Search results for ""Vesuvian Books""

With her memory still fragmented, Ava returns to the International Sensory Assassin Network (ISAN) to find the twin sister she never knew she had. But as Ava hunts for information, she finds herself tangled in a web of yet more lies and conspiracy. The Helix serum may not be required to access her superpowers, and the number of male assassins—previously considered too volatile to tolerate Helix—is growing in every territory. The more Ava uncovers, the more of a threat she becomes to ISAN. Her only salvation may be to join the rebels ... if she isn’t killed first.

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A WOMAN UNLIKE ANY OTHER, SHE WILL CONQUER THE UNCONQUERABLE AND BE LOVED BY A MAN WHO IS WORSHIPPED AS A GOD.Based on a true story.When her homeland is conquered by the mighty Alexander the Great, Roxana—the daughter of a mere chieftain–is torn from her simple life and thrown into a world of war and intrigue.Terrified, the sixteen-year-old girl of renowned beauty is brought before the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Her life is in his hands; her future his to decide.Without formal education or noble blood, Roxana is chosen by the Greek conqueror to be his bride. Soon she comes to know profound happiness and unyielding desire in her warrior's arms.However, being the king's consort comes at a heavy price. To survive her husband's treacherous kingdom, she must endure continuous warfare, deadly plots, jealous rivals, victory-hungry generals, and the stigma of being a barbarian. Persian blood will keep her from claiming the grandest title of all—queen—but her reign will seal the fate of an empire.History tells his story. This is hers.

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From the Helen Kay Chapbook Award-Winning poet Cassondra Windwalker, an unsuspecting librarian falls head-over-heels for a married man, but when she finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance, she discovers her new husband’s past wives have all met early deaths—and some aren’t ready to let go yet.Obsession never dies.When librarian Sigrun falls head-over-heels for the sophisticated and very married Edgar Leyward, she never expects to find herself in his bed—or his heart. Nevertheless, when his enigmatic wife Octavia dies from a sudden illness, Sigrun finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance worthy of the most lurid novels on her bookshelves. Sigrun soon discovers Octavia wasn’t Edgar’s first lost love, or even his second. Three women Edgar has loved met early deaths. As she delves into her beloved’s past through a trove of discovered letters, the edges of Sigrun identity begin to disappear, fading into the women of the past. Sigrun tells herself it’s impossible for any dark magic to be at play—that the dead can’t possibly inhabit the bodies of the living—but something shadowy stalks the halls of the Leyward house and the lines between the love of the present and the obsessions of the past become increasingly blurred—and bloody. Mixing lyrical prose with simmering terror, Hold My Place is a modern gothic horror worthy of Shirley Jackson’s nightmares and Daphne DuMaurier’s dangerous lovers. "Hold My Place is a dark, sensuous tale about obliterating love, and Windwalker's superb prose fairly drips with beauty. You simply must read this haunting book." —Mercedes M. Yardley, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Little Dead Red"Sinister undertones steadily build into a genuine sense of doom...as thought-provoking as it is harrowing." —Publishers Weekly"With ethereal prose [Hold My Place]'s departure from genre tropes will make it a favorite with gothic-horror and dark-romance readers." —Booklist"A satisfying blend of romance and ghost story…. Hold My Place is anything but ordinary or predictable, despite its firm roots in the horror world." —Midwest Book Review"Brimming with muted eroticism, Hold My Place is a dark romance novel punctuated by longing, lingering spirits and love without end." —Foreword Reviews

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A showcase of poetry from some of the darkest and most lyrical voices of women in horror.Under Her Skin features the best in never-before-published dark verse and lyrical prose from the voices of Women in Horror. Centered on the innate relationship between body horror and the female experience, this collection features work from Bram-Stoker Award® winning and nominated authors, as well as dozens of poems from women (cis and trans) and non-binary femmes. Edited by Lindy Ryan and Toni Miller, Under Her Skin celebrates women in horror from cover to cover. In addition to poems contributed by seventy poets, the collection also features a foreword penned by Science Fiction Poetry Association (SFPA) Grand Master and recipient of the Horror Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, Linda D. Addison; interior illustrations by Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association Grand Master and recipient of the Horror Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award Marge Simon; and cover art by noted horror artist Lynne Hansen."Not for the faint of heart...Each word and phrase has been structured in such a way that the reader will experience an intense depth of emotion and feelings." —EGuide Magazine"...varied themes, approaches, and poetic structures create a diverse series of horror inspections. Under Her Skin is unparalleled in scope, creativity, and literary strength." —Midwest Book Review

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New and exclusive short stories and poems inspired by bad mothers from some of today's fiercest women in horror.

