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The beautiful new novel that will make you laugh and cry, from the global bestselling author of Anxious People and A Man Called Ove . 'A stunning, sweeping, extraordinary story of connection, love, and the unbreakable bonds that guide and shape us. Full of humour and heart, My Friends is simply wonderful' Chris Whitaker * OVER A QUARTER OF A MILLION COPIES SOLD * * AN INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER * * WINNER OF GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST FICTION 2025 * * SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON'S BEST FICTION BOOK OF 2025 * * AN AUDIBLE BEST LISTEN OF 2025 * You have to take life for granted, the artist thinks, the whole thing: sunrises and slow Sunday mornings and water balloons and another person's breath against your neck. That's the only courageous thing a person can do. In the corner of a world-famous painting, three tiny figures sit on the end of a pier, a secret hidden in plain sight.  Twenty-five years ago, a group of teenagers found solace in each other during one unforgettable summer. Their friendship inspired a transcendent work of art, a painting that now mysteriously belongs to eighteen-year-old aspiring artist Louisa. Driven to learn the story behind its creation, Louisa embarks on a journey to the seaside town where it all began. But as she gets closer to the painting's birthplace, Louisa learns that happy endings do not always take the form we expect. Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger's life years later. Readers can't get enough of My Friends . . . (***** five star reviews) 'It was perfect. I have no other words to describe this masterpiece. Like, what the hell was I doing all these years??' 'I haven't read a friendship story this genuine, heartfelt, clumsy, straightforward, smart, sentimental, shocking, and emotionally resonant in a very long time.' 'Is it too early in the year to pick my favourite read of 2025? I think not, as this will be hard to beat.' 'Backman remains my absolute favorite.' 'Absolutely brilliant and beautiful ... I loved, loved, loved this book.'

The beautiful new novel that will make you laugh and cry, from the global bestselling author of Anxious People and A Man Called Ove . 'A stunning, sweeping, extraordinary story of connection, love, and the unbreakable bonds that guide and shape us. Full of humour and heart, My Friends is simply wonderful' Chris Whitaker * OVER A QUARTER OF A MILLION COPIES SOLD * * AN INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER * * WINNER OF GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST FICTION 2025 * * SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON'S BEST FICTION BOOK OF 2025 * * AN AUDIBLE BEST LISTEN OF 2025 * You have to take life for granted, the artist thinks, the whole thing: sunrises and slow Sunday mornings and water balloons and another person's breath against your neck. That's the only courageous thing a person can do. In the corner of a world-famous painting, three tiny figures sit on the end of a pier, a secret hidden in plain sight. Twenty-five years ago, a group of teenagers found solace in each other during one unforgettable summer. Their friendship inspired a transcendent work of art, a painting that now mysteriously belongs to eighteen-year-old aspiring artist Louisa. Driven to learn the story behind its creation, Louisa embarks on a journey to the seaside town where it all began. But as she gets closer to the painting's birthplace, Louisa learns that happy endings do not always take the form we expect. Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger's life years later. Readers can't get enough of My Friends . . . (***** five star reviews) 'It was perfect. I have no other words to describe this masterpiece. Like, what the hell was I doing all these years??' 'I haven't read a friendship story this genuine, heartfelt, clumsy, straightforward, smart, sentimental, shocking, and emotionally resonant in a very long time.' 'Is it too early in the year to pick my favourite read of 2025? I think not, as this will be hard to beat.' 'Backman remains my absolute favorite.' 'Absolutely brilliant and beautiful ... I loved, loved, loved this book.'

Star-crossed lovers bound by magic. But will their devotion set them free-or doom them forever? London, 1866. All Kit Finchley wants is to master the magic that keeps eluding him - and to live a life not dictated by title or expectation. Duty presses in from every quarter, but the one thing that quickens his pulse is the promise of real power. When a miscast spell tears open a doorway into the Veil - a liminal realm where Wilfrith and his family have been trapped since a fateful bargain with the Faerie Queen 800 years ago - Kit stumbles into a love he never imagined. Their connection is immediate, impossible, and undeniable. Determined to free Wil, Kit hunts for the spell that could bridge two worlds. By night, Kit risks everything to reach the boy between worlds, desperate to bind the realms without breaking them. But by day, Kit finds himself intrigued by a young bohemian woman of a very wealthy, aristocratic family. She's unlike any woman he's ever met: rebellious, clever, and best of all, she believes in magic. Torn between first love, magic and duty, Kit will be forced to make a decision that will change all three of their lives forever. 'A spellbinding tale of stolen worlds, deliciously amoral fae, perilous magic, and a love worth crossing time and space for . Blending the magical studentship of BABEL and the EMILY WILDE series, with the fraught marriage mart of BRIDGERTON, I was enchanted by A WORLD APART from the very first page' - Venetia Constantine, no. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Last Starborn Seer *** Readers LOVE A World Apart: 'What a gorgeous, dizzying read' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'A World Apart completely swept me away. From the very first pages I was drawn into a beautifully crafted world filled with magic, mystery, love, and so much yearning that I never wanted it to end' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'A magical, heartfelt, and wonderfully imaginative fantasy filled with adventure, friendship, longing, and unforgettable characters ' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'Blending real history with magic is always such a fun trope, and the beautiful prose in this one only made it richer. I loved everything about the book, from the magic system to the realistic, unique characters and the intense, captivating plot' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'This was so gorgeous and well done and I am a sucker for a historical fantasy...but make it queer?? I AM SEATED!! ' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*

