a global superstar thanks to savvy engagement with her era's most innovative media and technologies: the popular press, commercial photography, and speedy new forms of travel.Whether you love celebrity culture or hate it, The Drama of Celebrity will change how you think about one of the most important phenomena of modern times.

""A gut-churning, heart-wrenching, blockbuster of a first novel ... Parks-Ramage is an extraordinary new talent and Yes, Daddy is truly something special."" --Kristen Arnett, author of Mostly Dead Things A propulsive, scorching modern gothic, Yes, Daddy follows an ambitious young man who is lured by an older, successful playwright into a dizzying world of wealth and an idyllic Hamptons home where things take a nightmarish turn. Jonah Keller moved to New York City with dreams of becoming a successful playwright, but, for the time being, lives in a rundown sublet in Bushwick, working extra hours at a restaurant only to barely make rent. When he stumbles upon a photo of Richard Shriver--the glamorous Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and quite possibly the stepping stone to the fame he craves--Jonah orchestrates their meeting. The two begin a hungry, passionate affair. When summer arrives, Richard invites his young lover for a spell at his sprawling estate in the Hamptons. A tall iron fence surrounds the idyllic compound where Richard and a few of his close artist friends entertain, have lavish dinners, and--Jonah can't help but notice--employ a waitstaff of young, attractive gay men, many of whom sport ugly bruises. Soon, Jonah is cast out of Richard's good graces and a sinister underlay begins to emerge. As a series of transgressions lead inexorably to a violent climax, Jonah hurtles toward a decisive revenge that will shape the rest of his life. Riveting, unpredictable, and compulsively readable, Yes, Daddy is an exploration of class, power dynamics, and the nuances of victimhood and complicity. It burns with weight and clarity--and offers hope that stories may hold the key to our healing.

Persuasion is the last novel completed by Jane Austen. It was published along with Northanger Abbey at the end of 1817, six months after her death. The novel was published on December 20, 1817, although the title page is dated 1818. The story concerns Anne Elliot, a young Englishwoman of twenty-seven years, whose family moves to lower their expenses and reduce their debt by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. The wife's brother, Navy Captain Frederick Wentworth, was engaged to Anne in 1806, but the engagement was broken when Anne was "persuaded" by her friends and family to end their relationship. Anne and Captain Wentworth, both single and unattached, meet again after a seven-year separation, setting the scene for many humorous encounters as well as a second, well-considered chance at love and marriage for Anne in her second "bloom". The novel was well-received in the early 19th century, but its greater fame came later in the century and continued into the 20th and 21st centuries. Much scholarly debate on Austen's work has since been published. Anne Elliot is noteworthy among Austen's heroines for her relative maturity. As Persuasion was Austen's last completed work, it is accepted as her most maturely written novel, showing a refinement of literary conception indicative of a woman approaching forty years of age. Her use of free indirect discourse in narrative was in full evidence by 1816. Persuasion has been the subject of several adaptations, including four made-for-television adaptations, theatre productions, radio broadcasts, and other literary works

Bloomsbury presents This is What Happens When Women Read, written and read by Julianna Glasse.The incredible story of how forbidden books sparked a woman's journey from Christian stardom to self-liberation.'Julianna Glasse blazes a trail for every woman who has ever felt oppressed' CHELSEA HANDLER'This is a story of change, inspiration, transformation and tenacity . . . Incredible' JONATHAN VAN NESSAt the peak of her fame, Julianna Glasse was a pop star and exemplary wife and mother, one half of a Christian power couple. She and her husband, a Major League Baseball star, led Bible studies for his team and their wives. But when her love of reading drew her to books like Plato's Republic, de Beauvoir's The Second Sex and poems by Dickinson, Rumi and Rilke, something inside her shifted.Slowly Julianna began to question things she had previously accepted as truth – something she knew her strict church community would forbid. She hid her books under the bed, in the linen closet, wherever they would not be found. But when her husband discovered them, his furious words would serve as her liberation: 'This is what happens when women read!'In this riveting memoir, Julianna writes of her very public and painful split from both the church and her husband – the self-hatred, depression, shame and suicidal impulses that almost destroyed her; the books she read that inspired her to embrace life as an autonomous, independent woman and pursue her education at Oxford; and, finally, her path to self-discovery and purpose.With a suggested reading list at the back of the book, This is What Happens When Women Read is at once a dramatic personal story, a conversation-starter about women's liberation, and an inspiring tribute to the power of books.