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"A thousand half loves must be forsaken to take one whole heart home." Carin Frost doesn’t understand what’s happening to her. A confident businesswoman, wife, and mother, she begins to resent everything about her life. Nothing makes sense. Nothing makes her feel. Maybe it’s the recent loss of her mother in a tragic accident. Or maybe she’s just losing her mind. Enter Matias Torres. As their new business partnership thrives, so does their friendship—and his interest in her. Carin is determined to keep her distance, until a work assignment sends them to Southeast Asia where a storm is brewing on the island. In the midst of the chaos, Matias asks her to do something unimaginable, exhilarating, bold. Carin knows the consequences could be dire, but it may be the only way to save herself. An honest look at love and marriage and the frailties of the human heart, this is a story of a woman’s loss of self and purpose and the journey she takes to find her way back. "A lyrically written masterpiece of women's fiction that is emotional, raw, and real." ~Tarryn Fisher, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

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A showcase of poetry from some of the darkest and most lyrical voices of women in horror. A follow-up to the award-winning poetry showcase Under Her Skin, UNDER HER EYE features the best in never-before-published dark verse and lyrical prose from the voices of Women in Horror, themed on domestic horror and the terror women too often experience in their own homes. Edited by Lindy Ryan and Lee Murray, UNDER HER EYE celebrates women in horror from cover to cover. In addition to poems contributed by over one hundred poets worldwide, the collection features poems from Stephanie M. Wytovich, Jessica McHugh, and Marge Simon, with cover art by noted horror artist Lynne Hansen and an introduction by Bram Stoker Award®-winning poet Sara Tantlinger. This showcase is produced in partnership with The Pixel Project, a global non-profit organization focused on ending violence against women globally.

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Some evil wants to live forever.Ten years ago a witch sacrificed Britta Orchid’s family and turned her into a werewolf. Selena Stone’s spell failed, and she was never seen again. Until now.Officer Aaron Labaye has discovered Selena’s remains in the house where Britta’s family died, and dragged Britta back to Louisiana to aid the investigation, hoping her past will break the case. Britta has a hard time resisting the handsome rookie, especially when he shows her a new drawing by her murdered little brother: Britta in her wolf-form.As an unseen hand sets events in motion, Britta has to help Labaye dig into the murders old and new. The bloodthirsty ghost of her brother, a jealous member from her pack, and a former friend with a serious prejudice against wolves all stand to stop Britta as she fights to finally get the truth about that night ten years ago. But, as she looks harder than ever into her own dark past, Britta will confront more than just her own demons as she fights for peace for herself and for her family. She can’t hide anymore, but must find her place in a world she’s avoided—and discover what it truly means to be a wolf.

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WE ALL HAVE DEMONS. SOME DEMONS HAVE YOU.The world you know is dead. We did this to ourselves. The epidemic struck at the end of the Third World War. Fighting over oil, power, and religion, governments ignored the rise of an antibacterial-resistant plague. In just five years, the Earth was annihilated. Only one city survived—Etyom—a frozen hellhole in northern Siberia, engulfed in endless conflict.The year is 2251. Two groups emerged from the ashes of the old world. Within the walled city of Lower Etyom dwell the Robusts—descendants of the poor who were immune to the New Black Death. Above them, in a metropolis of pristine platforms called lillipads, live the Graciles—the progeny of the superrich, bio-engineered to resist the plague. Mila Solokoff is a Robust who trades information in a world where knowing too much can get you killed. Caught in a deal gone bad, she's forced to take a high-risk job for a clandestine organization hell-bent on revolution. Demitri Stasevich is a Gracile with a dark secret—a sickness that, if discovered, will get him Ax'd. His only relief is an illegal narcotic produced by the Robusts, and his only means of obtaining it is a journey to the arctic hell far below New Etyom. Thrust together in the midst of a sinister plot that threatens all life above and below the cloud line, Mila and Demitri must master their demons and make a choice—one that will either salvage what's left of the human race or doom it to extinction …Awards Bronze Winner — 2019 Independent Publisher Book Awards — Science Fiction Gold (1st Place) Winner — 2019 Feathered Quill Book Awards — Science Fiction/Fantasy Finalist — 2018 Dragon Awards — Science Fiction Winner — 2018 New York Book Festival — Science Fiction

