Humorous fiction

Book SynopsisThe classic bestseller adored by thousands of readers from the author of THIS COULD BE EVERYTHING. Hailed as a ''modern vintage classic'', The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets was a Richard and Judy Book Club Choice and is in development as a major new TV series.Set in the 1950s, in an England still recovering from the Second World War, this is the enchanting story of Penelope Wallace and her eccentric family at the start of the rock''n''roll era.Penelope longs to be grown-up and to fall in love, but various rather inconvenient things keep getting in her way. Like her mother, a stunning but petulant beauty widowed at a tragically early age, her younger brother Inigo, currently incapable of concentrating on anything that isn''t Elvis Presley, a vast but crumbling ancestral home, a severe shortage of cash, and her best friend Charlotte''s sardonic cousin Harry...*** PRAISE FOR EVA RICE ***''Exquisite. Enchanting. Quite possibly perfecTrade ReviewSo good we could hardly speak * Observer *A delight of Nancy Mitford-esque trials and tribulations * Vogue *This tenth anniversary edition of Rice's modern classic is a treat for fans of Nancy Mitford and Elizabeth Jane Howard. Stylishly written with a touch of whimsical charm * The Lady *

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Book SynopsisVivat Regina!It is the year 2010, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth XXX sits upon the throne of the Anglo-Hispanic Empire. Fuelled by alchemy and superstition, the Elizabethan era has endured unchallenged for almost 450 years. But now, a shadow conspiracy threatens to bring it to a violent end...Unfortunately for roguish adventurer Sir Rupert Triumff, lately fallen from favour at court, he makes the perfect scapegoat. If Triumff is to uncover the plot, save the Queen, and clear his name, he'll need all his wit, skill, and charm, and every tool in his magical Coutteau suisse. Even the nail buffer.From the madcap mind of multi-million selling author Dan Abnett comes a furious maelstrom of incredible swordfights, wild invention, and truly awful puns.FILE UNDER: Buckle Your Swash Ebony Serpent Do You Feel Opportune? As You Like ItTrade Review"The concept is clever and creative, and magic, treason, and Spanish grandees make for an entertaining read... fans of more intellectual fantasy will enjoy Abnett's misadventures and hope for future installments." - Publishers Weekly "Triumff: Her Majesty's Hero is a witch's brew of alternate history, hocus pocus, cracking action and cheesy gags. Reads like Blackadder crossed with Neal Stephenson. It's a Kind of Magick - don't miss it." - Stephen Baxter "Endlessly inventive, joyously irreverent, drenched with adrenalin and wicked humour, Dan Abnett's Triumff: Her Majesty's Hero is a brilliant occult-comedy-historical-adventure that's true to the best traditions of the genres it so eagerly devours." - Mike Carey "I came away impressed by Dan Abnett's vision for the setting of the story. There isn't anything else like it. The world building is masterfully done and combined with the tone of the story creates a unique and enjoyable experience... Triumff is fun and loaded with excitement and great characters. The setting for the novel is one of a kind and entertaining in all of the right ways. 4/5" - James Atlantic "This is what it would look like if William Shakespeare and Rowan Atkinson got together to write a novel after a night on the town with Terry Pratchett. In spite of the general silliness and fun, Dan manages to create a successfully sinister undertone from early on. As the book progresses, the plot thickens and becomes increasingly dark and sinister, the humour becoming a lighter touch and the tension drawn tighter. There is a good plot, suitably complex, well drawn characters and a dramatic climax. This is a delightful, often original and hugely entertaining read." - Unbound "I wasn't expecting Triumff: Her Majesty's Hero to be as funny as it was and it was a more than pleasant surprise to find myself laughing as much as I was... The real fun lies in the moments where everything kicks off with lashings of hot pursuit and swordplay. This is where Abnett really lets loose and has a great time: throwing friend and foe together with great gusto and shaking the mixture up to see what happens. As far as I was concerned Abnett carried it off almost perfectly. 9 out of 10." - Graeme's Fantasy Book Review "Abnett has created a rollicking world (neo-Elizabethanpunk?) which is basically a mash-up of our own and that of the Elizabethan period. Gentlemen fight duels of honour, but may choose to employ Swiss Army swords (which have an unfortunate habit of replacing the sword blade with a potato peeler at inopportune moments during combat) in lieu of a standard rapier. Firearms are around, but still relatively primitive, whilst those versed in the Arte may employ significantly more powerful magical weapons as well. Triumff himself is a splendid hero, a colourful man of action perhaps a little too fond of the bottle but generally out to do the right thing. The book ends on a triumphant note with a promise that Sir Rupert Triumff will return for further adventures, which I find myself looking forward to immensely. ****1/2" - The Wertzone "Triumff is the sort of story that tends to get described as 'rollicking'... It's a good word. Rollicking, roistering, roller-coasting. You can tell that Dan had fun with this... there's a high-spirited gusto in Triumff that I don't think I've really seen from him before. The sense of fun is infectious - if you read this book in company I predict you'll be regularly tugging your companions's sleeves wanting to share the bit that just got you chuckling." - Matthew Farrer "I hate Dan Abnett. Why? Because having proved himself the king of noir-infused miltary SF, it takes quite a talent to move easily to something completely different - and this really is a triumffant leap in style. Whilst it's chock-full of nods-of-the-head to the finest of Culture and Art and History, it doesn't come over as pretentious - because most of all, Triumff: Her Majesty's Hero is a great slice of British fun. The depiction of the cityscape is a brew of heady descriptions, and written with a vast and esoteric vocabulary. And the humour is delivered with a wry smile that will have you guffawing boisterously from your armchair. What's especially annoying, though, is that this pesky Abnett chap makes such a change of gear in writing and storytelling look so damn easy." - Mark Charan Newton "[The] action scenes are plentiful and genuinely exciting in a way that adds a new dimension, which should help curtail claims that Abnett's is a facsimile of Pratchett's style. The tone of the book is generally light-hearted, packed with throwaway gags and some wordplays that would elicit groans from even the most seasoned reader of the Xanth series by Piers Anthony." 4 Stars, Must Read Now! - SciFi Now Magazine "As Triumff drinks and brawls his way through the pages of this book, we see some truly unique fights (Public Baths, anyone?), which Abnett has always been skilled at writing... The world he has created is an interesting one, and Abnett does an excellent job of realising it on the page... There are certainly absurdist elements to the novel (something that usually turns me off), but they are never over-done or excessive, providing just the right amount of oddity to intrigue without alienating the reader who might not think 'humour' begins and ends with Douglas Adams's Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Abnett's dialogue is frequently witty, sometimes daft, with some groan-while-you-smile puns. Highly recommended." - Civilian Reader "Dan Abnett - previously known for cranking out Warhammer fiction - has a fairly impeccable sense of comedic timing. From the wry footnotes to the surreal Swiss-army-sword, malapropisms and apples-on-strings, the book had me chuckling from start to finish in a way that Terry Pratchett hasn't succeeded in doing for a decade. There's a lot of obvious humor here, but if Abnett should be ashamed of his puns (and he should), he should also be proud of their delivery. Triumff is an unexpectedly adept contribution to the subgenre of humorous fantasy, one that should find more than a few fans." - Pornokitsch "With this novel, Abnett has staked himself firmly as a successor to Pratchett. It is, in turns, adventurous, creative and inventive, and above all else, hilariously funny..." - Stitch and Bear "I'm not sure what to call this...dystopia? Utopia? Post-apocalyptic? Perhaps just 'alternate history'. Whatever you please, this is Triumffs greatest...well...triumph. Creating a book that is so undefinable even the most accomplished of publicists will sit at their computer for hours trying to put it in a neat little category. It's like a huge "fuck you" to mainstream publishing and, let me tell you, it's way overdue." - Opinionated? Me? "I'm just going to put it down to it being Bloody Weird, which given that it's Dan Abnett writing for Angry Robot books is probably par for the course." - Cold Iron & Rowan Wood "Highly recommended - for those with a well-developed sense of the ridiculous." - Marginalia "Abnett's verbal fencing is a delight. He's one of the few writers who can go on for five pages about rain, and still have you hooked like a salmon on a crack-dosed worm. Triumff invites inevitable comparisons with Terry Pratchett's Discworld books, thanks to its Britishness and highbrow humour... Although the gags are often cheesier, the slapstick dafter and the puns more outrageous, this novel is easily in the same league as Pratchett, or indeed of any other comic fantasy author." - WarpCore SF "Triumff is a corking yarn which will make the stoniest-hearted soul giggle, wince and snort. Recommended." - Dark Fiction Review

