"David Means is a master of tense, distilled, quintessentially American prose. Like any artist who has finely honed his talent to its strongest expression he is a brilliant craftsman whose achievement is to appear unstudied, even casual . . . Each story by Means which I have read is unlike the others, unexpected and an unnerving delight." —Joyce Carol OatesFollowing the publication of his widely acclaimed, Man Booker-nominated novel Hystopia, David Means here returns to his signature form: the short story. Thanks to his four previous story collections, Means has won himself an international reputation as one of the most innovative short fiction writers working today: an "established master of the form." (Laura Miller, The Guardian). Instructions for a Funeral—featuring work from The New Yorker, Harper's, The Paris Review, and VICE—finds Means branching out beyond the explorations of violence and... Views: 70
When hope is gone and boredom sets in, there's only one thing left to do. But what is it?Arthur Bayly dreams of a more exciting, adventurous life, to escape boredom of work, marriage and life. He dreams of a James Bond kind of life, while feeling oppressed and controlled by his pointless existence and daily activities. Then, one boring day, his dream slaps him in the face. Stood down from work in unnerving and suspicious circumstances, he stumbles into a nightmare of corruption and conspiracy at all levels of British society – police, politics and peerage. He somehow gathers a motley cast of characters from England, Scotland, New Zealand, Pakistan and elsewhere to help him restore finances, faith and family.From Scotland, Mary dreams of romance and riches but she loses faith under the weight of London's corporate life. She has a lingering affair with her sometimes-available boss but neither of her hopes eventuate. Then, unexpectedly, she becomes an unwitting... Views: 70
An incredible love story where revenge and romance battle for the win!Anastasia Griffin is a woman scorned. Being an outlaw but with the heart of a lady, she never believed that the love of her life, Timothy King, could betray her.Timothy is living as a peaceful rancher in Newton Creek, Wyoming. He is a trusted and well-respected member of the local community.The last time they saw each other was right before that awful robbery. The one that ended up with the death of the leader of the gang Ellis Madden and Tim running away.For the past 3 years, Anastasia and the other two Madden brothers have been searching for him for payback.For the past 3 years, Tim has been living a different life than the one he used to live.And now as they meet after all this time, old feelings resurface! When the truth is revealed and all secrets are brought to light, everyone seems to be walking on thin ice. And it's shaking. Views: 69
Lillian Jamison has run the diner in Everett Hollow since she was a girl. It was her life. Her pride and joy. She gave so much to this dream, she never took time for other dreams. Like love. Or a family.Stanley Carmichael moved to Everett Hollow to be near his pregnant daughter. After the death of his wife, he thought he would never love again. But after some time in his daughter's new home, Stanley wonders if another love, is right around the corner.With the town's annual New Years Eve party right around the corner, emotions are flying high. Will the town's favorite waitress and it's new residential crazy grandpa, take a chance on love before the clock strikes midnight?As always, this has no cliffhanger and a happily-ever-after! Unlike my other books, this is not necessarily for readers 18+. This is a sweet read about a couple who have already lived life and have a second chance at finding a new happily-ever-after. Views: 69
A shooting party at the Earl of Witton's remote country house is a high treat for champion shot Patricia Merton—until unexpected guests turn the social atmosphere dangerously sour.That's not Pat's biggest problem. She's visiting her old friend, the Earl's heir Jimmy Yoxall—but she wants to spend a lot more time with Jimmy's fiancée. The irrepressible Miss Fenella Carruth, with her laughing eyes and lush curves, is the most glorious woman Pat's ever met, and it quickly becomes impossible to remember why she needs to stay at arm's length.But while the women's attraction grows, the tensions at Rodington Court get worse. Affairs, secrets, betrayals, and blackmail come to light. And when a body is discovered with a knife between the shoulderblades, it's going to take Pat and Fen's combined talents to prevent the murderer destroying all their lives. Views: 69
If they tear down their walls, can they break the story wide open? ER doctor Grace Reilly thrives on patching up her patients, propping them back on their feet and sending them home healthier, yet emotionally she feels flat on her back after being deceived by her ex-boyfriend. She's shelved her malfunctioning romantic radar, possibly forever. But she's not opposed to no strings attached sex, especially when she meets the brooding and enigmatic Oren Brody. Even better? After giving her a mind blowing orgasm with no reciprocal expectations, he vanishes as mysteriously as he appeared. Six months ago Oren Brody and his brothers, Asher and Ebon, bought the London Phoenix newspaper to save the esteemed daily from bankruptcy. They need a big scoop or a budget shortfall could shut them down. A confidential tip about corruption and potential medical malfeasance points Oren toward St. Hilda's Hospital – the same hospital where his mother unexpectedly... Views: 69