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The daughter of Appalachian snake handlers becomes a ward of the state after her eerie “gift” causes a tragedy that leaves her orphaned.Bram Stoker Nominee, Speak No Evil named #14 in Ginger Nuts of Horror’s Top 100 YA Horror Novels of the Last Decade. “Ultimately this is a novel about real life horror; abuse, overcoming it, and the resilience of Melody Fisher as she slowly, with a lot of help, turns her life around.” ~Ginger Nuts of Horror“Melody’s story is grim, but hope is weaved in throughout ... highly emotional.” ~School Library JournalCompelling, gripping, and evocative, Speak No Evil is a study in personality development, horror, how support systems for teens can either succeed or fail, and the impact a caring adult can have on a teenager’s life.” ~Midwest Book ReviewWhat if every time you told the truth, evil followed?My name is Melody Fisher. My daddy was a snake handler in Appalachia until Mama died. Though years have passed, I can still hear the rattle before the strike that took her from me.And it’s all my fault.Since then, I’ve been passed around from foster home to foster home. I didn’t think anything could be as bad as losing Mama.I was wrong.But I will not speak of things people have done to me. Every time I do, worse evil follows. Now, the only thing I trust is what saved me years ago.Back when I would sing the snakes calm ...WARNING: This book contains situations of violence and sexual abuse/rape which the reader may find disturbing.* * *“Expect a paranormal twist, spooky mountain folklore, rattlesnake handling and much soul searching as Melody makes peace with herself—and the trauma she has endured.” ~Girls' Life Magazine “Gardner’s storytelling displays the same sort of sinister charm as she unravels Melody’s past to tell the story of her present. Speak No Evil is at once hypnotic, vaguely sinister, and decidedly beautiful, with sharp, poignant prose that handles the heaviest of issues with grace and delicacy.” ~The Nerd Daily"... a touching tribute to the power of love." ~IndieReaderLiana Gardner named to the Ginger Nuts of Horror 30 YA Authors You Should Know ListAwards: Nominee for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel, Bram Stoker Awards® Silver Medal Winner: Young Adult Fiction, Nautilus Book Awards Bronze Medal Winner in Young Adult Fiction, Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) Gold Medal Winner in Young Adult Fiction — Mature Issues, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Gold Medal Winner in New Adult Fiction, NYC Big Book Awards Finalist in Best Juvenile or Young Adult Fiction, Silver Falchion Award

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Aspiring author Meredith Harper owns the hottest bookstore in Savannah.Michael Black is her favorite writer—long thought dead—until he mysteriously approaches Meredith with a new manuscript, and a most unusual offer. Meredith can keep the manuscript to herself, or publish it under her own name.Her decision results in a bestseller, but the novel contains a coded secret; one that will put her on trial for murder and in hiding from “the blood stalker,” proving too late that making a deal with the devil comes at a heavy price.

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PLAYING GOD HAS CONSEQUENCES.Jake Wood has it made. He is a tough homicide detective with a partner who’s like a brother, and he’s about to marry the girl of his dreams.Then Jake learns a close friend is missing and travels to South America in search of him. After a freak accident in the Amazon Rainforest, Jake wakes up in the hospital—eighteen months later. Long presumed dead, he discovers his fiancée is married and pregnant, his house was sold, his job is gone, and his partner transferred to another city to become lead detective on a serial killer case. Jake buys a cabin in the woods and tries to leave the world behind, until his home is broken into and he discovers he was targeted—but why? When Jake’s former partner requests his aid in catching the Blood Eagle Killer, he offers to help find whoever is behind Jake’s recent trouble. This leads to Fortech Industries, a pharmaceutical company secretly researching a way to create an immortal gene. Now they intend to destroy their only error—Jake Wood—who has become something more than human.

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"One universe, nine planets, 204 countries, 809 islands and 7 seas, and I had the privilege of meeting you.” —Unknown When Tessa Talman first meets Simon Fremont, not only is she attracted to him, she’s intrigued by how different their lives are. He’s a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded. She’s a head-in-the-clouds romance author. As their relationship grows, they meet in places around the world, while continuing to live in different countries. Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon. Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways she never imagined. To move forward, she must let go of the past and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye.