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Book SynopsisTwo stranded strangers agree to travel together in order to return home, but when a slew of misadventures derail their plans, it might mean a chance to fall in love . . . A sexy, opposites attract romance, ideal for fans of Emily Henry, Beth O''Leary and Christina Lauren.''A steamy, sweet, rummy bear-fueled comedy of errors'' Abby Jimenez''Lauren weaves a beautiful story of self-discovery, loss and love in Wish Lists and Road Trips. My heart is so full. All the stars and more for this stunning, emotional romance'' Helena Hunting.........................................Two stranded travellers. One unexpected journey.Makeup artist Brit Donovan wants one thing: to prove to her overbearing family that she can be independent. After breaking off her engagement to her cheating ex, she sets off on her honeymoon cruise alone to recharge before opening her own studio.Nick Callaway isn''t on a pleasure trip. Armed with his brother''s ashes and a list of places, he''s on a mission to fulfill a dying wish. Burdened with survivor''s guilt and on a countdown to get home in time to help his family''s company, the only thing he wants is to get this trip over with.When they''re both stranded in Costa Rica after missing their cruise ship, Nick and Brit team up to make their way back to the US. Complete opposites, their initial frustration - heightened by the obstacles of grounded flights and delayed trains - gives way to a searing attraction, and the feeling this may be a journey that neither will want to end.Readers are loving Wish Lists and Road Trips:''I read this while I was on a mini holiday with my best friend - with whom we used to go on cruise ship vacations - and this book found me at the right time, in the best of moods. . . Cute, funny, sunny and emotional.'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review''Let me start by saying I LOVED THIS BOOK SO FREAKING MUCH!! . . . The characters growth was beautiful to watch, and their journey together was so much fun. I loved this opposites attract and strangers to lovers story.'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review''This was a big hug in a book - romantic, relatable, and wonderful reminder that being exactly who you are is enough.'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review''My heart was so warmed and charmed by this pair of misfits. . . loved their journey from start to finish.'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review''Cute, humorous and heartfelt. I loved Brit''s seemingly endless positivity and Nick''s patience, the banter between them was great and there was plenty of steam between them. I loved everything about it.'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review''The writing is so good. The chemistry is top notch. The cuteness is just too much. I swooned the entire time. If you love opposites attract, forced proximity road trips, and two imperfect but real characters - check this one out.'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review

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Book Synopsis ''Joyful, swoony romance full of heart and humor!'' Sarah Adams, author of The Cheat Sheet on A Guide to Being Just FriendsA charming opposites-attract romance, Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan is for anyone who ever stepped outside their comfort zone and found that all the best things can happen when you take a chance.____________________________Sometimes the best things in life are just outside your comfort zone.Presley Ayers is not the kind of woman you bring on a camping trip. As concierge at an exclusive hotel, her expertise lies more with recommending champagne and caviar than the best hiking boots. But when she surprises her boyfriend with a trip to a wilderness retreat and he dumps her instead, Presley decides to head solo to the Get Lost Lodge.When Beckett Keller helps Presley off the rickety boat and onto Lodge territory, it''s clear to him she''s made a mistake.

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Book SynopsisWith her signature charm and sense of humor, bestselling author Helena Hunting creates a novel about love, family, and second chances in Make a Wish.Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again. Fast forward seven years and she's totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley's family's event hotel. Despite trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation, she can't help but notice how unbearably sexy he looks in a tutu. Add to that a spontaneous hives breakout, and it's clear she's not even remotely over the mortification of her egregious error all those years ago. Except Gavin seems oblivious to her inner turmo

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Book SynopsisA masterpiece of realism, Machado de Assis's Dom Casmurro probes the mind of a distrustful husband with delusions of grandeurTrade Review"It is one of the unexpected services of Margaret Jull Costa and Robin Patterson’s new translation of DOM CASMURRO that they have helped me solve the mystery of my first impression. As I was reading their translation, I pulled out the first one I had read, one of the many that came before. I saw that the difficulty of translating Machado is not that his language is so precise and clear: That would seem to make the task easy. The challenge for the translator is that the writer uses precise and clear phrases (“Good morning!”) in a way that turns their precision and clarity against them and suggests something else. Rather than letting these lines stand, slyly winking and furtively smiling, the earlier translator had tried to nudge the reader too firmly toward that something else . . . More than perhaps any book I know, “Dom Casmurro” has to be read more than once. It teaches us to read in much the same way that Vermeer teaches us to see — by looking, and then looking again." -- Benjamin Moser - The New York Times Book Review

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Book SynopsisThe perfect winter romcom for fans of CHALET GIRL and FALLING FOR CHRISTMAS!Jen is turning thirty and has spent her entire life jumping from man to man. So, when her latest relationship ends in disaster, she decides she needs to stop pleasing others and focus on herself. And where better to start afresh than the beautiful Canadian ski resort of Whistler?Okay, she''s broke, unemployed, and has never so much as strapped on a pair of skis - but Jen is determined to make it on her own. She just has one rule: to stay single for the entire ski season.When a new job forces Jen into contact with snowboarding instructor Art, the two of them are set on keeping their distance. It shouldn''t be hard, since they hate one another on sight - and Art knows better than anyone how to keep other people at arm''s length. The problem is, the more time they are forced to spend together, the clearer it seems that Jen''s promise to stay single might not be qTrade ReviewPraise for SINGLE IN THE SNOWThoroughly enjoyable * Daily Mail *I LOVED this superior romcom . . . an utter delight! * Matt Cain *A fab festive read * Hello! *A finely wrought damaged hero and a heroine determined to grow into herself - right up my street. I loved the authenticity of the setting * Sue Moorcroft *A gorgeous story about loving yourself, as well as each other * Fabulous *Praise for Helen WhitakerEmotionally smart and thought-provoking * Clare Pooley *So well-observed, with a kind eye and an open heart . . . wonderful * Laura Jane Williams *Helen is a hilariously witty, observational and truly brilliant storyteller * Emma Gannon *Searingly honest and deeply heartfelt . . . A triumph! * Mike Gayle *Funny and frank * Dawn O'Porter *Packed with wry humour * Woman and Home *

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Book Synopsis From Sunday Times and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Things We Never Got Over Luke Garrison is a hometown hero, a member of the National Guard ready to deploy again. The last thing he''s looking for is a woman to ruin his solitude. When the wildly beautiful Harper stumbles into his life, though, he realises she''s the perfect decoy: a fake girlfriend to keep his family off his back until he''s deployed.Harper was on her way to starting a new life . . . again. But something about Luke makes her want to settle down in this small town and make his house a home. Luke never thought he''d feel this way about a woman again. But he knows that he can''t tell her the truth about his dark past. And she can''t reveal what she''s running from.At least this isn''t a real relationship. It''s only for a month. It''s only pretend. Until it isn''t . . .

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'There aren't enough words for how much I love it' MARIAN KEYESTHE SMASH-HIT ROMANTIC COMEDY THAT WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH AND CRY - IF YOU'RE A FAN OF DERRY GIRLS YOU'LL LOVE THIS___________Meet Aisling. She's a small-town girl with a big heart.She has a steady job and a loyal boyfriend (though he hasn't put a ring on it even after seven years).Then one disastrous romantic getaway convinces Aisling to leave him behind and head for the bright lights.But with glamorous new flatmates, a scandal at work and a weird love square, Aisling has no idea what's about to hit her . . .Fans of Marian Keyes, Bridget Jones and Sophie Kinsella will LOVE this.__________'Comparisons with Bridget Jones are spot on' Independent'Will have you laughing your socks off' Fabulous'Sweet, funny, moving, perfect' The Pool'You'll laugh, you'll cry . . . an utter ray of sunshine' Red Can't get enough of Aisling? Then why not read the hilarious follow-up The Importance of Being Aisling - OUT NOW!