Star-crossed lovers bound by magic. But will their devotion set them free—or doom them forever?London, 1866.All Kit Finchley wants is to master the magic that keeps eluding him – and to live a life not dictated by title or expectation. Duty presses in from every quarter, but the one thing that quickens his pulse is the promise of real power.When a miscast spell tears open a doorway into the Veil – a liminal realm where Wilfrith and his family have been trapped since a fateful bargain with the Faerie Queen 800 years ago – Kit stumbles into a love he never imagined. Their connection is immediate, impossible, and undeniable. Determined to free Wil, Kit hunts for the spell that could bridge two worlds.By night, Kit risks everything to reach the boy between worlds, desperate to bind the realms without breaking them. But by day, Kit finds himself intrigued by a young bohemian woman of a very wealthy, aristocratic family. She's unlike any woman he's ever met: rebellious, clever, and best of all, she believes in magic.Torn between first love, magic and duty, Kit will be forced to make a decision that will change all three of their lives forever.'A spellbinding tale of stolen worlds, deliciously amoral fae, perilous magic, and a love worth crossing time and space for. Blending the magical studentship of BABEL and the EMILY WILDE series, with the fraught marriage mart of BRIDGERTON, I was enchanted by A WORLD APART from the very first page' - Venetia Constantine, no. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Last Starborn Seer***Readers LOVE A World Apart:'What a gorgeous, dizzying read' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*'A World Apart completely swept me away. From the very first pages I was drawn into a beautifully crafted world filled with magic, mystery, love, and so much yearning that I never wanted it to end' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*'A magical, heartfelt, and wonderfully imaginative fantasy filled with adventure, friendship, longing, and unforgettable characters' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*'Blending real history with magic is always such a fun trope, and the beautiful prose in this one only made it richer. I loved everything about the book, from the magic system to the realistic, unique characters and the intense, captivating plot' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*'This was so gorgeous and well done and I am a sucker for a historical fantasy...but make it queer?? I AM SEATED!!' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*

Classic from the year 2009 in the subject Romance Languages - French Literature, , language: English, abstract: BOOK FOURTH. THE GORBEAU HOVEL*** CHAPTER I. MASTER GORBEAU*** Forty years ago, a rambler who had ventured into that unknown country of the Salpetriere, and who had mounted to the Barriere d'Italie by way of the boulevard, reached a point where it might be said that Paris disappeared. It was no longer solitude, for there were passers-by; it was not the country, for there were houses and streets; it was not the city, for the streets had ruts like highways, and the grass grew in them; it was not a village, the houses were too lofty. What was it, then? It was an inhabited spot where there was no one; it was a desert place where there was some one; it was a boulevard of the great city, a street of Paris; more wild at night than the forest, more gloomy by day than a cemetery. It was the old quarter of the Marche-aux-Chevaux.[...] *** BOOK FIFTH. FOR A BLACK HUNT, A MUTE PACK[...] CHAPTER I. THE ZIGZAGS OF STRATEGY[...] An observation here becomes necessary, in view of the pages which the reader is about to peruse, and of others which will be met with further on. The author of this book, who regrets the necessity of mentioning himself, has been absent from Paris for many years. Paris has been transformed since he quitted it. A new city has arisen, which is, after a fashion, unknown to him. There is no need for him to say that he loves Paris: Paris is his mind's natal city. In consequence of demolitions and reconstructions, the Paris of his youth, that Paris which he bore away religiously in his memory, is now a Paris of days gone by. He must be permitted to speak of that Paris as though it still existed. It is possible that when the author conducts his readers to a spot and says, "In such a street there stands such and such a house," neither street nor house will any longer exist in that locality. Readers may verify the facts if they care to take the trouble. For his own part, he is unacquainted with the new Paris, and he writes with the old Paris before his eyes in an illusion which is precious to him. It is a delight to him to dream that there still lingers behind him something of that which he beheld when he was in his own country, and that all has not vanished.[...]

April of 2022 marks a 25-year milestone for the personal finance classic Rich Dad Poor Dad that still ranks as the #1 Personal Finance book of all time. And although 25 years have passed since Rich Dad Poor Dad was first published, readers will find that very little in the book itself has changed — and for good reason. While so much in our world is changing a high speed, the lessons about money and the principles of Rich Dad Poor Dad haven’t changed. Today, as money continues to play a key role in our daily lives, the messages in Robert Kiyosaki’s international bestseller are more timely and more important than ever. Milestones While there is a milestone to commemorate — and a new section in the book on Why Milestones Are Important — preserving the integrity of the original content is testimony to the fact that this book has truly stood the test of time. The sidebars throughout the book (that were updated for the 20-year anniversary edition) have been updated again, but the core principles that parents and grandparents — those who embraced Robert’s story and messages 25 years ago — are sharing them with new generations who have found that its timeless wisdom and no-nonsense lessons can be applied to anyone’s life and their vision for a future that includes taking control of their finances. People of all cultures and countries celebrate milestones. We use them to measure time, mark progress, reflect on the lessons we’ve learned, and celebrate accomplishments… and they give meaning to our life’s journey. They are a way that we integrate past, present, and future… looking back at where we started, where we are today… and the promise of all that the future can hold. In the quarter century that has passed since Rich Dad Poor Dad was first published — 25 years since April 8, 1997 — so many things in our world have changed. But the one thing that has not changed is the pressing need for and the power of financial education. Money is still a mainstay of our lives, like it or not, and technology has brought both speed and innovations to the world of money. In an ever-changing world, we can all still get smarter when it comes to money… and learn as much as we can to secure our future. Still the One… #1 Today Rich Dad Poor Dad consistently ranks among bestsellers around the world in the categories of Personal Finance, Parenting, and Investing, has been translated into 38 languages, and has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Rich Dad Poor Dad is Robert's story of growing up with two dads — his real father and the father of his best friend, his rich dad — and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing. The book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you. In many ways, the messages of Rich Dad Poor Dad, messages that were challenged and criticized 25 ago, are more meaningful, relevant, and important today than ever. Rich Dad Poor Dad... Explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to become rich Challenges the belief that your house is an asset Shows parents why they can't rely on the school system to teach their kids about money Defines once and for all an asset and a liability Teaches you what to teach your kids about money for their future financial success