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Allegiances will be tested.Identities will be revealed.No one is safe. While searching for the HelixB88 anti-serum on the black market, Ava uncovers valuable intel that may help the rebels in their fight to bring down ISAN—the location of a hidden facility. But first, the insurgents must find the female citizens unexpectedly displaying powers without use of the Helix serum. As the rebels join forces with other sectors, ISAN plans their destruction by using someone they don't suspect at the rebel home base. A traitor within. Now, Ava must make a dangerous decision, one that could risk their capture—or worse. www.ISAN.Agency Genes is the third book in the award-winning International Sensory Assassin Network series. Awards for the series include: 2019 Gold Medal Winner - IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards - Fiction: Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018 Gold Medal Winner - American Fiction Awards - Science Fiction: Post-Apocalyptic 2018 Gold Medal Winner - International Book Awards - Science Fiction 2018 and 2019 Gold Medal Winner - Readers' Favorite Awards - Young Adult Action / Young Adult Thriller 2019 Silver Medal Winner - Moonbeam Children's Book Awards - Young Adult Fiction: Fantasy/Sci-Fi 2019 Finalist - Silver Falchion Awards - Action Adventure

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IT HAS BEEN SEVENTEEN YEARS since the Nine Veils abducted half of the Nenets children and their bonded Huahuqui from Antarctica. Despite years of searching by Jonathan Teller and the NSA, no one has heard from the clandestine organization, or the abductees. KJ Nilsson, the remaining children, and their Huahuqui—collectively known as the Stratum—have grown up in relative safety at Alpha Base in Antarctica. Thanks to the work of Lucy Taylor, now President of the United States, the Stratum are to be recognized as a unique, symbiotic, race and legal citizens of several great nations. But, things do not go as planned when the Nine Veils come out of hiding—with their own army of Huahuqui—determined to become the most elite power on the planet. Now, KJ and the Stratum must prove they deserve their new status by defending the citizens of Earth—against their own kind.Whoever wins, the age of man is over.

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In this award-winning book inspired by true events, 7th grade turns out to be anything but normal when teachers announce the students’ bloodless revolution succeeded and they are now in charge. After conducting a secret-ballot vote on policy, the 7th graders emerge to find the school evacuated and the FBI lurking outside with the task of unearthing a treasure of national importance.The students’ mission is clear—discover the treasure before the FBI locks down the building. To stay one step ahead of the FBI, they must delve into history and amass an arsenal to defend their school … because this is WAR!

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A collection of new and exclusive short stories inspired by the Baba Yaga. Featuring Gwendolyn Kiste, Stephanie M. Wytovich, Mercedes M. Yardley, Monique Snyman, Donna Lynch, Lisa Quigley, and R. J. Joseph, with an introduction by Christina Henry.Deep in the dark forest, in a cottage that spins on birds’ legs behind a fence topped with human skulls, lives the Baba Yaga. A guardian of the water of life, she lives with her sisters and takes to the skies in a giant mortar and pestle, creating tempests as she goes. Those who come across the Baba Baga may find help, or hinderance, or horror. She is wild, she is woman, she is witch— and these are her tales. Edited by Lindy Ryan, this collection brings together some of today’ s leading voices of women-in-horror as they pay tribute to the Baba Yaga, and go Into the Forest. "Perfect for horror fans who can't get enough of folklore and fairy-tale retellings that veer in unexpected directions." — Booklist Starred Review "Fans of folklore retellings will find plenty to enjoy." — Publishers Weekly"The stories in Into the Forest collect the guts and bones of some of the world’ s oldest witch tales and refashion them into something new, beautiful, and gruesome." — Foreword Reviews"A powerful literary reflection... Outstanding in its diversity and interpretations, Into the Forest is very highly recommended not just for horror collections, but for libraries strong in women's literature, as well as for reader's book groups who would study the legend and realities of the Baba Yaga folktale as it journeys into the heart and soul of women's experiences and psychology." — Midwest Book Review

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What fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night …Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn looks up to her father. An honest man who once fought for the king, he now teaches Jaclyn how to use her wits—and her sword. But he has a secret. And his secret may have a connection to the one thing Jaclyn is hiding from him.Upon hearing "monsters" are terrorizing the small villages around Black Mountain, Jaclyn's father and his friends head out to hunt them … but they don't return. Armed only with her sword and three magic beans—a gift from a mysterious old woman—Jaclyn sets out for Black Mountain to save her father.On her climb, one bean drops and grows into a beanstalk, catching her when she falls.She isn't the only one that takes the ride. Jack, her childhood friend and secret crush, is following her.Together, Jaclyn and Jack must battle to save not only their fathers, but the townspeople the beasts plan to lay waste to before it's too late.

