"A collection of short stories that makes it possible to be proud to be human."—Carolyn See, Washington PostLooking at her characters as if through a pair of binoculars, Ann Hood captures the extraordinary in the ordinary. A pregnant woman left by her husband cooks obsessively to cope with her loss, but never tastes a morsel. In an attempt to stay sober, a young alcoholic seduces her priest and embarks on a tour of caverns with him. An adolescent girl picks up bird-watching as a hobby and, in her newfound habit of observing others, discovers a budding romance between her mother and her neighbor. These stories, many published in The Paris Review, Glimmer Train, Story, and The Colorado Review, are full of characters seeking an escape from their lives while uncovering small moments of understanding that often have huge implications and consequences. They discover that they can only find peace once they stop searching for a way out. Through diverse voices... Views: 40
Would you risk your life for love?Rose Clyde lost her girlfriend six months ago in a tragic accident. Since then, she simply goes through the motions, knowing she might be doomed to spend the rest of her life grieving. But when her best friend calls with a strange job offer—working the front desk of an old hotel up the Maine coastline—it's an offer Rose can't refuse. And a chance to restart her life.But Rose isn't prepared for Kane Sullivan, her new boss. This enigmatic, captivating woman, from their very first meeting, has Rose spellbound. There's something about Kane that seems so familiar...why does Rose feel as if she's seen this lovely, powerful woman before?As the strange old Sullivan Hotel begins to reveal its dark secrets, Rose's life hangs in the balance. But an even greater danger looms:She's falling in love with a vampire."Meeting Eternity" is the first volume in the Sullivan Vampires series. It contains the full first three novellas in the... Views: 40
The sleepy little town in the California desert was supposed to be a sanctuary for Detective Bree Fitzpatrick—a place of refuge from the big-city crime that had left her a widow with three children to raise.But something was wrong, terribly wrong, in Warm Springs. Nothing could have prepared even a hardened police officer like her for the dark mystery of this place—a mystery that had cost far too many people their lives. And nothing could have prepared her for Cole Becker, the devastingly handsome newspaper reporter who was determined to help her uncover the truth—and show a grieving woman that she could have a second chance at love.... Views: 40
When I was twenty-eight years old, I wrote my own winning lottery ticket. A simple idea thrust me onto the fast track to wealth, and into a world I had only ever dreamt about. I submerged myself in the unfamiliar, a life that seemed all too alluring … until it lost its appeal. I made my fortune, built my castle, and then exiled myself within its comforts once reality set in. Far too late, I discovered I was drowning in a sea of hungry sharks. Given the choice to sink or swim, I chose the latter … and it cost me everything. Devin McIntyre, the most dangerous shark of them all, was the last nail in my naïve coffin. His beautiful smile and amazing cock tainted me in ways I could have never imagined. I craved him. I needed him. I loved him. Miserable with the outcome of my prosperity, I set out to change what disgusted me most—the first decision being to rid myself of Devin. Little did I know that taking that first step would make me a slave to a man far more tempting … or that my addiction to Devin would threaten to ruin it all. Views: 40
'He feels restless; sad that the tiny, sparkling lights and the pretty tree will no longer be there to brighten the short, dark winter days.'It's just after Christmas, and four-year-old Jakey is helping to put away the decorations. He hates seeing them disappear back into their boxes, especially the big, homemade angel, which has put in an appearance at family Christmases for many years. Jakey calls her Auntie Gabriel, and she holds a big red satin heart. But things are going to be different for Jakey this year. The Cornish home which he has known all his life is in danger of being sold up, and everything is changing.Will this close-knit unit who have come to depend on each other still be together next Christmas? And what will they have learnt about having somewhere you truly belong? Views: 39
"WHO IS JENNY KYLE?"Seems as if everybody in Bridal Veil Falls is asking that question. The feisty redhead with the high-powered motorcycle made quite an impression on the little Montana town—even before the accident that stole her memory....Sheriff Tyler Cook—a champion rodeo rider who'd walked away from a million-dollar career to become the law in his hometown—wants to know her story, too. But folks are starting to think his interest isn't purely professional....And the sparks flying between the sassy stranger and the rock-solid Western lawman have the town wondering if she'll be sticking around—even after she remembers who she is.... Views: 39
1907. A gold mining town in northern California is hardly the place for a member of the English aristocracy. When Lady Serena Buxton arrives in Cold Creek, she is shocked to find her husband, Lord Buxton, is missing. Everyone in town treats her as if she is already a widow. With no husband and no money, what is a lady to do? 1913. Lord and Lady Buxton's orderly lives are upset by Pinkerton Agent Stuart Montgomery's unexpected arrival at their estate in England. Montgomery is investigating suspicious deaths at an American aviation company. Will the Buxtons return with him to America and help him close the case? Or is this an excuse for Montgomery to renew a potentially scandalous association with Serena? 1918. Lord Randolph Buxton is fighting at the front during the closing months of World War 1. Lady Serena manages Buxton Hall which has been converted into a military hospital. When Randolph is reported missing in action, Serena is heartbroken but carries on with day-to-day... Views: 39
For police captain Patti O’Shea, the discovery of a dead body is shocking, but part of the job. A dead body with the right hand severed is disturbing. But when a corpse is discovered with the police badge of her murdered husband, she is pushed over the edge. Driven by revenge, and working outside the law, Patti vows to track the monster responsible. But as the killings continue, it becomes clear that she is not the hunter – but the hunted. Views: 39