The beautiful new novel that will make you laugh and cry, from the global bestselling author of Anxious People and A Man Called Ove . 'A stunning, sweeping, extraordinary story of connection, love, and the unbreakable bonds that guide and shape us. Full of humour and heart, My Friends is simply wonderful' Chris Whitaker * OVER A QUARTER OF A MILLION COPIES SOLD * * AN INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER * * WINNER OF GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST FICTION 2025 * * SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON'S BEST FICTION BOOK OF 2025 * * AN AUDIBLE BEST LISTEN OF 2025 * You have to take life for granted, the artist thinks, the whole thing: sunrises and slow Sunday mornings and water balloons and another person's breath against your neck. That's the only courageous thing a person can do. In the corner of a world-famous painting, three tiny figures sit on the end of a pier, a secret hidden in plain sight. Twenty-five years ago, a group of teenagers found solace in each other during one unforgettable summer. Their friendship inspired a transcendent work of art, a painting that now mysteriously belongs to eighteen-year-old aspiring artist Louisa. Driven to learn the story behind its creation, Louisa embarks on a journey to the seaside town where it all began. But as she gets closer to the painting's birthplace, Louisa learns that happy endings do not always take the form we expect. Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger's life years later. Readers can't get enough of My Friends . . . (***** five star reviews) 'It was perfect. I have no other words to describe this masterpiece. Like, what the hell was I doing all these years??' 'I haven't read a friendship story this genuine, heartfelt, clumsy, straightforward, smart, sentimental, shocking, and emotionally resonant in a very long time.' 'Is it too early in the year to pick my favourite read of 2025? I think not, as this will be hard to beat.' 'Backman remains my absolute favorite.' 'Absolutely brilliant and beautiful ... I loved, loved, loved this book.'

The Civil War ended more than 150 years ago, yet our nation remains fiercely divided over its enduring legacies. In A Thousand May Fall, Pulitzer Prize finalist Brian Matthew Jordan returns us to the war itself, bringing us closer than perhaps any prior historian to the chaos of battle and the trials of military life. Creating an intimate, absorbing chronicle from the ordinary soldier's perspective, he allows us to see the Civil War anew-and through unexpected eyes. At the heart of Jordan's vital account is the 107th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was at once representative and exceptional. Its ranks weathered the human ordeal of war in painstakingly routine ways, fighting in two defining battles, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, each time in the thick of the killing. But the men of the 107th were not lauded as heroes for their bravery and their suffering. Most of them were ethnic Germans, set apart by language and identity, and their loyalties were regularly questioned by a nativist Northern press. We so often assume that the Civil War was a uniquely American conflict, yet Jordan emphasizes the forgotten contributions made by immigrants to the Union cause. An incredible one quarter of the Union army was foreign born, he shows, with 200,000 native Germans alone fighting to save their adopted homeland and prove their patriotism. In the course of its service, the 107th Ohio was decimated five times over, and although one of its members earned the Medal of Honor for his daring performance in a skirmish in South Carolina, few others achieved any lasting distinction. Reclaiming these men for posterity, Jordan reveals that even as they endured the horrible extremes of war, the Ohioans contemplated the deeper meanings of the conflict at every turn-from personal questions of citizenship and belonging to the overriding matter of slavery and emancipation. Based on prodigious new research, including diaries, letters, and unpublished memoirs, A Thousand May Fall is a pioneering, revelatory history that restores the common man and the immigrant striver to the center of the Civil War. In our age of fractured politics and emboldened nativism, Jordan forces us to confront the wrenching human realities, and often-forgotten stakes, of the bloodiest episode in our nation's history.

From the reviews of the First Edition . . . "The first edition of this book, published 30 years ago by Duda and Hart, has been a defining book for the field of Pattern Recognition. Stork has done a superb job of updating the book. He has undertaken a monumental task of sifting through 30 years of material in a rapidly growing field and presented another snapshot of the field, determining what will be of importance for the next 30 years and incorporating it into this second edition. The style is easy to read as in the original book and the statistical, mathematical material comes alive with many new illustrations. The end result is harmonious, leading the reader through many new topics..." --Sargur N. Srihari, PhD, Director, Center for Excellence in Document Analysis and Recognition, Distinguished Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, SUNY at Buffalo Practitioners developing or investigating pattern recognition systems in such diverse application areas as speech recognition, optical character recognition, image processing, or signal analysis, often face the difficult task of having to decide among a bewildering array of available techniques. This unique text/professional reference provides the information you need to choose the most appropriate method for a given class of problems, presenting an in-depth, systematic account of the major topics in pattern recognition today. A new edition of a classic work that helped define the field for over a quarter century, this practical book updates and expands the original work, focusing on pattern classification and the immense progress it has experienced in recent years. Special features include: * Clear explanations of both classical and new methods, including neural networks, stochastic methods, genetic algorithms, and theory of learning * Over 350 high-quality, two-color illustrations highlighting various concepts * Numerous worked examples * Pseudocode for pattern recognition algorithms * Expanded problems, keyed specifically to the text * Complete exercises, linked to the text * Algorithms to explain specific pattern-recognition and learning techniques * Historical remarks and important references at the end of chapters * Appendices covering the necessary mathematical background

In hardcover for the first time ever! A gorgeously illustrated anniversary edition of the book that launched the epic Farseer Trilogy, praised by George R. R. Martin as "fantasy as it ought to be written" and Lin-Manuel Miranda as "an incredible series," featuring a new foreword by Robin Hobb and ten full-color illustrations. Twenty-five years ago, Robin Hobb's first novel featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his mysterious, often maddening friend the Fool struck like a bolt of brilliant lightning. Thus began a beloved saga spanning multiple series, full of adventure, magic, and sinister plots. To celebrate a quarter-century of wonder, this special edition of Assassin's Apprentice presents a modern classic as it's never been seen before: in hardcover, with ten beautiful full-color illustrations by Magali Villeneuve. Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill-and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom. Praise for Robin Hobb and Assassin's Apprentice "Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb's books are diamonds in a sea of zircons."-George R. R. Martin "A gleaming debut in the crowded field of epic fantasies . . . a delightful take on the powers and politics behind the throne."-Publishers Weekly "This is the kind of book you fall into, and start reading slower as you get to the end, because you don't want it to be over."-Steven Brust