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Book SynopsisSometimes love is closer than you think . . . Fall head over heels with this charming and heart-fluttering romantic comedy''Sweet, swoony and full of heart'' Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of MR WRONG NUMBER''The perfect celebration of falling in love on and off the page'' Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of THE ROUGHEST DRAFT__________Lily Greene has already found her perfect man: her favourite fantasy author. But after months of correspondence, he ghosts her - and she''s left broken-hearted.Nick Brown has just moved in next door. Charming and attractive, he''s the perfect date for Lily to take to her sister''s upcoming wedding.Little does Lily know that Nick is the very author she''d been talking to. And Nick has no idea that Lily is the shy, bookish woman he slowly fell in love with . . .But he refuses to complicate things even Trade Review'Warm, witty and deeply . . . It's impossible not to smile while reading this book!' * Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author of Weather Girl *The perfect celebration of falling in love on and off the page * Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of The Roughest Draft *'Sweet, swoony and full of heart' * Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Wager *'This is a winner' Publishers Weekly * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisAN ASTOUNDING NOVEL FROM THE AUTHOR OF FRANKIE AND STANKIE AND BROTHER OF THE MORE FAMOUS JACK____________________''A dazzling achievement. It''s beautifully-written, deftly-plotted and moves skilfully from domestic drama to global themes and back again'' - Daily Express''Delightful and brilliantly choreographed comedy'' - Sunday Times____________________The time is 1995, but everybody has a past. Brilliant Australian Caroline can command everyone except her own ghoulish mother, which means that things aren''t easy for Josh and Zoe, her husband with Stravinsky-glasses and twelve-year-old daughter. Zoe reads girls'' ballet books and longs for lessons; a thing denied her until a chance encounter on a school French exchange. Meanwhile, on the east coast of Africa, Hattie, Josh''s first love, now writes girls'' ballet books - that''s when she can carve out the space between her husband and her crosspatch daughter. From fTrade Review'This wonderful novel sparkles with Midsummer Night's Dream magic' * Daily Mail *'A dazzling achievement. It's beautifully-written, deftly-plotted and moves skilfully from domestic drama to global themes and back again' * Daily Express *‘Beautifully structured, with flashes of wonderful eccentricity' * The Times *'Delightful and brilliantly choreographed comedy' * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisPlus her best friend has news that will change everything. As life starts to fall apart around her, will Rachel be able to move on from the past and make some very different resolutions?

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Book Synopsis ''A delight - as sweet and bubbly as a glass of champagne'' BETH O''LEARY''This is romantic comedy PERFECTION and if you don''t read it, you really are missing out'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ''The romance, writing style and wit in this book is second to none. I have nothing but praise for this book'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ''The overall feeling from reading this book is like being enveloped in a warm hug from that special someone in your life'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ''The New York backdrop was classic Lauren Layne as was the banter and I loved her modern day spin on this fairy tale romance'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ................................................................................Love Is Blind meets You''ve Got Mail

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Book SynopsisThe new TikTok-hit rom-com! Adored The Love Hypothesis? You won''t want to miss A Brush with Love, the most sparkling rom-com of the year!Mazey Eddings returns next year with another unique and swoony rom-com starring Indira in The Plus One, and don''t miss Lizzie Blake''s Best Mistake out now!Readers are giving A Brush with Love ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ SHINING STARS!''A Brush with Love is going to be a TOP romance of 2022. Calling it. In January''''Oh my TOOTH FAIRY!! This book was so much more than I expected and swept me off my feet'' ''Swoony, steamy, adorable . . . Read. This. Book. You won''t be disappointed. It''s a keeper and Mazey Eddings is on my auto-read list forever''''There was so much to love about this book . . . Thank you to Mazey Eddings for this romance with its messy, true,

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Book SynopsisLove is a risk worth taking in this sizzling romance about secrets and second chances… Scarlett Devereaux’s life on the Gulf Coast went from riches to rags so scandalously fast that she barely had time to kiss her Jimmy Choos goodbye. Now, with a new alias (Lily Barns), a new budget (tighter than a pair of Spanx), and a new job on the vacation island of Angel Fire Falls, she’s daring to reinvent herself. Single dad Trace Remington is devoted first and foremost to raising his young son, who has Asperger’s. With flying his floatplane and salvaging his family’s island resort too, he has time for little else. His brothers think he needs a break from his all-work-no-play lifestyle, so they goad him into action. In response to their dare, Trace asks a sexy tourist for her number, only to discover afterward that she’s the resort’s brilliant new hospitality manager. The sparks of flirtation soon ignite into a flame too hot to ignore. But Lily and Trace both have pasts that threaten to tear them apart. Now, they’ll need to admit their secrets to each other…or risk ending their relationship before it really begins.

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Book SynopsisHe’s a Wall Street wolf. She’s been hired to tame him. From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes a wildly sexy novel of business and pleasure. Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a “boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard. For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.Trade Review“Hard Sell could easily have been read in one sitting. Everything about it works: the pacing, the characters, the dog (!), and the story (and others elements as well). Layne seemingly effortlessly takes the reader on a roller coaster of smiles and tears, all within a low-on-angst page-turning story proving that once again she is a must-read romance writer.” —Sascha Darlington’s Microcosm Explored “Hard Sell is a sexy and sassy story line about friendships, family, heartbreak and love. The premise is spirited and engaging; the characters are dynamic and energetic; the romance is sensual and captivating. Hard Sell is a breathtaking and delightful addition to Lauren’s 21 Wall Street series.” —The Reading Café “My favorite in the series thus far, Hard Sell was a fast-paced ball of longing. The characters were so well-suited for one another and created a wonderful story that sucked me right in from the first page. I cannot wait for the long-awaited third couple to do the very same.” —Book Reader Chronicles “The chemistry in this book was absolutely intense! It’s been a bit since I’ve read anything Lauren Layne and I have to say I finished Hard Sell in about a 12-hour time frame. It was a book that I didn’t want to put down!” —Cali Book Reviews “The chemistry between Sabrina and Matt was HOT!” —Debbie’s World of Books “When I read, my fiancé can always tell when I am truly into something, or if I am just reading to pass the time. I find myself missing entire conversations, and find myself asking him questions to gauge his reactions. I’ll ask him what he would do faced with a particular scenario, and see if his reactions match the characters in the books. While reading Hard Sell, I found myself engaging him in the story lines, and asking him how he would react to such scenarios if it were me and him in real life. I also found him asking me how the story was coming, so even though he wasn’t reading the book, I already had him invested in the story!” —Garden of Reading “The romance was on point. This was a steamy book and the chemistry between Sabrina and Matt was perfect!” —What to Read Next “Two adversaries who have a friendship based on snark lose their walls and find a new definition of love and happy ever after for themselves, even if they never thought it possible. Another wonderful installment and my favorite of the series so far!” —I Am, Indeed “It’s perfectly built up, filled with sassy, funny dialogue and chemistry that will burn your kindle up. The added bonus is seeing Ian and Kate from Hot Asset, and getting glimpses of Kennedy and Kate, I can’t wait for their book, Huge Deal!!! These two will be awesome I just know it!!!” —Schmexy Books “Ms. Layne gives me all the trope-y goodness I want with all the warm and fun characters I expect. Bonus points: her playboys don’t make me want to punch them in their face with their arrogance.” —Romance Reader “I really enjoyed Hard Sell. Layne is easily one of my favorite Romance authors and I just love her more with each book I read. I definitely recommend this to Romance fans.” —Stephanie’s Book Reports

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Book SynopsisHis famous father is inviting him on more than just a journey into the past. It’s a treasure hunt. To his fans, Édouard Bresson is the greatest comic standing—charismatic, adored, unmatched, and aiming ever higher for the unpredictable. To his ex-wife, he fulfilled all expectations, except as a husband and a lover. To his brother, he’s a hero. And to his estranged son, Arthur, he’s always been a mystery. Never more so than now… After the performance of a lifetime at the sold-out Stade de France, Édouard decides to vanish. Très drôle. Arthur isn’t laughing. Édouard has sent him a letter and instructions to a puzzle—a treasure hunt for the son he ignored and misses and loves. If Arthur is willing to find out everything there is to know about his father and to understand the choices he made, all he has to do is put the pieces together. As the trail of clues winds its way through the past—reflected in the memories of both father and son—what unfolds is a surprising journey of forgiveness, family, and self-discovery.