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When it comes to professional team sports in America, the NFL is king. And where there are NFL players there are NFL agents. Sports agents have been labeled as vultures for their willingness to resort to slimy, underhanded tactics to recruit clients and make deals. Enter NFL agent Eugene Lee, whose ethics are beyond reproach.In My Brother’s Keeper, we’ll meet players in various stages of their NFL career—from college, to the pros, to life after the game. Eugene takes us into the homes of potential clients, the locker rooms of current clients, and anywhere else an agent must go to keep the dreams of players alive.Above all, we’ll get insight into why Eugene has chosen to walk a path of righteousness, conducting business with the same integrity and faith by which he lives.Some say he’s a true “Jerry Maguire,” but Eugene Lee is an original, a one-of-a-kind personality whose life is just as exciting as the games played by his clients.

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The daughter of Appalachian snake handlers becomes a ward of the state after her eerie “gift” causes a tragedy that leaves her orphaned.Bram Stoker Nominee, Speak No Evil named #14 in Ginger Nuts of Horror’s Top 100 YA Horror Novels of the Last Decade. “Ultimately this is a novel about real life horror; abuse, overcoming it, and the resilience of Melody Fisher as she slowly, with a lot of help, turns her life around.” ~Ginger Nuts of Horror“Melody’s story is grim, but hope is weaved in throughout ... highly emotional.” ~School Library JournalCompelling, gripping, and evocative, Speak No Evil is a study in personality development, horror, how support systems for teens can either succeed or fail, and the impact a caring adult can have on a teenager’s life.” ~Midwest Book ReviewWhat if every time you told the truth, evil followed?My name is Melody Fisher. My daddy was a snake handler in Appalachia until Mama died. Though years have passed, I can still hear the rattle before the strike that took her from me.And it’s all my fault.Since then, I’ve been passed around from foster home to foster home. I didn’t think anything could be as bad as losing Mama.I was wrong.But I will not speak of things people have done to me. Every time I do, worse evil follows. Now, the only thing I trust is what saved me years ago.Back when I would sing the snakes calm ...WARNING: This book contains situations of violence and sexual abuse/rape which the reader may find disturbing.* * *“Expect a paranormal twist, spooky mountain folklore, rattlesnake handling and much soul searching as Melody makes peace with herself—and the trauma she has endured.” ~Girls' Life Magazine “Gardner’s storytelling displays the same sort of sinister charm as she unravels Melody’s past to tell the story of her present. Speak No Evil is at once hypnotic, vaguely sinister, and decidedly beautiful, with sharp, poignant prose that handles the heaviest of issues with grace and delicacy.” ~The Nerd Daily"... a touching tribute to the power of love." ~IndieReaderLiana Gardner named to the Ginger Nuts of Horror 30 YA Authors You Should Know ListAwards: Nominee for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel, Bram Stoker Awards® Silver Medal Winner: Young Adult Fiction, Nautilus Book Awards Bronze Medal Winner in Young Adult Fiction, Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) Gold Medal Winner in Young Adult Fiction — Mature Issues, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Gold Medal Winner in New Adult Fiction, NYC Big Book Awards Finalist in Best Juvenile or Young Adult Fiction, Silver Falchion Award

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NOT EVERY SPIRIT SEEKS REDEMPTION. NOT EVERY VESSEL WILL SURVIVE.What if you could help those who’ve passed on get a second chance—but at the risk of your own life? Four broken strangers volunteer to become the first humans in North America to join the international VESSELS program. Their bodies will host the Spirits who seek to right past wrongs and earn a chance at Elysium. Disguised inside a homeless shelter in Reno, the program is facilitated by a retired Army officer, a former ER Doctor, and a tech-savvy teen who tracks the Spirits merged with their Vessels through an ancient ritual on the Anaho Reservation. The Vessels only have seven days to succeed—and to survive. But when the vengeful spirit of a serial killer enters one of them, they learn not all Spirits are here for redemption.