In hardcover for the first time ever! A gorgeously illustrated anniversary edition of the book that launched the epic Farseer Trilogy, praised by George R. R. Martin as "fantasy as it ought to be written" and Lin-Manuel Miranda as "an incredible series," featuring a new foreword by Robin Hobb and ten full-color illustrations. Twenty-five years ago, Robin Hobb's first novel featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his mysterious, often maddening friend the Fool struck like a bolt of brilliant lightning. Thus began a beloved saga spanning multiple series, full of adventure, magic, and sinister plots. To celebrate a quarter-century of wonder, this special edition of Assassin's Apprentice presents a modern classic as it's never been seen before: in hardcover, with ten beautiful full-color illustrations by Magali Villeneuve. Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill-and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom. Praise for Robin Hobb and Assassin's Apprentice "Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb's books are diamonds in a sea of zircons."-George R. R. Martin "A gleaming debut in the crowded field of epic fantasies . . . a delightful take on the powers and politics behind the throne."-Publishers Weekly "This is the kind of book you fall into, and start reading slower as you get to the end, because you don't want it to be over."-Steven Brust

April of 2022 marks a 25-year milestone for the personal finance classic Rich Dad Poor Dad that still ranks as the #1 Personal Finance book of all time. And although 25 years have passed since Rich Dad Poor Dad was first published, readers will find that very little in the book itself has changed — and for good reason. While so much in our world is changing a high speed, the lessons about money and the principles of Rich Dad Poor Dad haven’t changed. Today, as money continues to play a key role in our daily lives, the messages in Robert Kiyosaki’s international bestseller are more timely and more important than ever. Milestones   While there is a milestone  to commemorate — and a new section in the book on Why Milestones Are Important — preserving the integrity of the original content is testimony to the fact that this book has truly stood the test of time. The sidebars throughout the book (that were updated for the 20-year anniversary edition) have been updated again, but the core principles that parents and grandparents — those who embraced Robert’s story and messages 25 years ago — are sharing them with new generations who have found that its timeless wisdom and no-nonsense lessons can be applied to anyone’s life and their vision for a future that includes taking control of their finances. People of all cultures and countries celebrate milestones. We use them to measure time, mark progress, reflect on the lessons we’ve learned, and celebrate accomplishments… and they give meaning to our life’s journey. They are a way that we integrate past, present, and future… looking back at where we started, where we are today… and the promise of all that the future can hold. In the quarter century that has passed since Rich Dad Poor Dad was first published — 25 years since April 8, 1997 — so many things in our world have changed. But the one thing that has not changed is the pressing need for and the power of financial education. Money is still a mainstay of our lives, like it or not, and technology has brought both speed and innovations to the world of money. In an ever-changing world, we can all still get smarter when it comes to money… and learn as much as we can to secure our future. Still the One… #1   Today Rich Dad Poor Dad consistently ranks among bestsellers around the world in the categories of Personal Finance, Parenting, and Investing, has been translated into 38 languages, and has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Rich Dad Poor Dad is Robert's story of growing up with two dads — his real father and the father of his best friend, his rich dad — and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing. The book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you. In many ways, the messages of Rich Dad Poor Dad, messages that were challenged and criticized 25 ago, are more meaningful, relevant, and important today than ever. Rich Dad Poor Dad... • Explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to become rich • Challenges the belief that your house is an asset • Shows parents why they can't rely on the school system to teach their kids about money • Defines once and for all an asset and a liability • Teaches you what to teach your kids about money for their future financial success

Star-crossed lovers bound by magic. But will their devotion set them free-or doom them forever? London, 1866. All Kit Finchley wants is to master the magic that keeps eluding him - and to live a life not dictated by title or expectation. Duty presses in from every quarter, but the one thing that quickens his pulse is the promise of real power. When a miscast spell tears open a doorway into the Veil - a liminal realm where Wilfrith and his family have been trapped since a fateful bargain with the Faerie Queen 800 years ago - Kit stumbles into a love he never imagined. Their connection is immediate, impossible, and undeniable. Determined to free Wil, Kit hunts for the spell that could bridge two worlds. By night, Kit risks everything to reach the boy between worlds, desperate to bind the realms without breaking them. But by day, Kit finds himself intrigued by a young bohemian woman of a very wealthy, aristocratic family. She's unlike any woman he's ever met: rebellious, clever, and best of all, she believes in magic. Torn between first love, magic and duty, Kit will be forced to make a decision that will change all three of their lives forever. 'A spellbinding tale of stolen worlds, deliciously amoral fae, perilous magic, and a love worth crossing time and space for . Blending the magical studentship of BABEL and the EMILY WILDE series, with the fraught marriage mart of BRIDGERTON, I was enchanted by A WORLD APART from the very first page' - Venetia Constantine, no. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Last Starborn Seer *** Readers LOVE A World Apart: 'What a gorgeous, dizzying read' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'A World Apart completely swept me away. From the very first pages I was drawn into a beautifully crafted world filled with magic, mystery, love, and so much yearning that I never wanted it to end' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'A magical, heartfelt, and wonderfully imaginative fantasy filled with adventure, friendship, longing, and unforgettable characters ' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'Blending real history with magic is always such a fun trope, and the beautiful prose in this one only made it richer. I loved everything about the book, from the magic system to the realistic, unique characters and the intense, captivating plot' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'This was so gorgeous and well done and I am a sucker for a historical fantasy...but make it queer?? I AM SEATED!! ' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*