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Book SynopsisThe next round in the beloved Two Pints series from the ever-brilliant, always hilarious imagination of bestselling author of The Commitments and Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha Two men meet for a pint - or three - in a Dublin pub. They chew the fat, set the world to rights and mourn friends gone: David Bowie, Prince, Princess Leia and Young Frankenstein. Around them the world of Brexit, Trump, and referendums storm, but some things - good things - never change. Inspired by the last five years of news, Roddy Doyle's Two for the Road offers a strong brew of Roddy Doyle's comic genius - to be downed in one riotous sitting, or savoured over, laugh after laugh.Trade ReviewThese short, punchy sketches are wickedly funny, oddly affecting and completely life-affirming. * Sunday Mirror *Very funny... The kind of book that you read in public at your own risk * Herald Scotland *Very funny... The kind of book that you read in public at your own risk * Herald Scotland *

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Book Synopsis'An impossibly fun romance with an all-too relatable message, Lovestruck is the perfect escapist treat from one of the best romance writers out there' Lindsey KelkThis isn't one love story. It's two.Becca Calloway is calling it: she's ready for Mr Right, and she's ready now.She even goes as far as to hold a manifestation ceremony for him - and when she receives a text from her ex five minutes later, she knows it's a sign.The problem is, she doesn't know which way it's pointing...Should Becca reply and reignite things with her old flame Mike? Or delete and block, moving forward with the new man in her life?Becca has one choice, with two ways this could go. And in Lovestruck, you're about to see them both..._________________________PRAISE FOR LAURA JANE WILLIAMS'Laura Jane Williams combines sharp, relatable wit and bold, joyful sincerity' Dolly Alderton'A fresh, smart, modern rom com. It had me totally gripped!' Beth O'Leary'An absolute delight!' Emily Henry'Perceptive, funny and ultimately hopeful - the perfect tonic' Sophie Cousens'I can't remember the last time a book made me forget I had a phone. Pure escapist fiction!' Stacey Halls

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Book Synopsis'An instant classic of a rom-com . . . perfect feel-good escapism' - Laura Jane Williams Freya Scott is getting married. Her wedding to Matthew, her long-term boyfriend, is the first of eight in her calendar this year, and as someone who prides herself on being meticulously organised, Freya is intent on making it the perfect day to remember. But when Matthew calls things off hours before they walk down the aisle, Freya's entire life plan goes up in smoke. Humiliated and heartbroken, the last thing she wants is to attend a summer of other peoples' nuptials on her own. Fortunately, her friends have an idea: together they devise a series of outrageous challenges for Freya to complete at each event, designed to distract her from Matthew and what might have been. From getting stuck in an old church bathroom and needing to be rescued by the vicar to making out with a barman at a French chateau, Freya realises that despite herself, she might just be having fun. By the time the final wedding arrives, she's not the same woman she was at the start of the season. And maybe her own love story isn't over just yet . . .Trade ReviewAn instant classic of a rom-com, The Wedding Season is perfect feel-good escapism * Laura Jane Williams *A delicious, confetti-filled adventure sure to lift your heart . . . Choc-full of fun and laughs - a celebration of the power of friendship when life comes crashing down * Fiona Gibson *The Wedding Season is the perfect antidote to recent stressful times; like a glass of Prosecco, it's bubbly, fun and over way too fast. And a warning: Do not read The Wedding Season in bed late at night whilst your partner sleeps! Your constant snorts and giggles will wake them repeatedly. Don't say I didn't warn you * Lindsay Emory *Fun, hilarious and heartwarming, The Wedding Season is like a giant hug for anyone who has faced the challenge of a failed relationship. With a stellar cast of loyal friends, quirky family members, and a wacky plan to get through the wedding season, this book had me laughing, crying happy tears and turning pages late into the night * Sara Desai *An utterly charming story about what to do when life hands you Something Blue: turn it into Something New. The Wedding Season is exactly what I needed to read right now * Julia Whelan, author of My Oxford Year *I adored The Wedding Season! Its wit made me laugh, its relatability made me cry, and its delicious slow-burn romance had me swooning. The perfect wedding season read. I can't wait to read what Birchall writes next * Lacie Waldon, author of The Layover *Birchall manages to design a cheer squad of fully supportive chums and a sexy, sensitive love interest in this witty, relatable tale that doesn't fall prey to the trite rom-com formula * USA Today *

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Book Synopsis'A story rendered with so much heart' Taylor Jenkins Reid The bonds between women - as friends, and across the generations - are the jewels that make this story shine!' Tayari JonesThree women. Three decades. The friendship of a lifetime.Zainab, Funmi and Enitan first meet at University in northern Nigeria, all learning how to become themselves. It's an experience that binds the three very different women together. When Enitan moves to New York to elope with a white man, Zainab and Funmi are left behind, with drastically different fortunes.Over the course of thirty years, their lives and friendships diverge and change. Enitan is separating from her husband, trying to understand her daughter Remi. Zainab finds herself the sole breadwinner for her husband and their four sons. And Funmi is living a life of confined luxury, as the wife of a successful, shady businessman.But theirs is a friendship that can endure decades of distance. And in 2015, they are reunited for the first time for the wedding of Funmi's daughter, Destiny.Here they will reflect on their pasts, the things they loved and lost - but the present brings unexpected surprises too, because their daughters, Remi and Destiny, might just be as rebellious and open-hearted as they once were.DELE WEDS DESTINY is the heartfelt, vivid and sparkling debut novel by editor and writer Tomi Obaro, a dazzling new voice in fiction. A story of three women, we witness the shared histories, betrayals and triumphs play out, and their unforgettable, enduring friendship.'Tomi Obaro's deftly-paced novel is an ode to the enduring truth of friendship. Obaro's compelling narrative provides a beautifully flawed, full-bodied picture of the possibilities of African womanhood. It is optimistic, fresh and quickly draws you in' Jendella Benson, author of Hope and Glory'A generous and patient consideration of life, and of lives . . . I am so thankful for the world of this book and so excited for everyone who gets to sit in it' Hanif Abdurraqib, author of A Little Devil in America'A wonderful novel full of richly-drawn, complicated, nuanced characters all trying to love and connect with each other. An ode to the bonds of friendship across decades, Dele Weds Destiny is a marvelous debut' Jami Attenberg, author of All This Could Be Yours'Tomi Obaro has a true gift for honouring the details that illuminate our most human tensions . . . Dele Weds Destiny is a black diamond of a debut' Saeed Jones, author of How We Fight for Our Lives'This enchanting debut is an affectionate portrait of three women at middle age, cannily exploring the ways the self is forged in youth. With an admirably light touch, Tomi Obaro documents how class, race, faith, and power define the lives of women in Nigeria and America, past and present' Rumaan Alam, author of Leave the World BehindTrade ReviewFast-paced, glamorous, and bursting with emotion, Dele Weds Destiny is a thrilling debut. The bonds between women -- as friends, and across the generations -- are the jewels that make this story shine! -- Tayari Jones, author of An American MarriageExploring the complexity of female friendships and mother-daughter relationships, this is a story rendered with so much heart -- Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Malibu RisingTomi Obaro's deftly paced novel is an ode to the enduring truth of friendship. Obaro's compelling narrative provides a beautifully flawed, full-bodied picture of the possibilities of African womanhood. It is optimistic, fresh and quickly draws you in -- Jendella Benson, author of Hope and GloryA beautifully written tale of love in all its forms, I was instantly hooked from the first page and utterly bereft at the last page. It had me laughing one minute and crying the next. It's safe to say Tomi Obaro is my new favourite author -- Sukh Ojla, author of SunnyObaro writes beautifully about the complicated labor of friendship and parentage. Dele Weds Destiny explores caregiving as a kind of deferment, but also as discovery, of desire, of fury, of home -- Raven Leilani, author of LusterThis enchanting debut is an affectionate portrait of three women at middle age, cannily exploring the ways the self is forged in youth. With an admirably light touch, Tomi Obaro documents how class, race, faith, and power define the lives of women in Nigeria and America, past and present -- Rumaan Alam, author of Leave the World BehindA generous and patient consideration of life, and of lives . . . I am so thankful for the world of this book, and so excited for everyone who gets to sit in it -- Hanif Abdurraqib, author of A Little Devil in AmericaA wonderful novel full of richly-drawn, complicated, nuanced characters all trying to love and connect with each other. An ode to the bonds of friendship across decades, Dele Weds Destiny is a marvelous debut' -- Jami Attenberg, author of All This Could Be YoursTomi Obaro has a true gift for honoring the details that illuminate our most human tensions . . . Dele Weds Destiny is a black diamond of a debut -- Saeed Jones, author of How We Fight for Our LivesAn engrossing read with strong characters and a clear portrait of Nigeria then and now . . . Obaro's debut is a portrait of female friendship that will feel familiar to women everywhere, but it is also infused with Nigerian cultural specificity: food, clothing, religion, music, and ambient threat * Kirkus Reviews *The intricacies of female friendships and the complex nature of mother/daughter relationships are at the heart of this absorbing novel from BuzzFeed culture editor Obaro, a sharp new voice on the literary scene * Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Sanders is back with another steamy session of adult summer camp. Though Elle Saunders grew up in Florida, life hasn’t always been sunny. When she and her best friends take over the summer camp where they met as kids, things start looking up. But the camp, now a sexy getaway for wealthy guests looking for fun and romance, is definitely a handful. And the hunky brothers she hired to help manage things aren’t making life any easier—especially that Liam… Liam Costa wrangled this job to confront the woman he thought had seduced his father and lured him away from the family business. But Liam didn’t count on Elle being so mesmerizingly beautiful, and suddenly he’s having trouble focusing on, well, anything but her. Elle and Liam have been dancing around each other all summer. He’s powerfully drawn to her, and she to him, but Elle doesn’t trust herself with love. She’s had bad luck with men, and he’s a sexy distraction she can’t afford.Trade Review“Summer love at its finest with terrific character-driven storytelling!” —Fresh Fiction “Summer Heat is fun and sexy. Jill Sanders provided banter, friendships, family, romance, drama, and surprises.” —Harlequin Junkie

