Michael Kurland's 'The Unicorn Girl' is a novel about a magical world, half-mystical, half-historic, half-imaginary. Three halves, you ask, isn't that impossible? Of course it it. That's why it's magical. It is a lost world, too, a lost world called The Sixties. You hold in your hands the one, the only, the original Unicorn Girl. It's time to slip an old Harper's Bizarre or Strawberry Alarm Clock LP onto the turntable, pour yourself a glass of cheap wine, take off your shoes, and put up your feet. Then set fire to a little Maui wowee (if you're so inclined -- don't tell anybody I encouraged you to break the law) and settle in for a trip to a wonderful half-real, half-imaginary era with Michael Kurland and the Unicorn Girl. -- Richard A. Lupoff, from the Introduction Views: 22
The love of Penelope and Ulysses is undying.Penelope and Ulysses explores the historical and yet contemporary journey into the life and struggles of Penelope, a woman who refuses to be dispirited or defeated. Hers is a strange, complex, and multifaceted world. Her life, surrounded by war, is inextricably shaped by the decisions that men have made for her.Even so, Penelope refuses to be a spectator—a pawn in men's schemes. She rides the waves of turbulence and danger, surviving on her wit, guile, and pure intelligence. She skillfully weaves her seductive plots to ultimately control the men who would control her. All the while, she schemes, always working toward her escape and eventual freedom.Penelope is well-read in the philosophies of her world, well trained in battle, and keeps her own counsel. From a life of solitude, she explores the most turbulent adventure of all—the quest for self-actualization, the ownership of her self. Views: 22
Louisa wakes from a deep heavy fog, surrounded by strangers and horrified to discover she's been the sole victim of a terrible buggy accident. Worse... she remembers nothing. Trevor Worthington, Duke of Kenbridge, can’t trust women. Yet after nearly killing the amnesiac Louisa, he has little choice but to open his home to her. His heart softens to the straggly woman in beggar's garb as he strives to help her regain her memory. As proof of Louisa's scars, both physical and those lurking beneath the surface, come to light, Trevor finds himself more and more drawn to the mysterious woman. However he is hesitant to enter another nightmarish entanglement like his first marriage. Louisa is all too happy to accept employment in the Duke's household though it quickly becomes apparent she doesn't fit in at all! For starters she speaks French and has no skills to speak of. Bits and pieces of conflicting memories flash through her mind, lending more confusion to the puzzle of her life. Fortunately the duke proves ever patient with her myriad of mistakes and Louisa finds herself falling in love with the kind, brooding man. As their budding relationship progresses from improper to scandalous Louisa's memory begins to return. Dare she tell Trevor the horrible truths of her past? That she belongs to an evil man known only as Macgregor. As the heartbreaking facts of Louisa's past are exposed and decade old questions come to light, will the truth keep these lovers from happiness? Will Trevor be able to give love another chance? Or will Louisa's sweet touch prove yet another forgotten memory... “Come. I’ll take you down and introduce you to the kitchen staff.” Mrs. Smythe led the way, out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Louisa’s steps weren’t as hurried as the other woman because she couldn’t stop admiring the decorations, statues, and paintings along the way. The duke certainly had a lovely home, and so very large. As they passed a room with an open door, she took a quick peek inside. The room stood empty, except for a few furnishing along the walls. A ballroom. Louisa's thoughts came to a halt as did her footsteps. Yes, indeed this was a ballroom. In fact, even now she could hear the orchestra playing as her mind imagined couples dancing and sweeping around the room like a flutter of colorful butterflies. She closed her eyes as the vision grew. A little girl, standing back, watching...dreaming. The deep laughter of an older man as he picked her up in his arms and swung her around, making her feel like a princess. The image of his face was fuzzy, but he had curly blond hair and a square jaw. The little girl’s voice whispered the word, Father. Louisa snapped alert, her heart beating frantically. A throb in her forehead began, and the harder she tried to remember, the worse the pain became. Had she remembered something from her past? Realizing she’d been daydreaming, a sharp stab of panic pierced through her. Imbecile! Stop laggin’ behind and get to work or ye’ll be sorry! The warning echoed through her head, but it didn’t come from her voice. The man’s raspy tone chilled her bones and quickened her step to catch up with the housekeeper. She knew as sure as she breathed, that daydreaming was not an option. But why would she think about being in a ballroom? Apparently, she must have been a servant for a wealthy family and had witnessed the father dancing with his young daughter. She frowned. If only she could remember her own family. Perhaps it wasn’t wise to remember. Because of the scars on her back, she knew she hadn’t had a life of luxury. Determined to make His Grace proud, she squared her shoulders and quickened her pace. As she turned a corner, still trying to reach Mrs. Smythe, she walked into a muscular figure of a man. His large hands grabbed her shoulders to keep her from falling and she looked up into the startled eyes of Kenbridge. His rugged appearance and more-than-handsome face cauAbout the AuthorSince Marie Higgins was a little girl playing Barbies with her sister, Stacey, she has loved the adventure of making up romantic stories. Marie was only eighteen years old when she wrote her first skit, which won an award for Funniest Skit. A little later in life, after she’d married and had children, Marie wrote Church roadshows that were judged as Funniest and Best Written. From there, she branched out to write full-length novels based on her dreams. (Yes, she says, her dreams really are that silly) Marie has been married for twenty-six years to a wonderful man. Together, they have three loving daughters and several beautiful grandchildren. Marie works full time for the state of Utah, where she has lived her entire life. Marie plans to keep writing, because the characters in her head won’t shut up. But her husband smiles and pretends this is normal. Visit her website / blog to discover more about her – http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com Views: 22