New York Times bestselling author Axie Oh's ASAP is the much anticipated companion novel to beloved romance XOXO, following fan favorites Sori, the wealthy daughter of a K-pop company owner, and Nathaniel, her K-pop star ex-boyfriend, in a swoon-worthy second chance love story. Sori has worked her whole life to become a K-pop idol, until she realizes she doesn't want a life forever in the spotlight. But that's not actually up to Sori-she's caught between her exacting mother's entertainment company and her father's presidential aspirations. And as the pressure to keep her flawless public image grows, the last person she should be thinking about is her ex-boyfriend. Nathaniel is off limits-she knows this. A member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world and forbidden from dating, he isn't any more of an option now than he was two years ago. Still, she can't forget that their whirlwind romance was the last time she remembers being really happy. Or that his family welcomed her into their home when she needed it most. . . . So when Nathaniel finds himself rocked by scandal, Sori offers him a hideaway with her. And back in close quarters, it's hard to deny their old feelings. But when Sori gets an opportunity to break free from her parent's expectations, she will have to decide: Is her future worth sacrificing for a second chance at love? Second Chance Romance: Sori knows she should stay away from Nathaniel, her K-pop star ex. But when scandal hits, she offers him a hideout-and finds their old feelings are stronger than ever. Forbidden Love: As a member of one of the world's biggest bands, Nathaniel is strictly forbidden from dating. Getting back together could cost him his career and everything he's worked for. Celebrity Romance: Sori has spent her life trying to escape the spotlight, but falling for Nathaniel means facing the pressures of fame, exacting parents, and a public that watches every move. K-Pop World: Dive into the high-stakes world of a Korean entertainment company, where family dynasties and presidential ambitions clash with the dreams of the next generation of idols.

Star-crossed lovers bound by magic. But will their devotion set them free-or doom them forever? London, 1866. All Kit Finchley wants is to master the magic that keeps eluding him - and to live a life not dictated by title or expectation. Duty presses in from every quarter, but the one thing that quickens his pulse is the promise of real power. When a miscast spell tears open a doorway into the Veil - a liminal realm where Wilfrith and his family have been trapped since a fateful bargain with the Faerie Queen 800 years ago - Kit stumbles into a love he never imagined. Their connection is immediate, impossible, and undeniable. Determined to free Wil, Kit hunts for the spell that could bridge two worlds. By night, Kit risks everything to reach the boy between worlds, desperate to bind the realms without breaking them. But by day, Kit finds himself intrigued by a young bohemian woman of a very wealthy, aristocratic family. She's unlike any woman he's ever met: rebellious, clever, and best of all, she believes in magic. Torn between first love, magic and duty, Kit will be forced to make a decision that will change all three of their lives forever. 'A spellbinding tale of stolen worlds, deliciously amoral fae, perilous magic, and a love worth crossing time and space for . Blending the magical studentship of BABEL and the EMILY WILDE series, with the fraught marriage mart of BRIDGERTON, I was enchanted by A WORLD APART from the very first page' - Venetia Constantine, no. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Last Starborn Seer *** Readers LOVE A World Apart: 'What a gorgeous, dizzying read' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'A World Apart completely swept me away. From the very first pages I was drawn into a beautifully crafted world filled with magic, mystery, love, and so much yearning that I never wanted it to end' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'A magical, heartfelt, and wonderfully imaginative fantasy filled with adventure, friendship, longing, and unforgettable characters ' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'Blending real history with magic is always such a fun trope, and the beautiful prose in this one only made it richer. I loved everything about the book, from the magic system to the realistic, unique characters and the intense, captivating plot' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'This was so gorgeous and well done and I am a sucker for a historical fantasy...but make it queer?? I AM SEATED!! ' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*

Classic from the year 2009 in the subject Romance Languages - French Literature, , language: English, abstract: BOOK FOURTH. THE GORBEAU HOVEL*** CHAPTER I. MASTER GORBEAU*** Forty years ago, a rambler who had ventured into that unknown country of the Salpetriere, and who had mounted to the Barriere d'Italie by way of the boulevard, reached a point where it might be said that Paris disappeared. It was no longer solitude, for there were passers-by; it was not the country, for there were houses and streets; it was not the city, for the streets had ruts like highways, and the grass grew in them; it was not a village, the houses were too lofty. What was it, then? It was an inhabited spot where there was no one; it was a desert place where there was some one; it was a boulevard of the great city, a street of Paris; more wild at night than the forest, more gloomy by day than a cemetery. It was the old quarter of the Marche-aux-Chevaux.[...] *** BOOK FIFTH. FOR A BLACK HUNT, A MUTE PACK[...] CHAPTER I. THE ZIGZAGS OF STRATEGY[...] An observation here becomes necessary, in view of the pages which the reader is about to peruse, and of others which will be met with further on. The author of this book, who regrets the necessity of mentioning himself, has been absent from Paris for many years. Paris has been transformed since he quitted it. A new city has arisen, which is, after a fashion, unknown to him. There is no need for him to say that he loves Paris: Paris is his mind's natal city. In consequence of demolitions and reconstructions, the Paris of his youth, that Paris which he bore away religiously in his memory, is now a Paris of days gone by. He must be permitted to speak of that Paris as though it still existed. It is possible that when the author conducts his readers to a spot and says, "In such a street there stands such and such a house," neither street nor house will any longer exist in that locality. Readers may verify the facts if they care to take the trouble. For his own part, he is unacquainted with the new Paris, and he writes with the old Paris before his eyes in an illusion which is precious to him. It is a delight to him to dream that there still lingers behind him something of that which he beheld when he was in his own country, and that all has not vanished.[...]