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Book SynopsisAn Amazon Charts bestseller. Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers a smart and sexy contemporary romance about a smoking-hot professional football player and the small-town girl he can’t resist. We start off with a lie on Valentine’s Day. My blind date isn’t the studious guy I expected: he’s a drop-dead gorgeous player with sinful amber eyes. Somehow we end up at his penthouse. I blame the gin and tonic. The next day I learn he’s Jack Hawke—bad-boy professional quarterback with a murky past. The NDA he has me sign should be a warning that he isn’t a regular person. Please. I sign it Juliet Capulet, so goodbye, famous football player with abs of steel, and good luck tracking down this small-town librarian. But Jack keeps showing up in places I least expect him. Just when I’m sure he’s gone, he waltzes into my community theater and wins the part of Romeo to my Juliet. How’s a plain, mostly innocent girl like me supposed to resist a man like him? Is Jack my real Romeo…or will this gorgeous football player only break my heart?

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Book SynopsisIn this madcap tale from the bestselling author of Dumped, Actually, two’s company for Jake and his bestie Sy. But three? A disaster! Jake Carlisle is living his best life, thanks to the crazily successful influencer channel he created with his best friend Sy. Reviewing whacky hobbies and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Sy has pushed Jake into doing more exciting stuff than either ever thought possible. Then disaster strikes. When newbie Helena joins the team, Sy quickly falls head over heels for her…All of a sudden, with romance blossoming and the business dynamic shifting, Jake is horrified to find himself becoming the dreaded third wheel. Being the odd one out was not what he signed up for. And he’ll do anything to get his best friend back—even if that involves a little light sabotage, an unhealthy amount of jealousy…and one very unfortunate pair of tartan Speedos. Will Jake be relegated to the background from now on? Or will he finally learn to stand on his own two feet and succeed at getting his life—along with his friendship—back on track?

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Book SynopsisA masquerade ball brings together an NFL player and a penniless princess in this smart and sexy romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills.Levelheaded Francesca Lane never thought she’d miss her own wedding. But when her fiancé betrays her, she puts on her wedding dress and ditches the altar for a masquerade ball—at an exclusive lifestyle club.There, she meets unknown-to-her NFL star Tuck Avery, dressed as a prince and hiding behind a mask—he’s there to celebrate his birthday. For one night, Francesca and Tuck indulge in a wickedly incognito affair. No names. No strings. And the masks don’t come off.Unfortunately, Francesca realizes quickly that her masked prince is the wealthy jock who lives in the penthouse of her apartment building. His hobbies include parties and supermodels—or so the tabloids say. Getting tangled up with a shallow jerk is the last thing Francesca needs right now, so she vows to keep Tuck from recognizing her (not that she’s his type anyway).But fate has a teeny-tiny trick up her sleeve…a plus sign on a pregnancy test. Can this tormented prince accept love, or will he push his princess away forever?

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Book SynopsisLaser-sharp zingers and out-of-this-world puns pile up at an astronomical pace in this zero gravitas sci-fi spoof from the author of Witches Be Crazy. Never meddle with unidentified spying objects . . . The year is: The Future. Mars and Earth are like that divorced couple who don’t exactly like each other but have at least stopped fighting in public. Floating somewhere in between them, amid all the garbage and Gene Roddenberry’s ashes, a transport vessel called the SS Jefferson is homeward bound. Its crew might have even made it on time for once, too… Captain Cox is no stranger to encountering the odd pickle in space, but when a tantalizingly derelict ship crosses paths with the Jefferson, he unwittingly parks in the middle of a NASA-ty interplanetary squabble. Faced with a marauding Martian and a squad of snobby secret agents, Cox and crew embark on a mad scramble across the solar system, to save themselves from either murder-via-space rifle of imprisonment in the notorious Guantanamo Docking Bay. Maybe they’ll also get around to dealing with the biological weapon that accidentally wound up in their fridge, too.Trade ReviewPraise for Astro-Nuts:"Draws liberally from the grand tradition of Firefly, Monty Python, and Spaceballs . . . the entire novel is about the laughs, which are plentiful. Space opera fans looking for something light and fluffy will find this suits perfectly."—Publishers Weekly "An irreverent trip into the cosmos. Suit up—it's a hell of a ride!"—Edward Zajac, author of A Swift Kick in the AsteroidsPraise for Logan J. Hunder “Hunder’s engaging debut cleverly skewers traditional fantasy tropes with two seemingly unbeatable (and unconventional) protagonists, and the nonstop action will keep readers flipping the pages late into the night. Suggest to fans of Tom Holt who appreciate his mix of humor and imagination.” —Library Journal, starred review and Debut of the Month for July 2015 “Fast moving and original … This is a wild fantasy adventure.” —Piers Anthony, New York Times-bestselling author of the Xanth series “Sometimes wry, sometimes laugh-out-loud hilarious, Logan J. Hunder’s Witches Be Crazy skewers fantasy tropes and hoists them high on their own petard (whatever a “petard” is).” —Kevin J. Anderson, New York Times-bestselling author of the Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series “Hilarious! Not since Elvendude have I enjoyed anything so much.” —Sherrilyn Kenyon, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Fantasy Lover and the Dark-Hunter series “It’s clever, it’s entertaining, and it has its uproariously funny moments. . . I have no doubt that Witches Be Crazy will garner a lot of fans. . . this is the kind of book with 'dedicated cult following' written all over it, much like other parodic classics like Monty Python and the Holy Grail or The Princess Bride.” —The BiblioSanctum