Bloomsbury presents The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner, read by Amy Noble.'A sumptuous and gripping read... [Nicola] writes with humour, heart and humanity' - Kate Thompson***A heart-wrenching and unforgettable story of courage, friendship and resistance, inspired by the incredible true story of a Jewish ballroom dancer in Paris during WWII, perfect for fans of The Paris Library.Paris, 1938. Annie Mayer arrives in France with dreams of becoming a ballerina. But when the war reaches Paris, she's forced to keep her Jewish heritage a secret. Then a fellow dancer offers her a lifeline: a ballroom partnership that gives her a new identity. Together, Annie and her partner captivate audiences across occupied Europe, using her newfound fame and alias to aid the Resistance.New York, 2012. Miriam, haunted by her past, travels from London to New York to settle her great-aunt Esther's estate. Among Esther's belongings, she discovers notebooks detailing a secret family history and the story of a brave dancer who risked everything to help Jewish families during the war.As Miriam uncovers Esther's life in Europe, she realises the story has been left for her to finish. Grappling with loss and the possibility of new love, Miriam must find the strength to reconcile her past and embrace her future.***'Impressive and vibrant' - Independent'Immaculately researched and exquisitely written... historical fiction at its best' - Louise Fein'Beautifully written, these characters just turn the pages themselves. It's so easy to fall into the worlds that Nicola Rayner has cleverly created. A real treat.' - Mandy Robotham

Unlock the more straightforward side of The House of the Spirits with this concise and insightful summary and analysis! This engaging summary presents an analysis of The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, a sweeping narrative which chronicles the lives of three generations of the Trueba-del Valle family. As the members of this family grow older, fall in love, develop their own political beliefs and come into conflict with each other, their story provides a constant echo of the rise and fall of the ideologies, traditions and systems that shaped Latin America itself. Isabel Allende is a Chilean writer, and is one of the most popular Spanish-language authors in the world. The House of the Spirits was her debut novel, and its popularity with readers catapulted her to widespread fame when it was published in 1982. Allende was awarded the Chilean National Prize for Literature in 2010 in tribute to her long and varied literary career. Find out everything you need to know about The House of the Spirits in a fraction of the time! This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you: A complete plot summary Character studies Key themes and symbols Questions for further reflection Why choose BrightSummaries.com? Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time. See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!

*WINNER OF THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY STORYTELLING AWARD*The lives, loves, adventures and trailblazing musical careers of four extraordinary women from a stunning debut biographer.'Magnificent.' Kate Mosse 'Riveting.' Antonia Fraser 'A breath of fresh air.' Kate Molleson 'Fascinating.' Alexandra Harris 'Wonderful.' Claire Tomalin 'Splendid.' Miranda Seymour 'Remarkable.' Fiona Maddocks 'Pioneering.' Andrew Motion 'Brilliant.' Helen PankhurstEthel Smyth (b.1858): Famed for her operas, this trailblazing queer Victorian composer was a larger-than-life socialite, intrepid traveller and committed Suffragette.Rebecca Clarke (b.1886): This talented violist and Pre-Raphaelite beauty was one of the first women ever hired by a professional orchestra, later celebrated for her modernist experimentation.Dorothy Howell (b.1898): A prodigy who shot to fame at the 1919 Proms, her reputation as the 'English Strauss' never dented her modesty; on retirement, she tended Elgar's grave alone.Doreen Carwithen (b.1922): One of Britain's first woman film composers who scored Elizabeth II's coronation film, her success hid a 20-year affair with her married composition tutor.In their time, these women were celebrities. They composed some of the century's most popular music and pioneered creative careers; but today, they are ghostly presences, surviving only as muses and footnotes to male contemporaries like Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Britten - until now.Leah Broad's magnificent group biography resurrects these forgotten voices, recounting lives of rebellion, heartbreak and ambition, and celebrating their musical masterpieces. Lighting up a panoramic sweep of British history over two World Wars, Quartet revolutionises the canon forever.