Star-crossed lovers bound by magic. But will their devotion set them free-or doom them forever? London, 1866. All Kit Finchley wants is to master the magic that keeps eluding him - and to live a life not dictated by title or expectation. Duty presses in from every quarter, but the one thing that quickens his pulse is the promise of real power. When a miscast spell tears open a doorway into the Veil - a liminal realm where Wilfrith and his family have been trapped since a fateful bargain with the Faerie Queen 800 years ago - Kit stumbles into a love he never imagined. Their connection is immediate, impossible, and undeniable. Determined to free Wil, Kit hunts for the spell that could bridge two worlds. By night, Kit risks everything to reach the boy between worlds, desperate to bind the realms without breaking them. But by day, Kit finds himself intrigued by a young bohemian woman of a very wealthy, aristocratic family. She's unlike any woman he's ever met: rebellious, clever, and best of all, she believes in magic. Torn between first love, magic and duty, Kit will be forced to make a decision that will change all three of their lives forever. 'A spellbinding tale of stolen worlds, deliciously amoral fae, perilous magic, and a love worth crossing time and space for . Blending the magical studentship of BABEL and the EMILY WILDE series, with the fraught marriage mart of BRIDGERTON, I was enchanted by A WORLD APART from the very first page' - Venetia Constantine, no. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Last Starborn Seer *** Readers LOVE A World Apart: 'What a gorgeous, dizzying read' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'A World Apart completely swept me away. From the very first pages I was drawn into a beautifully crafted world filled with magic, mystery, love, and so much yearning that I never wanted it to end' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'A magical, heartfelt, and wonderfully imaginative fantasy filled with adventure, friendship, longing, and unforgettable characters ' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'Blending real history with magic is always such a fun trope, and the beautiful prose in this one only made it richer. I loved everything about the book, from the magic system to the realistic, unique characters and the intense, captivating plot' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'This was so gorgeous and well done and I am a sucker for a historical fantasy...but make it queer?? I AM SEATED!! ' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*

Blending fantasy and science fiction, N. E. Davenport's fast-paced, action-packed debut kicks off a military science fantasy duology of loyalty and rebellion, in which a young Black woman must survive deadly trials in a racist and misogynistic society to become an elite warrior. It's all about blood. The blood spilled between the Republic of Mareen and the armies of the Blood Emperor long ago. The blood gifts of Mareen's deadliest enemies. The blood that runs through the elite War Houses of Mareen, the rulers of the Tribunal dedicated to keeping the republic alive. The blood of the former Legatus, Verne Amari, murdered. For his granddaughter, Ikenna, the only thing steady in her life was the man who had saved Mareen. The man who had trained her in secret, not just in martial skills, but in harnessing the blood gift that coursed through her. Who trained her to keep that a secret. But now there are too many secrets, and with her grandfather assassinated, Ikenna knows two things: that only someone on the Tribunal could have ordered his death, and that only a Praetorian Guard could have carried out that order. Bent on revenge as much as discovering the truth, Ikenna pledges herself to the deadly competition of the Praetorian Trials-a brutal initiation that only a quarter of the aspirants survive. She subjects herself to the racism directed against her half-Khanaian heritage and the misogyny of a society that cherishes progeny over prodigy, all while hiding the secret powers that-if found out-would subject her to execution...or worse. Ikenna is willing to risk it all because she needs to solve the political intrigue behind who murdered her grandfather...and then she needs to kill them. Mareen has been at peace for a long time... Ikenna joining the Praetorians is about to change all that. Action-packed magic and technology converge in the first part of this stunning debut duology, where loyalty to oneself-and one's blood-is more important than anything.

New York Times bestselling author Axie Oh's ASAP is the much anticipated companion novel to beloved romance XOXO, following fan favorites Sori, the wealthy daughter of a K-pop company owner, and Nathaniel, her K-pop star ex-boyfriend, in a swoon-worthy second chance love story. Sori has worked her whole life to become a K-pop idol, until she realizes she doesn't want a life forever in the spotlight. But that's not actually up to Sori-she's caught between her exacting mother's entertainment company and her father's presidential aspirations. And as the pressure to keep her flawless public image grows, the last person she should be thinking about is her ex-boyfriend. Nathaniel is off limits-she knows this. A member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world and forbidden from dating, he isn't any more of an option now than he was two years ago. Still, she can't forget that their whirlwind romance was the last time she remembers being really happy. Or that his family welcomed her into their home when she needed it most. . . . So when Nathaniel finds himself rocked by scandal, Sori offers him a hideaway with her. And back in close quarters, it's hard to deny their old feelings. But when Sori gets an opportunity to break free from her parent's expectations, she will have to decide: Is her future worth sacrificing for a second chance at love? Second Chance Romance: Sori knows she should stay away from Nathaniel, her K-pop star ex. But when scandal hits, she offers him a hideout-and finds their old feelings are stronger than ever. Forbidden Love: As a member of one of the world's biggest bands, Nathaniel is strictly forbidden from dating. Getting back together could cost him his career and everything he's worked for. Celebrity Romance: Sori has spent her life trying to escape the spotlight, but falling for Nathaniel means facing the pressures of fame, exacting parents, and a public that watches every move. K-Pop World: Dive into the high-stakes world of a Korean entertainment company, where family dynasties and presidential ambitions clash with the dreams of the next generation of idols.