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Book SynopsisCO-WINNER OF THE 2022 SAIF GHOBASH BANIPAL PRIZEThis gritty tale of two men’s ill-conceived quest for a better life via the deserts of the Middle East and the cities of Europe is pure storytellingTwo Bedouin men from Egypt’s Western Desert seek to escape poverty through different routes. One—the intellectual, terminally self-doubting, and avowedly autobiographical Hamdi—gets no further than southern Libya’s fly-blown oasis of Sabha, while his cousin—the dashing, irrepressible Phantom Raider—makes it to the fleshpots of Milan.The backdrop of this darkly comic and unsentimental story of illegal immigration is a brutal Europe and Muammar Gaddafi’s rickety, rhetoric-propped Great State of the Masses, where “the Leader” fantasizes of welding Libyan and Egyptian Bedouin into a new self-serving political force, the Saad-Shin.Compelling and visceral, with a seductive, muscular irony, The Men Who Swallowed the Sun is an unforgettable novel of two men and their fellow migrants and the extreme marginalization that drives them.Trade Review"This is a pacy, clever, enjoyable book, rich in storytelling and adroitly threaded with social commentary."—The Irish Times“Two Bedouin men seek better lives as illegal immigrants in Libya and Italy.” —The New York Times"Entertaining."—Banipal"Stealing, drug-dealing, and the epic of Egyptian migration . . . A funny, furious, breathless tale." —BULAQ"Unforgettable."—Washington Report on Middle East Affairs"The picaresque novel is spacious enough to house the hilarious digressions, philosophical musings, biting satire, and character sketches in a manner that is entertaining and satisfying at once for the reader: a rambunctious gallop through Egypt, Libya, and Italy, with plenty of adventure."—World Literature Today"The Men Who Swallowed the Sun is a phenomenal translation of a unique and exciting novel about a young Bedouin from Egypt who migrates to Libya under Gaddafi, and then onwards to Italy, hoping to make big bucks, have a good time, and avoid getting sent back to Egypt. The dense, stream-of-consciousness narration of its unlikeable but undeniably charismatic protagonist drags the reader immediately into the gritty surroundings that form the backdrop of this picaresque quest, and Humphrey Davies’s rendering impressively recreates the original’s effect."—Katharine Halls, translator of The Doves Necklace"A furious, unapologetic tale of illegal immigration, discrimination, and erasure. Here is a book that not only attempts to understand the calculus of poverty and aspiration, but also the flawed politics that undercurrent North Africa."—Egyptian Streets"A gripping story"—Al-Ahram Weekly“Compelling”—Al BawabaPRAISE FOR ABU GOLAYYEL:"Abu Golayyel represents a unique experience in Arab literature, an experience inspired by the spirit of the desert and which presents Arab Bedouin life in an atypical manner. His work makes the reader cling to his or her Arab heritage and refuse to abandon it to modernity or Salafism."—The Arab Weekly"A gifted storyteller"—World Literature Today"A great read"—Mona Zaki, Banipal on Thieves in Retirement"Masterful"—Library Journal on Thieves in Retirement"A sophisticated storytelling experiment. . . and a guarded but deeply felt celebration of writing"—The National on A Dog with No Tail“A clever and complex meditation . . . full of swift sarcasm . . . an exploration of Abu Golayyel’s Bedouin identity”—Egypt Independent on A Dog with No Tail“A darkly funny social satire”—Bidoun on Dog with No Tail

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Book SynopsisFrom Kelly Siskind comes a slow-burn romantic comedy about one man?s creative attempt to win back his high school sweetheart after a change in fortune gives them a second chance at love.Growing up, I had it all?my art, close friends, a gorgeous girlfriend who owned my heart?but then my life exploded.Turns out my father was laundering money, and my whole family got shoved into witness protection. No notice. No chance to explain. I was ripped away from beautiful, blue-eyed Delilah Moon, shattering both our worlds.A decade later, fate has given us a second chance.The cartel my father worked for has been wiped out. I?ve returned to my hometown, determined to win back the love of my life. But Delilah is engaged.Or?is she?I?m almost positive she?s lying about her fiancé to protect her heart. Which means I need to up my game.I?ve made a list of fifty ways to prove we?re meant to be. Except Delilah?s barely looking at me, never mind swooning. I have a feeling my disappearance scarred her more than she?s admitting, and no one in town will tell me what happened?

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Book SynopsisA Creature Wanting Form is a bleakly funny work of fiction from a journalist widely celebrated for his wry, mordant take on life. Filtered through the lens of a writer and characters who are horrified by the earth’s looming mortality, and their own, but still compelled to carry on, O’Neil interweaves science fiction, allegory, fables, poetry, and reflections on the deeply grounded indignities of modern life. In these pages, climate catastrophe lurks on the horizon; animals voraciously devour each other; your parents only call to tell you who from home has just died; and you want to go for a swim, but there’s a shark in the pool. In short, A Creature Wanting Form is a book for anyone trying to survive with a shred of humanity in the bleak alienation of America, 2023.Trade Review"In these stories, Luke O'Neil tears the heart out of the dying world and makes us give a fuck that it's still beating. ” —Rax King, author of Tacky: Love Letters to the Worst Culture We Have to Offer"Gorgeous, unsettling, infuriating.”—Kim Kelly, author of Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor"Rendered with a lyricism that seems to be in awe of the world even as they describe its greatest pains and profound injustices."—Megan Nolan, author of Acts of Desperation"A beautiful disaster.” —Dave Wedge, New York Times bestselling author and journalist"One of the few writers who I'll read for the prose alone. " —Ryan Cooper, editor at The American Prospect and author of How Are You Going to Pay for That?"I always wanted to know what goes on inside Luke's brain. Then I read this…, and, well, be careful what you wish for.” —Dan Ozzi, author of Sellout: The Major-Label Feeding Frenzy That Swept Punk, Emo, and Hardcore"Luke O’Neil is like no other journalist working today, fusing original reporting with memoir and frequently-profane observational humor to create what feels like a new type of truth-telling: precise, fucked-up, infuriating, and, somehow, beautiful. ...This is what it looks like when a gifted writer finds his voice.”—Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack PRAISE FOR LUKE O'NEIL'S WELCOME TO HELL WORLD "A vital and despairing collection of essays on modern American life.”—Longreads "Reading ...Hell World is a lot like staring deep into O'Neil's soul, and it's often a pretty dark place."—Boston Magazine "Stream-of-consciousness reports that detail the many reasons reasonable people have to be angry right now.” —New York Magazine "A fever dream ... It's a lot to handle, but it's great." —InsideHook "Tells it like it is. ... It's that honesty, along with pure writing ability, creativity, and a heavy helping of empathy, that makes Luke's writing so special.” —The Alternative "At once scathingly ironic and disarmingly sincere...” —Full Stop Magazine "Writings on contemporary matters, from politics to music ... should be beautiful but hideous at the same time-and O'Neil scratches that itch for a remarkable 538 pages.” —Dig Boston

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Book Synopsis‘Stop trying to be brave all the time, Rachel. Fear is a necessary part of being alive. Sometimes we have to let it show. We have to own up to it or it drives us mad.’Rachel Elliot is single and attractive, a director of a successful advertising agency, with a handsome lover, close friends, and a clutch of beloved godchildren. But as her fortieth birthday approaches, so does a whispering fear that she might have missed the point...Almost imperceptibly over the years her friends and contemporaries have settled down and started families. Rather less subtly her parents have been urging Rachel to do the same. Managing a shocking incident at work is soon taking up all her energies and she adores her godchildren. So, is a child of her own what she really wants? Or is motherhood just what everyone else wants for her? If she picks the wrong path, there will be no turning back...Join Amanda Brookfield as she revisits and refreshes her novel, The Godmother, and rediscover how she got her well-deserved reputation for writing about women’s lives with humour and honesty. Includes a brand-new foreword from the author.Praise for Amanda Brookfield:'An engaging, emotionally-charged and intriguing story' Michelle GormanNo one gets to the heart of human relationships quite so perceptively as Brookfield.' The Mirror'Unputdownable. Perceptive. Poignant. I loved it.' bestselling author Patricia Scanlan on Before I Knew You'If Joanna Trollope is the queen of the Aga Saga, then Amanda Brookfield must be a strong contender for princess.' Oxford TimesWhat readers are saying about Amanda Brookfield:‘I felt so involved in this story that I found myself thinking about it a lot during the day. A fantastic read. Gripping, moving, characters you care about, highly recommend.’‘Packed with suspense, (I actually held my breath during some of the scenes) and full of relatable characters, this book will draw you in from the first page. Highly recommend.’ ‘The tension builds on every page, the characters, as always with this author’s books, are drawn beautifully. I couldn’t put it down and am looking forward greatly to Amanda Brookfield’s next offering hopefully before too long!’‘Brookfield is undoubtedly one of Britain's foremost chroniclers of human relationships. It goes without saying that this novel is another page turner – guaranteed to make you read the last 50 pages before sleep, even though you know you have an early start in the morning – but it is much, much more.’

