"Otowa has woven a series of delightful vignettes of life in Japan, from a true historical story of feuding villages to a man who steals shoes at temples...and some highlighting the cultural differences between Japanese and American sensibilities, especially for women." — Ginny Tapley-Takemori, translator of Convenience Store WomanFrom the unique standpoint of an American woman who married into a Japanese family and has lived in Japan for more than thirty years, Rebecca Otowa weaves enchanting tales of her adopted home that portray the perspective of both the Japanese and the foreigner on the universal issues that face us all—love, work, marriage, death, and family conflict.The collection includes: A Year of Coffee and Cake—A young American wife in the Tokyo suburbs suspects her next-door neighbor of murdering an elderly relative.Rhododendron Valley—An elderly man decides to commit suicide to deal with his... Views: 609
Ivan Volkov is a wickedly intelligent, ruthless, and devastatingly gorgeous billionaire with a sexy British accent. He also owns the company I work for. The plan was simple: get his attention to show him I was the one behind all my boss's awesome proposals that have been making the company hundreds of millions of dollars for the last three years. I'm the one who should be in the big office making a six-figure salary.It worked. I definitely have Ivan's attention. He'll put me in the big office with a six-figure salary—once he's done with me. He needs a personal assistant until he can find a replacement. It won't be long, he assures me, no more than a few weeks.Close proximity to Ivan Volkov for a few weeks? Sure, I don't need my dignity. I wasn't using it anyway. No matter how many times I tell myself to stop staring at him with lust, I can't.Volkov turns down the offer I never even made; he saw me staring, he's used to it by now. An unrepentant user of woman, all he wants is for them to satisfy his need, then be on their way. He can get that satisfaction from any woman. The money I make him isn't worth losing when he's done with me.Until the moment he needs more: a shield from a woman who won't take no for an answer. He will do anything to protect his little sister from having her wedding ruined, even faking an engagement with me. Brilliant tactician that he is, he comes up with the answer to both of his problems. For the next three weeks we can satisfy the lust we both feel, while at the same time making it clear he isn't available.But before long what's between us feels all too real. Can this lead to forever, or will the billionaire choose money over love? This is the first standalone in a series about fake relationships. This does not end in a cliffhanger. Views: 609
The enemy of my enemy is still my enemy! As peace settles across the land, two great kingdoms prepare for a royal wedding. With all eyes focused on the celebrations, the unexpected arrival of a Norland delegation throws everything into chaos. For generations, they have laid claim to the throne of Merceria, yet now they want to negotiate? With her own nobles council in constant conflict, Queen Anna is forced to question the motive of this visit. Is it a trap, or a genuine desire to end hostilities? Against the wisdom of her advisors, she travels north, determined to forge a new future for her people. Will her unwavering desire for peace lead to the destruction of all she holds dear? Journey with Anna and discover the true motives of the Norlanders in Defender of the Crown, book seven of Paul J Bennett's Heir to the Crown series. If you like hidden agendas, desperate battles, and determined... Views: 609
Chandra Willis knows she's being stalked, and no one believes her. Chandra should be basking in the limelight of her writing career, instead she wishes she had never signed the publishing contract. Every day it seems more and more of her personal life is in the public's eye. When she receives cards and gifts from fans, Chandra knows something isn't right. Her agent tells her this is her new life, and she needs to enjoy it. However, when the feeling of being watched follows her from her public appearances to her home, she can't help but think this is more than the average fan. The problem is, she can't prove it. When the phone calls and gifts become more sinister, it forces Chandra to take drastic measures to protect herself. But those measures may be too little, too late. Instead of listening to that little voice from within, she trusted those around her and second guessed herself. Now, she's in a fight for her life. A... Views: 609
"Mikel Jollett, the front man of indie band Airborne Toxic Event, chronicles his tumultuous life. Jollett was born into one of the country's most infamous cults and subjected to a childhood filled with poverty, addiction and emotional abuse. What comes through the pages is a story of fierce love and family loyalty. This moving and profound memoir is for anyone who loves a good redemption story."—Good Morning America, 20 Books We're Excited for in 2020"The frontman of rock band Airborne Toxic Event chronicles, in gorgeous and exacting lyricism, his harrowing coming-of-age within (and eventual escape from) the Church of Synanon, a violent religious cult."—O, The Oprah Magazine, The 30 Most Anticipated Books of 2020 (so Far) "Jollett engagingly narrates his story...result[ing] in a shocking but contemplative memoir about the aftermath of an unhealthy upbringing."—Publishers Weekly, STARRED... Views: 609
Film star Diana Danning hires private eye Clint Steele to find her son, Shane, after he vanishes like smoke in the night. LAPD Captain Hal Flynn suspects Shane disappeared by choice; until Clint and Diana receive a late-night call from Jud Tucker, the most under-the-radar serial killer since Patrick Bateman. Tucker demands five million dollars within twenty-four hours, or nobody will ever find Shane's body.With no time to lose, Clint turns to his former West Point barracks mate and best friend, Mars Hauser, to lend his cyber espionage and digital black ops skills to the case. As Clint, Mars, and Captain Flynn race against time to rescue Shane and bring Jud Tucker to justice, their greatest threat may be much closer than they know. Views: 609