' No one explores the nuances of love in all its messy glory like Ava Wilder. Some Kind of Famous offers a fresh, intimate take on celebrity romance with raw, real characters who pine, struggle, and heal. This is a gorgeously written story that captures all the facets of fame with sensitivity and insight' - Kate Goldbeck, author of YOU, AGAIN and DADDY ISSUES ¿¿¿¿Small-town romance ¿¿¿¿Black cat x Golden Retriever ¿¿¿¿Celebrity romance ¿¿¿¿Forced proximity In this steamy and emotional small-town romance, a disgraced ex-musician and a local handyman try to resist their growing attraction for each other--until a house renovation forces them together. ______________________________ He's fixing up her house . . . and her heart. Merritt Valentine used to be the biggest singer-songwriter in the business . . . until a career-ending breakdown. Hoping time away from the spotlight would heal her emotional wounds, she abandoned the glitz of LA for her sister's sleepy town of Crested Peak, Colorado. But years in her sister spare room has come to an end. It's time for Merritt to start living again. The first step? Renovating the house she bought, and the disarmingly handsome local contractor, Nikolaos Petrakis, is just the man for the job. Her minor crush on him isn't relevant whatsoever. After his last heartbreak, Niko is done dating his fellow townies. It's too messy. But he just can't shake his fascination with the brilliant and prickly Merritt, despite everyone telling him to steer clear of her chaos. Denying their budding attraction while fixing up her house might just end in disaster . . . or it might be exactly what they both need. ______________________________ Praise for Ava Wilder: "Real, raw, and deeply romantic, Some Kind of Famous is a gorgeous story of two imperfect people finding someone who just might be perfect for them. A beautifully messy and authentic love story."- Ashley Herring Blake, USA Today bestselling author of Dream On, Ramona Riley "I am on my knees every single day, grateful to be in a timeline where Ava Wilder is writing books and I get to read them. Some Kind of Famous is the absolute peak of romance-tender and vulnerable and deeply moving and so sexy it'll give you butterflies. I am obsessed with Ava Wilder's mind and want as much of it as I can possibly ever get."- Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of Never Been Shipped "An angsty and totally immersive romance with a charming setting."- Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Wilder's stunning follow-up to Will They or Won't They tackles the complexities of mental health, sexuality, and what love can become when given the chance. Perfect for readers who enjoy romances that reflect the realities of small-town life."- Library Journal, starred review

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Christine Daaé. Her Voice. Her Story. As it's never been told before. The haunting gothic romance and reimaging of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, told through the eyes of Christine Daaé as she rises to fame while torn between love, ambition, and the haunting secrets of the opera house - from the bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows, Erin A. Craig . She was never just the voice he shaped . . . A rising soprano with a gift she is only just learning to embrace, Christine Daaé has moved through the glittering world of the Opera Populaire longing to find her purpose. Instead, she finds herself caught between two men who refuse to let her slip quietly into the chorus. One is Raoul, her childhood friend turned devoted admirer, offering her a future filled with warmth, safety, and a love that feels like sunlight. The other is a mysterious masked figure who lurks beneath the opera house: The Phantom. His brilliance, obsession, and dangerous devotion to nurturing Christine's talents ignites a dark and complicated passion in her heart. As Christine's star ascends, so does the tension between Raoul and the Phantom. She must decide who she is when the curtain falls - and what she's willing to risk for the life she wants. Set against the haunting, romantic world of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, Our Strange Duet allows Christine Daaé to take centre stage to tell her own story. Praise for Our Strange Duet and Erin A. Craig: 'A haunting, deeply romantic tale... I was enchanted from the very first page.' Ava Reid, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning 'Chilling and atmospheric . ' Laura E. Weymouth, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Castle and the Cloister 'I never realised how much I wanted to step inside a fairy tale' Stephanie Garber, bestselling author of Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart 'A twisty gothic romance that drew me in from the first sentence' Kendare Blake, bestselling author of Three Dark Crowns ' Haunting atmosphere , simmering passion , and heartbreakingly emotional ...this book is a must read!' 5* reader review 'Christine finally gets the voice she always deserved. I couldn't put it down. ' 5* reader review 'A gorgeously gothic YA retelling of The Phantom of The Opera' 5* reader review '[A] must read for any Phantom of the Opera fan' 5* reader review 'The gothic atmosphere was perfection' 5* reader review 'I'll be thinking about this novel for a long time to come... Chef's kiss 1000/10 !' 5* reader review

*THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER* EMBARK ON THE JOYOUS AND NOSTALGIC JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME IN THE LATEST NOVEL FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THIS TIME TOMORROW AND ALL ADULTS HERE 'Pure joy' Ann Patchett 'Fun, delicious, big-hearted' Taylor Jenkins Reid 'So funny and wise and perfectly done' Lena Dunham 'Criminally readable' Maria Semple 'I can't TELL you the enjoyment it gave me' Marian Keyes 'I was completely swept away' Coco Mellors 'You will feel so understood by this novel' Rainbow Rowell 'Unexpectedly hilarious. Cheaper than therapy and a lot more fun!' Holly Brickley 'I longed to be aboard the American Fantasy' Lauren Bravo --- Annie is on a journey straight back to her past. When the American Fantasy cruise ship sets sail for a four-day themed voyage, aboard are all five members of a famous 1990s boyband, and three thousand women who have worshipped them since their youth. Newly divorced and with an empty nest, Annie is on board as a lark to appease her sister. Once a diehard fan of the band as a teen, she now feels out of place amid the sea of bedazzling t-shirts bearing the singers' faces. Yet when the lights go down, the cocktails are poured and the band starts singing, Annie finally reconnects to a long-submerged part of herself. As she encounters Keith, the band's slightly depressed, fifty-something lead singer - not just a celebrity but someone clearly in need of a friend - she feels like anything is possible. But is the connection between Annie and Keith just a fantasy? Or is this the beginning of a new chapter for them both? Full of laugh-out-loud reflections on fame, nostalgia, marriage and growing up, American Fantasy celebrates the magic of revisiting our youth, and the even greater magic of starting anew. --- PRAISE FOR EMMA STRAUB 'Has all the pleasures of reading one of Anne Tyler's compelling family portraits' NEW YORK TIMES 'Nostalgic, wise, funny, and filled with love' GABRIELLE ZEVIN on This Time Tomorrow 'Smart, compelling, irresistible ' LIANE MORIARTY on Modern Lovers 'Her warmth and sense of humour electrify every page' NEW YORK MAGAZINE

BEHIND EVERY HERO, THERE'S A HISTORIANAn ambitious young scholar is sent to research the mysteries of an adventurer's inn - only to uncover a centuries-old secret in this heart-warming and poignant fantasy. Perfect for readers who want to pull up a chair at the inn and never leave. 'This may be the coziest fantasy I've ever read' Ry Herman, author of This Princess Kills Monsters 'Cosy fantasy at its best!' Annie Sumerlee, author of The Book of Blood and Roses 'Charming and lovely, with a wonderful found family' Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop --------------------------------------------------- Mount Vengeance is legendary, a monumental climb with a dragon at its peak. For most, it's an adventure, or a quest to prove themselves worthy of fame and glory. For Ainsworth, it's perfect thesis material. Ainsworth Gladsly, ambitious young scholar, research fellow and up-and-coming historian is finally ready to make his mark on the world. When his supervisor learns of a rustic inn at the foot of the legendary Mount Vengeance, she sends him to be the first to document the exploits of the bold adventurers who face the perils of the mountain - and the dragon said to inhabit it. But the inn is far from the sophisticated city life he's grown to love, and even as he grudgingly warms to its rustic charm - and its lovely innkeeper, Honey - the mystery of the mountain refuses to reveal itself. Worse, Ainsworth can't find evidence that anyone has ever undertaken the climb - every adventurer comes to the inn, stays for a single night, and then returns home. And with Ainsworth's reputation as an academic on the line, it's a mystery he can't allow to remain unsolved - even if he has to push the adventurers up the mountain himself. --------------------------------------------------- PULL UP A CHAIR. STAY FOR THE NIGHT. YOU MIGHT NEVER WANT TO LEAVE. PERFECT FOR READERS WHO LOVE: Cosy fantasy Found family Magical academia Sweet romance Building a community D&D-inspired adventure Gentle mysteries Lovable characters Inns you'll never want to leave READERS ADORE THE INN AT THE FOOT OF MOUNT VENGEANCE 'I absolutely adored this book! . . . Would 100% recommend this to everyone!' ¿¿¿¿¿ Reader Review 'A wholesome cozy fantasy book that focuses on found family, building a community and slowing down to enjoy life' ¿¿¿¿¿ Reader Review 'This book felt like a fluffy blanket keeping me warm on a cold winter day.' ¿¿¿¿¿ Reader Review 'I couldn't put it down! The story was so engaging while still having a soft, reassuring tone and the characters were really excellent.' ¿¿¿¿¿ Reader Review MORE PRAISE FOR THE INN AT THE FOOT OF MOUNT VENGEANCE 'The perfect blend of magical academia and whimsical D&D flair . . . tender longing and heartfelt comfort. I will read anything she writes!' Nadia El-Fassi, author of Love at First Fright 'A book that feels like a don't-leave-the-tavern D&D session . . . Depth, warmth and impeccable world-building all at once.' Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen 'A delightful curl-up-under-a-blanket read that will be right at home on any cozy fantasy lover's bookshelf.' Emily Krempholtz, USA Today bestselling author of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore