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Book SynopsisThe brand new BBC Radio 4 full-cast series based on And Another Thing… the sixth book in the famous Hitchhiker’s Guide “trilogy”.Winner of the 2019 Audie Award for Science Fiction.Forty years on from the first ever radio series of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Arthur Dent and friends return in six brand new episodes, in which they are thrown back into the Whole General Mish Mash in a rattling adventure involving Viking Gods and Irish Confidence Tricksters, with our first glimpse of Eccentrica Gallumbits and a brief but memorable moment with The Ravenous Bugblatter Beast Of Traal.Starring John Lloyd as The Book, with Simon Jones as Arthur, Geoff McGivern as Ford Prefect, Mark Wing-Davey as Zaphod Beeblebrox, Sandra Dickinson and Susan Sheridan as Trillian, Jim Broadbent as Marvin the Paranoid Android and Jane Horrocks as Fenchurch, the cast also includes Samantha Béart, Toby Longworth, Andy Secombe, Ed Byrne, Lenny Henry, Philip Pope, Mitch Benn, Jon Culshaw and Professor Stephen Hawking.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018, the series is written and directed by Dirk Maggs and based on And Another Thing… by Eoin Colfer with additional unpublished material by Douglas Adams. This edition also includes over 50 minutes of unbroadcast bonus material.Listeners are reminded that the relaxed attitude to danger provided by Joo Janta 200 Super-Chromatic Peril Sensitive Sunglasses is no substitute for running around, screaming. Duration: 3 hours 35 minutes

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Forty-eight-year-old Diane's husband has just left her for a younger woman – because, he says, she 'bores' him. Diane takes the charge to heart and, alongside wild and hilarious best friend Claudine, embarks on a journey to restore her faith in herself and work out exactly what she is left with after all these years. Witty, sharp and emotionally rich, this is a story about freedom and identity and how it's never too late to put yourself first.

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Book Synopsis'Wodehouse is a tonic' - New Yorker. A Wodehouse pick-me-up that'll lift your spirits, whatever your mood.Cheaper and more effective than Valium’.*Offers ‘relief from anxiety, raginess or an afternoon-long tendency towards the sour’.*‘Read when you’re well and when you’re poorly; when you’re travelling, and when you’re not; when you’re feeling clever, and when you’re feeling utterly dim.’*Whatever your mood, P. G. Wodehouse, widely acknowledged to be ‘the best English comic novelist of the century’*, is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Why? Because ‘Mr Wodehouse’s idyllic world can never stale. He has made a world for us to live in and delight in.’*How? ‘You don’t analyse such sunlit perfection, you just bask in its warmth and splendour.’**Olivia Williams *Caitlin Moran *Lynne Truss *Sebastian Faulks *Evelyn Waugh *Stephen FryMeet the Young Men in Spats – all members of the Drones Club, all crossed in love and all busy betting their sometimes non-existent fortunes on unlikely outcomes – that's when they're not recovering from driving their sports cars through, rather than round, Marble Arch.These wonderful comic short stories are the essence of innocent fun. Here, you'll encounter some of Wodehouse's favourite characters – and, in 'The Amazing Hat Mystery', one of his favourite stories.Contents:- The Amazing Hat Mystery - Uncle Fred Flits By - Trouble Down at Tudsleigh

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Book SynopsisDon't panic! This brand new collector's edition box set contains the only audiobooks you'll ever need on your galactic travels - the complete BBC radio productions of Douglas Adams's legendary saga. Included are:The two original series, the Primary and Secondary Phases, remastered by Dirk Maggs with vibrant sound and music and including a 55-minute feature programme, Douglas Adams's Guide tothe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and a fascinating 50-minute interview with Douglas AdamsExtended editions of the Tertiary, Quandary and Quintessential Phases, directed by Dirk Maggs and featuring over 1½ hours of material not heard on BBC Radio 4The concluding Hexagonal Phase, with a further 50 minutes of extra unbroadcast contentA special bonus disc featuring Douglas Adams's appearance on BBC Radio 4's Bookclub, in which he talks to James Naughtie and a group of readers about comedy, sci-fi, the creation of his characters and his influencesGrab your towel, pour yourself a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster and get set for over 20 hours of unmissable radio adventure!Audio updated in 2020.

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Book SynopsisCommunity music projects always spread harmony… don’t they? When players in Stockwell Park Orchestra fear they may be getting out of touch with the community, they invite children from two nearby schools to join them for a season. Supercilious, rich Oakdean College pupils have never mixed with the rough Sunbridge Academy kids, and when things go missing and rumours spread, the situation threatens to turn ugly. DCI Noel Osmar has to tread carefully: after all, he’s off duty. Step forward, Carl the trombonist. Can music heal social rifts? Who has been stealing and why? And will the orchestra’s newly-composed fanfare turn out to be fantastic… or farcical?

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Book SynopsisJoin Hettie and Tilly as they tune in to a world of blackmail, obsession and murderous pies. As the Easter weekend approaches, feline detectives Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins are called to investigate the murder of local radio DJ Hartley Battenberg. Bowled over by the prospect of a bake-off competition, a cricket match and an outdoor screening of The Sound of Music, Hettie and Tilly struggle through a sea of trifle to catch out a killer. Will Bunty Basham’s eleven be triumphant? Has Whisker FM played its final jingle? And will celebrity cook Fanny Haddock get her just desserts?Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE NO. 2 FELINE DETECTIVE AGENCY 'Original and intriguing… a world without people which cat lovers will enter and enjoy’ P. D. James'I loved it. The whole concept is just so “real”!’ Barbara Erskine'Mandy Morton’s Feline Detective Agency instigates a new genre, both wonderful and surreal’ Maddy Prior‘The world that Morton has created is irresistible’ Publishers Weekly‘Witty and smart. Prepare to be besotted’ M.K. Graff‘Mandy Morton’s series is both charming and whimsical’ Barry Forshaw‘Hettie Bagshot might be a new face at the scene of a crime, but already she could teach most fictional detectives a thing or two’ The Hunts Post‘An absolute delight from beginning to end… Totally original, very different – and I’m in awe of the author’s imagination. Very much recommended’ Being Anne Blog

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Book SynopsisGentle chaos sets in when the absent-minded Mr Pim calls in to see George Marden, bearing some innocent news... George is a fine upstanding citizen and a stickler for doing the right thing. He has a devoted wife, Olivia, and is guardian to his somewhat flighty niece, Dinah.But his careful peace is broken when Mr Pim casually announces that he’s recently seen an ex-convict from Australia, Telworthy. The only thing is that the character sounds awfully like Olivia’s first, and supposedly deceased, husband… and if he’s eally still alive, then Olivia is a bigamist.

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Book SynopsisCan neighbours become more than good friends... After her fiancé left her, Ali and her daughter Grace enjoyed living in what became known as 'the Single Mums' Mansion'. However, with her best friends Amanda and Jacqui moving on, it's time for Ali and Grace to make their own way. Thankfully, a chance conversation leads to them moving into the infamous South London gated community known only as The Mews. In The Mews everyone lives in each other's pockets and curtain twitching is an Olympic sport. The neighbours are an eclectic bunch – from Nick the alleged spy, Carl the gorgeous but clearly troubled Idris Elba lookalike, to Debbie who is about to face the hardest fight of her life, and TV agent Samantha who is not as in control as she likes to pretend. Each day brings another drama, but along with the tears, real friendships grow. And her neighbours' problems might unlock the key to something Ali has yearned for all along... Will these single mums be able to move on from life in the mansion? Perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Mhairi McFarlane. Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE SINGLE MUMS' MANSION: 'Based on the author's real experience, it's fresh, touching and very funny' Sunday People & Sunday Mirror. 'I absolutely ADORED [this] and I would definitely recommend it to other readers' Amanda Oughton, NetGalley. 'If you enjoy your stories with no filters, crammed full of laughter and poignancy, this is the book for you' Jane Hunt, NetGalley. 'I cannot wait to tell friends about it as I am sure they will enjoy as much as I did' Molly Stulmaker, NetGalley. 'Such a fun and funny book, but also moments of great sadness... Well-paced and well written' -- Claire Lyons, NetGalley

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Book SynopsisMum of one, Jess, has had enough of endless diaper-filled days, and her husband Chris has just the solution to vent her frustrations – a blog. Jess loves her daughter more than anything, but sometimes she just wants a little bit of freedom – some time for herself. Cue a laptop, a glass of wine and the beginning of a life-changing journey. Overnight Jess's inbox is full of notifications and before long she is officially a 'mummy blogger', but this new life comes with its own set of rules and regulations. With Queen of the Bloggers, Tiggy, blanking her in public, people recognizing her on the street and her life decisions suddenly judged by strangers, Jess's idea of 'me time' is slowly becoming a full-time job. Will Jess be able to find the right life/work balance? Or will she wish she'd never turned to a world online? From the award-winning blogger behind 'Mum of Boys & Mabel'. Praise for From Mum with Love: 'Catchy and engaging!' Macie Callewaert. 'Wonderful entertaining' Abby Siverman. 'I loved, loved, loved this book!' Petra Quelch. 'I loved the story as it followed the highs and lows of mothering' Natasha Brett. 'A relatable and hilarious read that I devoured in one sitting' Lindsie Gatto. 'I thought this was a beautiful and accurate representation of what it must feel like to be a mother' Whitney Meyer.