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An uplifting and heartwarming romance about second chances with a ghostly twist and an unusual cat make this enchanting story set in the Smoky Mountains a festive treat any time of year. Fans of Debbie Macomber, Sheila Roberts, and Fern Michaels will enjoy this gorgeous feel-good story.“Ghostly occurrences and ancient folklore make this feel like a modern, romantic twist on A Christmas Carol.” ~Library Journal"A woman heals from heartbreak with the help of some unusual strangers in this enjoyable, supernaturally tinged Christmas romance [with] genuine emotion driving the plot ... a touch of magic sets this holiday romance apart." ~Publishers WeeklyCourtney Winston is a writer on a deadline. Eager to finish her book and get over a recent break-up, she ditches Christmas with her family and retreats to a secluded cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Appliances rarely work and cell service is spotty, but Courtney senses there is more to her rustic rental near the abandoned town of Elkmont—something dark and haunting. Then Peter, the attractive mountain lodge owner, and a meddling cook, Mrs. Finn, keep coming around, shattering her peace and offering advice on how to fix her heavy heart. Courtney grows closer to Peter, but Mrs. Finn warns her of his troubled past. Undaunted, Courtney sets out to win him over. But being with the brooding stranger may end up costing her more than she ever imagined. * * * “A blend of holiday inspirational and romance that adopts a more detailed story than most novels in either genre ... embracing both holiday spirit and a growth process that begins with pain and prejudice and moves steadily outward into recognizing new opportunities. The result embraces more than its title's promise, making The Christmas Spirit an inspirational story that is much needed and highly recommended year-round.” ~Midwest Book Review “A one-of-a-kind paranormal romance with a good balance between heart-wrenching drama and light comedy. The fast pace is consistent and the suspense is wild, making the book unputdownable. The twist at the end is just priceless. This is one of those books that can be made into a blockbuster movie. The excitement does not change whether it is read around the Christmas season or not.” ~Risah Salazar, Readers' Favorite “A bit of a ghostly “Christmas Carol” story ... there is definite substance here. This is more than romance--a fun, memorable read. I hope we see more of this author in the future.” ~Feathered Quill Book Awards Judges’ CommentsAWARDS* Gold Medal Winner: Romance—Feathered Quill Book Awards* Recipient of the BestsellersWorld Award for Best Romance—Feathered Quill Book Awards* Romantic Fiction 1st Place Winner—Chatelaine Book Awards* Silver Award Winner in Romance—Kops-Fetherling International Book Awards

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“A psychological portrait akin to Lord of the Flies.” ~Midwest Book Review SOME TRUTHS ARE BETTER KEPT SECRET.SOME SECRETS ARE BETTER OFF DEAD. ALONG THE BANKS OF THE BOGUE FALAYA RIVER, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river. And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux. The only child of a powerful family, Beau can do no wrong. Star quarterback. Handsome. Charming. The “prince” of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch. He is also a psychopath. A dirty family secret buried for years, Beau’s evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the haunted abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Beau sets his sights on his girlfriend’s headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize. As the victim toll mounts, it becomes clear that someone must stop Beau Devereaux. And that someone will pay with their life. * * * “If Gillian Flynn and Bret Easton Ellis had a book baby, it would be River of Ashes.” ~Booktrib “River of Ashes offers an inside look into the mind of a psychopath—a cautionary tale that the scariest monsters are the ones you know but never suspect.” ~Pearry Teo, PhD (Award-Winning Director of The Assent, Executive Producer of Cloud Atlas) “You could practically taste the fear.” ~Laura Hernandez “Nothing can prepare you for what you will find within these pages.” ~Goodreads “The type of cautionary tale that keeps you alive by reminding you that sometimes the biggest horrors aren’t the monsters hiding under the bed but the ones hiding in plain sight.” ~The Nerd Daily “Alexandrea Weis is one of the most talented authors around, and in a short time her novels are destined to stand along with authors such as Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, Joyce Carol Oates, and Jeffery Deaver.” ~The Strand Magazine Warning: This book contains rape, violence, and a psychopath's POV, which some readers will find disturbing and might have you looking over your shoulder.