Bloomsbury presents Torment Saint by William Todd Schultz, read by Christopher RaglandElliott Smith was one of the most gifted songwriters of the nineties, adored by worshipful fans for his subtly melancholic words and melodies. The sadness had its sources in the life. There was trauma from an early age, years of drug abuse and a chronic sense of disconnection that sometimes seemed almost self-engineered. Smith died violently in Los Angeles in 2003, under what some believe to be questionable circumstances, of a single fatal stab wound to the chest. By this time fame had found him, and record buyers who shared the listening experience felt he spoke directly to them from beyond: lonely, lovelorn, frustrated, fighting until he could fight no more. And yet, although his achingly intimate lyrics carried the weight of truth, Smith remained unknowable. In Torment Saint, William Todd Schultz gives us the first proper biography of the rock star, a decade after his death, imbued with affection, authority, sensitivity and long-awaited clarity.Torment Saint draws on Schultz's careful, deeply knowledgeable readings and insights, as well as on more than 150 hours of interviews with close friends, lovers, bandmates, peers, managers, label owners, and recording engineers and producers. This book unravels the remaining mysteries of Smith's life and his shocking, too-early end. It will be an indispensable examination of his life and legacy, both for Smith's legions of fans as well as readers still discovering his songbook.

'No ordinary pop biography, this is a very personal exploration of a very unusual artist' – Dorian Lynskey'A beautiful, frequently extraordinary book. Part biography, part social commentary and part love letter, it somehow does full justice to the magnificent man it examines' – James O'Brien'Far more than a biography of a pop icon – it's a sharp, insightful look at George Michael's life and how he challenged society, from politics to identity, in ways that still resonate today' – Sadiq KhanHe wrote one of the biggest hits of our age in 'about an hour' in his childhood bedroom.He would go on to collaborate with some of the greatest musicians of all time, from Aretha Franklin to Stevie Wonder.He was a pop star who bleached his hair blonde, wore tiny shorts and, at the same time, critiqued his own image mercilessly.He lived through the AIDS crisis and one of the most homophobic periods of British history and yet when he finally came out, he did so boldly and unapologetically.Wham! were the first Western pop group to play in Communist China and he repeatedly broke boundaries in music too.Ten years after his death, George Michael is still everywhere: the annual success of 'Last Christmas', new covers of his songs, and endless memes on social media.Tonight the Music Seems So Loud is at once a kaleidoscopic portrait of one of Britain's most beloved musicians and an account of a strange and turbulent period of British history. In this unconventional and enthralling audiobook, bestselling author Sathnam Sanghera explores the connection between music and politics, exposes what secrecy does to the soul, and reveals how fame rots the sense of self.Throughout, Sanghera captures, joyfully and poignantly, one of Britain's greatest artists in all his musical glory.

"A bard never reveals her secrets, only everyone else's." There is no place for elves in this world, but Sylvaine knows she's destined for greatness-a world-famous bard entertaining the finest nobility as far as Lindale. Unfortunately, performing in her local tavern off the beaten path lends scant opportunity to distinguish herself. Until a group of adventurers arrive, promising fame, wealth, and glory when they slay the last dragon of their age and find the lost hoard. Syl convinces them they'll need a bard to spread word of their heroics, and if she can claim some honor for herself along the way, well no one could fault her for recognizing a mutually beneficial arrangement. Even if it means ignoring the glaring disapproval of the hulking warrior assigned to protect her. Jaromir is rude and ill-tempered. He makes no effort to hide his distaste when she joins their group. But as they grow closer, and are unable to deny the heat of their attraction, she discovers there's more to him than his poor manners. He brings her passion, peace, and safety in a world in which she's never felt welcome. When the group suffers a great loss, they must use the power of a convincing story to keep their quest alive. A future that once seemed impossible, is suddenly within reach with Jaromir by her side. But even the ballads of love are rife with sorrow. Syl must slay her own dragons before she has a chance at surviving this journey and writing the ending she yearns for. Every bard knows the victorious ending comes at a price. Syl will see this tale through, no matter what it costs her