From NUMBER ONE bestselling author of The Lost Notebook, Louise DouglasAlice Lang was wearing her favourite scarlet dress when she disappeared twenty-five years ago, and her memory still casts a long shadow.In the long, hot summer of 1995, twenty-two-year-old Alice Lang rents a caravan on a holiday park on the outskirts of the lively holiday resort of Severn Sands. She befriends Marnie, a shy, damaged little girl whose father is the park's caretaker and whose mother died a few months earlier. Will, whose mother runs the bar, falls in love with Alice, and is unbearably jealous of anyone else she sees. Tensions rise until one evening Alice disappears from her caravan. She's never seen again, and only her scarlet dress is found washed up on the shore.A quarter of a century later, the town is run down and nobody comes there anymore. Mr and Mrs deVillars, former owners of the holiday park, have passed the failing business onto their son Guy, who promptly sells the land for development. Builders clearing the land to create an expanse of executive homes uncover human bones. It has to be Alice.Will and Marnie's lives were entirely shaped by what happened that summer, and now Alice has been found, they must struggle to pin down their memories, to escape the secrets of the past, the lies they told and the unbearable guilt they're both carrying.They need to find out what happened to Alice. Who killed her? And why?Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.' Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore'Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor'Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best' Tammy Cohen'A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.' Amanda Jennings'A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.'Sunday Express, S Magazine

In The Complete Peanuts 1959-1960 : As the first decade of Peanuts closes, it seems only fitting to bid farewell to that halcyon decade with a cover starring Patty, one of the original three Peanuts. Major new additions to classic Peanuts lore come fast and furious here. Snoopy begins to take up residence atop his doghouse, and his repertoire of impressions increases exponentially. Lucy sets up her booth and offers her first five-cent psychiatric counsel. (Her advice to a forlorn Charlie Brown: "Get over it.") For the very first time, Linus spends all night in the pumpkin patch on his lonely vigil for the Great Pumpkin (although he laments that he was a victim of "false doctrine," he's back 12 months later). Linus also gets into repeated, and visually explosive, scuffles with a blanket-stealing Snoopy, suffers the first depredations of his blanket-hating grandmother, and falls in love with his new teacher Miss Othmar. Even more importantly, several years after the last addition to the cast ("Pig-Pen"), Charlie Brown's sister Sally makes her appearance -- first as an (off-panel) brand new baby for Charlie to gush over, then as a toddler and eventually a real, talking, thinking cast member. (By the end of this volume, she'll already start developing her crush on Linus.) All this, and one of the most famous Peanuts strips ever: "Happiness is a warm puppy." Almost one hundred of the 731 strips collected in this volume (including many Sundays) have never been collected in any book since their original release, with one hundred more having been collected only once in relatively obscure and now impossible-to-find books; in other words, close to one quarter of the strips have never been seen by anyone but the most avid Peanuts completists. The introduction is by comedienne extraordinaire Whoopi Goldberg, who reveals which Peanuts character she has tattooed on her body (and where) -- as well as telling of her meeting with "Sparky" Schulz, and her fascinating theory on Snoopy's brother Spike. As always, this volume is gorgeously designed by award-winning cartoonist Seth. The Complete Peanuts continues to receive national and international media attention for its sophisticated treatment of one of the 20th Century's defining American classics. In The Complete Peanuts 1961-1962 : Launching into the 1960s, Schulz adds another new cast member. Two, in fact: The obnoxious Frieda, of "naturally curly hair" fame, and her inert, seemingly boneless cat Faron. The rapidly maturing Sally, who was after all just born in the previous volume, is ready to start kindergarten and not at all happy about it. Linus' life is particularly turbulent in this volume, as he is forced to wear glasses, sees the unexpected return of his favorite teacher, Miss Othmar, and coaxes Sally into the cult of the Great Pumpkin (with regrettable results). Snoopy, meanwhile, becomes a compulsive water sprinkler head stander, unhappily befriends a snowman or two, and endures a family crisis involving a little family of birds. Plus baseball blowouts (including a rare team victory), Beethoven birthdays, and plenty of dubious psychiatric help for a nickel. This book collects 730 daily and Sunday comic strips, the vast majority of which are not currently available in any in-print Peanuts collection, and many of which have never been reprinted since their initial appearance in papers over 50 years ago. With a new introduction by legendary jazz pianist/vocalist Diana Krall and gorgeous design by award-winning cartoonist Seth.

This book is a how-to guide to the concepts and skills at the heart of consensual dominance. If you are new to dominance, still figuring out just what it's all about or what you want it to mean to you, then this book will provide you with a solid foundation from which to start. If you already practice dominance and are interested in improving your ability to create deep and lasting power dynamics then you'll find many advanced concepts and concrete techniques to integrate into your own personal style. What consensual dominance means here is any kind of intentional, mutually desired, mutually fulfilling exercise of power and control between partners. There are a lot of different kinds of connections that fit that broad definition, and the fundamental principles that this book explores can be applied to any of them. So it should be just as valuable whether you practice dominance in occasional intense evenings within an otherwise egalitarian relationship, in a full-time power exchange relationship, in long distance or online relationships, in pick-up play with strangers at BDSM clubs, or anywhere else. This book also doesn't assume that you fit any stereotype about what a person who dominates should look or act like. It looks at dominance as a practice -- as something that any person can learn to do, rather than something that some people are -- and it is meant for anyone with a desire to learn to practice dominance well. It is written to be accessible to absolute beginners, as well as to switches and primals and tops and mommies and daddies and bigs and masters and trainers and Goreans and heads-of-house and owners and label-defying powerfuckers. (And don't worry if you have no idea what any of those labels means - dominance has nothing to do with labels.) If you have an interest in the bedrock principles of inspiring, deepening, maintaining and enjoying control over a person who dearly, desperately wants you to control them, then this book is for you. ~***~ "Absolutely the best, most grounded book I've read on the topic of consensual dominance and submission. If I'd had this book a quarter century ago, it would have saved me (and my partners!) untold frustration. Other books teach you how to tie a clove hitch or where to hit with a paddle, but "Heart of Dominance" gets to the core of consensual power imbalance. From the most nurturing of ageplay scenarios to the harshest of owner/property lifestyles, it explains the process by which the desires of two people, each with their own histories, needs and limits, can be transformed into the stuff of steamy and seamless erotic power play." - Janet W. Hardy, author and educator "The world of erotic power dynamic play, usually referred to as dominance and submission, is often mired in lots of misguided and ego-based advice. Not this book. Here you have a balanced, grounded and realistic examination of the topic. No pontificating dictates. No directives from some mythological past. Instead, the author beautifully rolls out a clear explanation of what such play is and is not and how to make it hot, fun and safe. If you're a seasoned player in this realm of kink, this book will likely further inspire your explorations. If you're a newcomer interested in this topic, this would undoubtedly be one of the first books I suggest you read." - Race Bannon, writer, speaker and activist "Wow! I just learned a lot reading "The Heart of Dominance." This is way more than a manual! The depth of information Mr. Fulmen offers to those interested in this path of interpersonal power will serve D/s players all the way from scene explorations, to 24/7 consensual lifestyle. I love his down to earth compassionate focus, explanations and practical advice. From forging and maintaining connection, attention to desire, safety, competence, transparency and the deep insights he shares clearly show his respect and understanding of D/s dyn...