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Book SynopsisThe unforgettable finale to the international, bestselling Disco Days Trilogy … Bobby, Joey and Max Mojo return in an attempt to reclaim the elusive stardom of their youth, reuniting a legendary band that didn’t quite live up to expectations, with predictable results… ‘A real new talent on the Scottish literary scene’ Press & Journal ‘By turn hilarious and heart-breaking, more than anything Ross creates beautifully rounded characters full of humanity and perhaps most of all, hope’ Liam Rudden, Scotsman ‘David Ross carved out an enduring place for himself among contemporary Scottish novelists’ Alastair Mabb, Herald Scotland –––––––––––––––––––––––– The Disco Boys and The Band are back… In the early 80s, Bobby Cassidy and Joey Miller were inseparable; childhood friends and fledgling business associates. Now, both are depressed and lonely, and they haven't spoken to each other in more than ten years. A bizarre opportunity to honour the memory of someone close to both of them presents itself, if only they can forgive ... and forget. With the help of the deluded Max Mojo and the faithful Hamish May, can they pull off the impossible, and reunite the legendary Ayrshire band, The Miraculous Vespas, for a one-off Music Festival – The Big Bang – on a remote, uninhabited Scottish island? Absurdly funny, deeply moving and utterly human, The Man Who Loves Islands is an unforgettable finale to the Disco Days trilogy – a modern classic pumped full of music and middle-aged madness, written from the heart and pen of one of Scotland’s finest new voices. –––––––––––––––––––––––– Praise for David F. Ross ‘A warm, funny consideration of reconciliation between middle-aged friends and a celebration of music’s healing powers. Suggest to fans of Nick Hornby’ Library Journal ‘Warm, funny and evocative. If you grew up in the eighties, you’re going to love this’ Chris Brookmyre ‘Dark, hilarious, funny and heart-breaking all at the same time, a book that sums up the spirit of an era and a country in a way that will make you wince and laugh at the same time’ Muriel Gray ‘An astonishing tour de force’ John Niven ’This is a book that might just make you cry like nobody’s watching’ Iain MacLeod, Sunday Mail ‘Crucially Ross's novel succeeds in balancing light and dark, in that it can leap smoothly from brutal social realism to laugh-out-loud humour within a few sentences’ Press & Journal ‘Full of comedy, pathos and great tunes’ Hardeep Singh Kohli ‘If I saw that in a store I would buy it without even looking at what was inside’ Irvine Welsh ‘Like the vinyl that crackles off every page … as warm and authentic as Roddy Doyle at his very best’ Nick Quantrill ‘A solid-gold hit of a book! The closest you’ll ever get to being on Top of the Pops’ Colin McCredieTrade Review"[A] warm, funny consideration of reconciliation between middle-aged friends and a celebration of music's healing powers . . . suggest to fans of Nick Hornby." --Library Journal

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Book SynopsisNigel Molesworth, ‘the curse of St. Custard's’, was a much-loved post-war fictional schoolboy character who featured in a series of books by Geoffrey Willans and illustrated by Ronald Searle. The books also featured the headmaster Grimes, Nigel’s annoying younger brother Molesworth 2, his best friend Peason, the head boy Grabber and the school wet Fotherington-Thomas. Nigel’s main characteristic was his cynicism and in Nigel Molesworth’s Cynical Tendency he has, through the success of his YouTube channel The Cynical Tendency, started a Cynical Tendency political party and his school friends have all become heads of the main political parties. The play starts with a Prologue for those unfamiliar with the characters, and the action is then set just after a general election in the near future, the result of which was chaotic and all the players could possibly become Prime Minister but only with Nigel’s support. Nigel on the other hand…Trade Review'Ian Strathcarron's energetically sarcastic farce is part satire, part revue sketch, part critique of the amoral mess we find ourselves in today, above all a wonderful compendium of all the tropes and cliches which adorn our current, seriously knackered, political discourse. You may well laugh until you burst out crying.' Michael Coveney, Theatre Critic 'An absolute disgrace, whoever is behind this should be shot' The Old Saint Custardian

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Book SynopsisThe latest episode in the life of Natalie Klein, about whom Eleanor Berry has frequently written - this time her lust for one of her many psychiatrists. This tale takes us through the doors of Harley Street and beyond. We follow the life of Natalie Klein, fearless predator in the name of lust, as she attempts to entrap her prey in her tangled web, causing scandal from the hairdressers of Mayfair to the consulting rooms of Harley Street. A woman who likes to have a stalwart stock of doctors, Natalie sets her sights at Ted Curruthers, with black humour. But does she succeed...?

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Book SynopsisA truly innovative book for cat and kitten lovers Oliver's naughty and precocious perceptions of humans will delight, surprise and perhaps even shock you. Oliver Kitten was born in a firetruck and ends up living with a three-generation multicultural human family in a four-bedroom house. He keeps a diary of his own escapades and the things he hears and sees his family get up to. At once cute and funny, Oliver is a little naughty and sometimes downright wicked in his precocious observations of the things the humans in his house get up to. Oliver's family includes a Scottish grandmother (whose knitting wool has adventures of its own), Clint, a sometime unpredictable two-year-old boy, the father Richard, his wife Nicole, and Lucy, their 13-year-old daughter. Lucy thinks she is Oliver Kitten's owner and spends her life between the fridge and her bedroom, generally with Oliver in one hand and her phone in the other.Oliver is a diligent kitten and keeps a daily diary covering everything in his life including paper shredding, leaping, purring, meowing, kneading, scratching, grooming hiding, escaping, finding sleeping places and giving licks and kisses.Elegantly produced with black and white line drawings, Oliver Kitten's Diary shows us a kitten evolving into a powerful and smart adult cat with lots of fun, affection, love and adventures.

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Book SynopsisEven after making his break as an author, marrying the person he loves, and becoming a father, Itsuki Hashima has not changed and continues his regular routine of writing novels. But how about Chihiro, or Miyako, or Haruto and Nayuta and Ashley? Not to mention Kaizu, Kaiko, Setsuna, and Nadeshiko?! How much or how little have they changed? What kind of future awaits them?

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Book SynopsisAfter giving up on becoming a protagonist, Itsuki continues to listlessly churn out novels like a machine. On the other hand, Nayuta has given up writing entirely in favor of shutting herself up in her room and playing video games. Though our main characters have stagnated, the world keeps turning and time marches relentlessly forward...and whether they’re aware of it or not, big things are in store for Ashley, Nadeshiko, and the Hashima family.

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Book SynopsisAmane’s confusing and frustrating life with the angel continues. Spending New Year’sEve and Valentine's Day with Mahiru only leaves him more unsure about his feelingstoward the beautiful girl. Could it be that his clumsy warmth is slowly melting theangel’s cold facade?

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Book SynopsisAt Iroha Isshiki's request, the Service Club is now helping with a Valentine's Day event. Once Miura, Ebina, and Kawasaki are all involved, it spirals into a surprisingly major undertaking. But despite the relative calm, there's a sense of dissonance that's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore-and feelings that can't be rationalized away.

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