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"Anyone liking a tense mystery with elements of the supernatural, a villain who believes himself about to become a god, and a heroine who swears she'll prevent it while at the same time acknowledging her own weaknesses, will read Dark Country and demand more. Thankfully, the sequel, False Prophet, is already on the way." ~New York Journal of BooksFrom multi-Bram Stoker Award Nominee Monique Snyman, Dark Country highlights the multicultural mythologies, magic, histories, beauty, and horror of living in pseudo-modern South Africa.Too often people mistake monsters for gods.When a ravaged corpse is discovered in Pretoria, South Africa, EsmÉ Snyder—an occult-crime expert—is called in to investigate. But she doesn't know the scope of what she's up against. EsmÉ is the target of a cat-and-mouse game with a serial killer who uses the paranormal to do his bidding, with the intent of becoming a god on Earth. With assistance from her team—a brusque detective, eccentric millionaire, stoic priest, hawkeyed secretary, and handsome British forensic criminologist—EsmÉ hopes to find the killer before he strikes again. But the clock isn't all that's working against them. The media catches wind of the threat against the citizens of Pretoria, and their reported speculations promise a post-Apartheid Satanic Panic. As the body count grows, EsmÉ must figure out who is behind the heinous crimes before she ends up the final sacrifice. * * * * * "A blend of horror and thriller components make Dark Country a thoroughly compelling, edge-of-your-seat read. As mythology, history, and cultural relations coalesce, Snyman excels in an ability to bring both the investigative and the supernatural potions of the story to life against a backdrop of South African culture. "A fictional tale with one foot in reality," the story tackles issues of magic, belief systems, and their impact. The broader meanings of good, evil, and crime-fighting efforts elevate Dark Country in delightfully unexpected ways, lending to its appeal to a broader audience than readers of supernatural horror or crime-solving alone." ~Midwest Book Review "While reading an author without prior exposure, certain resistances and preconceived notions are prevalent and skepticism rears its ugly head. Allow me to be the first to go on record and say faithful readers, believe the hype; believe every last word. Few can deny that fear is an ultimate aphrodisiac and Dark Country delivers from cover to cover. Snyman's prose are infectious from page one. The tell-tale sign of an effective storyteller is when a reader is so enthralled, he or she doesn't even realize they're reading a story. Perhaps what is most noteworthy is the elusive presence of the serial killer. The author seems to firmly grasp just how effective the elements of less is more. It is often what is read between the lines that is the true horror. Snyman takes the audience along a psychological winding path, knowing full well, as reluctant as we are, we'll follow each step of the way. The feedback is unanimous, the word of Monique Snyman is here to stay." ~HorrorNews.net

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A Nordic thriller in the vein of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo meets Death Wish, in which a female serial killer, who only feels emotion when listening to music, is hell-bent on revenge and must outwit a disgraced detective determined to redeem himself if she is to complete her carefully orchestrated plan and cover up the ultimate secret. ONLY A MONSTER CAN DO THE WRONG THINGS FOR THE RIGHT REASONSDo you remember the first tape or CD you ever bought? Perhaps you waited for the local station to play the top forty songs on a Sunday so you could record your favorite band. Maybe you downloaded a certain track that reminded you of your wedding day or a graduation. Reyna Blackburn remembers. Every single song for every horrific event in her life. She remembers what song was playing on the radio the first time he hurt her. And she remembers what was playing through her headphones the first time she killed.

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The skeletons in the closet have nothing on the one in your backyard.Freshly divorced and grieving the death of her father, Josie Lauer has caged herself inside her home. To cope with her losses, Josie follows a strict daily routine of work, playing with her dog, Po, and trying to remember to eat a decent meal—and ending each night by drinking copious amounts of vodka. In other words, she is not coping at all.Everything changes when Josie wakes to find a small shrub has sprouted in her otherwise dirt backyard the morning after yet another bender. Within hours, the vine-like plant is running amok—and it’s brought company. The appearance of the unwieldly growth has also heralded the arrival of a busybody new neighbor who insists on thrusting herself into Josie’s life. The neighbor Josie can deal with. The talking skeleton called Skelly that has perched itself in Josie’s backyard on a throne made of vines, however, is an entirely different matter.As the strangely sentient plant continues to grow and twist its tendrils inside Josie’s suddenly complicated life, Josie begins to realize her new neighbor knows a lot more about the vines and her bizarre new visitor than she initially lets on. There’s a reason Skelly has chosen to appear in Josie’s suddenly-blooming backyard and insists on pulling her out of her carefully kept self-isolation. All Josie has to do is figure out what that reason is—and she has only a few days to do it, or else she might find herself on the wrong side of catastrophe.LITTLE BIRD is a story about found family, no matter how bizarre.

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Captivating from the very beginning … this thrilling dystopian drama has a splash of romance and tons of action." —School Library Journal THE WORLD HAS CHANGED SCIENTISTS WARNED IT WOULD HAPPEN. Meteors devastated the Earth. World governments developed plans to help surviving citizens. The United States disbanded and salvageable land was divided into four quadrants—North, South, East, and West—governed by The Remnant Council. Struggling to survive, seventeen-year-old Ava ends up in juvenile detention, until she is selected for a new life—with a catch. She must be injected with an experimental serum. The results will be life changing. The serum will make her better. To receive the serum, Ava agrees to join a program controlled by ISAN: the International Sensory Assassin Network. While on a mission, she is abducted by a rebel group led by Rhett and told that not only does she have a history with him, but her entire past is a lie perpetuated by ISAN to ensure her compliance. Unsure of who to trust, Ava must decide if her strangely familiar and handsome captor is her enemy or her savior—and time is running out.