In The Complete Peanuts 1959-1960 : As the first decade of Peanuts closes, it seems only fitting to bid farewell to that halcyon decade with a cover starring Patty, one of the original three Peanuts. Major new additions to classic Peanuts lore come fast and furious here. Snoopy begins to take up residence atop his doghouse, and his repertoire of impressions increases exponentially. Lucy sets up her booth and offers her first five-cent psychiatric counsel. (Her advice to a forlorn Charlie Brown: "Get over it.") For the very first time, Linus spends all night in the pumpkin patch on his lonely vigil for the Great Pumpkin (although he laments that he was a victim of "false doctrine," he's back 12 months later). Linus also gets into repeated, and visually explosive, scuffles with a blanket-stealing Snoopy, suffers the first depredations of his blanket-hating grandmother, and falls in love with his new teacher Miss Othmar. Even more importantly, several years after the last addition to the cast ("Pig-Pen"), Charlie Brown's sister Sally makes her appearance -- first as an (off-panel) brand new baby for Charlie to gush over, then as a toddler and eventually a real, talking, thinking cast member. (By the end of this volume, she'll already start developing her crush on Linus.) All this, and one of the most famous Peanuts strips ever: "Happiness is a warm puppy." Almost one hundred of the 731 strips collected in this volume (including many Sundays) have never been collected in any book since their original release, with one hundred more having been collected only once in relatively obscure and now impossible-to-find books; in other words, close to one quarter of the strips have never been seen by anyone but the most avid Peanuts completists. The introduction is by comedienne extraordinaire Whoopi Goldberg, who reveals which Peanuts character she has tattooed on her body (and where) -- as well as telling of her meeting with "Sparky" Schulz, and her fascinating theory on Snoopy's brother Spike. As always, this volume is gorgeously designed by award-winning cartoonist Seth. The Complete Peanuts continues to receive national and international media attention for its sophisticated treatment of one of the 20th Century's defining American classics. In The Complete Peanuts 1961-1962 : Launching into the 1960s, Schulz adds another new cast member. Two, in fact: The obnoxious Frieda, of "naturally curly hair" fame, and her inert, seemingly boneless cat Faron. The rapidly maturing Sally, who was after all just born in the previous volume, is ready to start kindergarten and not at all happy about it. Linus' life is particularly turbulent in this volume, as he is forced to wear glasses, sees the unexpected return of his favorite teacher, Miss Othmar, and coaxes Sally into the cult of the Great Pumpkin (with regrettable results). Snoopy, meanwhile, becomes a compulsive water sprinkler head stander, unhappily befriends a snowman or two, and endures a family crisis involving a little family of birds. Plus baseball blowouts (including a rare team victory), Beethoven birthdays, and plenty of dubious psychiatric help for a nickel. This book collects 730 daily and Sunday comic strips, the vast majority of which are not currently available in any in-print Peanuts collection, and many of which have never been reprinted since their initial appearance in papers over 50 years ago. With a new introduction by legendary jazz pianist/vocalist Diana Krall and gorgeous design by award-winning cartoonist Seth.

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon's fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts… Burn Zone Smokejumper Lincoln Reid is speechless to see Jacob Hartman among his squad's new recruits. Linc had promised his late best friend he'd stay away from his little brother. And yet here Jacob is…and almost instantly, the same temptation Linc has always felt around him is causing way too many problems. Jacob gets everyone's concerns, but he's waited years for his shot at joining the elite smokejumping team, hoping to honor his brother's memory. He's ready to tackle any challenge Linc throws his way, and senses the chemistry between them-chemistry Linc insists on ignoring -is still alive and kicking. This time, Jacob's determined to get what he wants. But the closer they get, the more Linc's plan to leave at the end of the season risks him breaking another promise: the one his heart wants to make to Jacob. High Heat Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson's life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can't turn her away, and he can't take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can't resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn't the staying type. Rain Fisher doesn't take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain's determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all... Feel the Fire Fire behavior specialist Luis Riviera goes where his job takes him. But when he's assigned to an arson investigation in Central Oregon-the place he left his broken heart twenty years ago-he's afraid of being burned all over again. Tucker Ryland had planned to join his first love, Luis, in LA after high school graduation, but life got in the way. Now a fire management expert and a divorced father of teen twins, Tucker's thrown for a loop when he finds himself working side by side with his Luis, now all grown up and more intriguing than ever. Though consumed by a grueling fire season and family responsibilities, the two men discover their bond has never truly broken. Tentative kisses turn to passionate nights. But smoking sheets aside, old hurts and new truths stand in the way of this time being the start of forever. Hotshots Book 1: Burn Zone Book 2: High Heat Book 3: Feel the Fire Book 4: Up in Smoke Also by Annabeth Albert: Shore Leave Book 1: Sailor Proof Book 2: Sink or Swim Out of Uniform Book 1: Off Base Book 2: At Attention Book 3: On Point Book 4: Wheels Up Book 5: Squared Away Book 6: Tight Quarters Book 7: Rough Terrain