Do their mommies tuck them in while their daddies sing a goodnight song? Do they ask for one more story and then snuggle into a cozy service station? Find out all the strikingly familiar bedtime rituals of diggers, dump trucks, snow plows, tractors and more. Children who can't get enough of trucks will love Brianna Caplan Sayres original things-that-go bedtime story.From the Hardcover edition. Views: 22
"Bishop as Pawn provides a splendid showcase for Kienzle's skill at contriving a whodunit and for his insider's view of archdiocesan politics."—Chicago Sun-TimesFrom the author of the mystery classic, The Rosary Murders.The murder couldn't have been more ill-timed. Father Ernie Bell, slightly in his cups, staggers into the priests' quarterly gripe session, angry at the new bishop. Recently arrived Father Don Carleson also takes a jab or two at the bishop, who treats the sixty-something Carleson like a servant. The conspiratorial conversation continues around the table, as many of the Detroit clergymen agree that Bishop Ramon Diego uses others as pawns in a chess game.By the next morning, several of the detractors are prime suspects in the murder of Bishop Diego. A team of detectives and a particularly ambitious assistant prosecuting attorney descend upon the relative calm of Ste. Anne's Parish, where the murder occurred, and quickly build their... Views: 22
Brandon Galloway, a 29-year-old nobody with a history of dead-end jobs, lands a position with a pest control company. When he meets 21-year-old wild child Melanie Blaxley while fumigating her apartment for bed bugs, her vulgar sensuality and reckless promiscuity both attract and repulse him. Before long her world of crazy sex and petty crime starts to take its toll on Brandon's sanity, and he wonders how much more of her he can stand. Then she disappears, and Brandon must find out if it is all just a prank, or if Melanie's wild ways finally led her into danger. A hair-raising thrill ride through the bars and backstreets of a fictional small town, this fast-paced and darkly funny debut novel explores obsession, fear, and the threat of other people. Views: 22
Derek Fallon gets the opportunity of a lifetime—to be a stunt boy in a major movie featuring a pretty teen starlet. After accepting the job he learns that he is the star's stunt double and must wear a wig! His friends are never going to let him live this down. If that weren't his only problem, his parents are threatening to give away his pet monkey, and his best friend just posted an embarrassing video of him on Youtube. Can life get any worse? Still the irrepressible Derek takes it all in stride and even manages to save the day. Views: 22
Claire Nichols endured the CONSEQUENCES of Anthony Rawlings’ vendetta. When she first arrived to his home, her goal was survival. Through strength and compartmentalization Claire captivated her captor. Her resilience in the face of his rule threatened Anthony’s well developed plan. Domination became desire and power turned to love. Their passion and adoration in a world of opulence appeared perfect. Yet, reality was a roller coaster of emotion. Claire’s world teetered on the edge of sanity as Antony monitored her every move. When given the opportunity to flee, Claire drove away. A fateful decision which set a well laid plan into motion. However, unbeknownst to either of them, there were others who saw past the perfect facade of Anthony Rawlings. There were others who saw the TRUTH. Conspiracy and unfulfilled promises result in an early prison release for Claire. Not just a release – a pardon. According to the law, her crime never happened! Will it be that easy? Faced with freedom from her past... can Claire seize it? Can she build a new life, mend her broken spirit, become the woman she once was, and seek her own revenge? Or is it all a game? And does the game master have different plans? How does Sophia Burke fit into the puzzle that is Tony and Claire? Will her presence affect the future of this well esteemed man? Can he dominate twice? Is that his goal? TRUTH continues the tumultuous saga of CONSEQUENCES, introduces new players, and uncovers more intrigue. Aleatha Romig skillfully weaves past transgressions through current deception to create a fervent world of obsessed desire. In this reality can an all-consuming relationship survive? When buried sins are discovered they threaten not only Tony and Claire’s future -- but their very lives! Will the TRUTH be revealed in time? Views: 22
PASSION’S EXILE: Haunted by an unforgivable crime, the once noble swordsman, Sir Pierce of Mirkhaugh, now wanders Scotland as the sword-for-hire known as Blade. His latest mission—to unmask two assassins among the pilgrims bound for St. Andrews—goes awry when spirited Rosamund of Averleigh joins the entourage, tempting Blade from his solitude and making him believe in redemption. What he doesn’t know is that Rose is fleeing for her life. With an abusive bridegroom tracking her, her only hope is to seek refuge as a nun...until she meets Blade, who awakens her passions and destroys her best-laid plans. Views: 22