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DESTINY HAS NO ALLEGIANCE. Four years have passed since the lillipads fell and Etyom slipped into darkness. The New Black Death has mutated again, spreading to near epidemic proportions. What little order existed in Earth’s last city has disintegrated into chaos. Rippers roam the Vapid, robbing and leaving their victims butchered. The Robusts have spilled out of their broken enclaves and hide in any dark corner that will conceal them. Meanwhile, the elite Graciles, fallen from their pristine towers in the sky, have all mysteriously disappeared. Demitri is a prisoner in his own mind. His demon, Vedmak—now known as the VardØger—is manipulating Demitri’s body and knowledge to execute a secret plan far more disastrous than even the Gracile Leader dared. Mila, her status among the fractured resistance elevated to that of Paladyn—a protector of the people—leads the fight against zealots intent on destroying what little remains of Etyom. It is a responsibility she never wanted, a calling that prevents her from doing what she truly desires. Yet, Mila should be careful for what she longs. Caught between annihilation and loyalties that refuse to die, she must reconcile a single immutable truth: following your heart comes at a price.In the Shadow of A Valiant Moon is the sequel to the 2018 Dragon Award nominee and multi-award-winning novel It Takes Death to Reach a Star.

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A Middle Grade "Death Note"“With great power comes great responsibility.” -VoltaireI have great power.That’s what she told me. The old fortune-teller at the school carnival.I thought I was doing the right thing … with the magic journal she gave me. But nothing could prepare me for what happened next.Or, for what I unleashed.At a school carnival, a mysterious fortune-teller gives twelve-year-old Angela Ashby a journal and warns her to use it wisely. Nothing prepares Angela for the journal’s power—when she pours her heart onto its pages her desires come true.She tests the journal by conjuring a gnome, a unicorn, and a farting fairy and then uses it to stop the school bullies in their tracks. But the unintended consequences alienate her best friend and puts her favorite teacher in danger of losing her job.After she shares her deepest desire of all—that her parents get back together—her adversary steals the journal, and Angela fears she will use it to bring mayhem to the entire school if she doesn’t get it back.

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Secrets ruin lives, and lies protect those secrets…Wanting to escape her life in New York City before starting medical school in the fall, Anna Dillon convinces her best friend Dante to travel with her to Thailand on a medical mission. While volunteering in a coastal village recently ravaged by a tsunami, Anna meets Jude Grayson. They share an instant attraction that leads to a brief, passionate affair. When she has to rush home for a family emergency, he promises to stay in touch. But Jude never calls, and Anna tries desperately to forget him.Five years pass, and Anna finally moves on with Dante after giving up hope that Jude will ever return—until they come face to face again in a chance encounter. Reeling, Anna discovers the life-altering secret of why Jude never contacted her—and why they can’t be together. But the passion that ignited between them on an exotic beach years ago never died, making it impossible to stay away from each other.And Dante? Anna discovers that the friend she grew to love—and trust—has a secret of his own.

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"Elish delivers a fast-paced, entertaining story with appealing characters, a healthy dose of action, and a dash of humor" ~Publishers WeeklyBorn To ... Fight? Ike Rupert Hollingsberry is haunted by the past because complete strangers won't let him forget when his famous father died on the set of The Fighting Dragons, a cult favorite that still has people talking. But when he's attacked by a large locust, like the one that killed his dad, Ike is helped by the geekiest nerd of all, Elmira Hand. Killing the giant locust was only the beginning of the surprises in store for Ike as he is whisked away from New York City to an isolated Florida compound to assume his role as the next in line to lead the Royal Order of the Fighting Dragons—that are NOT supposed to exist—and learns his dad's death was a cover-up for a far greater purpose ... "… destined to be a kid-pleasing classic. Readers will be captivated as Ike is drawn into the mysterious and dangerous world … I dare any fan of Harry Potter, Roald Dahl, Wonder Woman, Superman—any rollicking adventure story—to pick up The Royal Order of Fighting Dragons and not get hooked.~Deborah Heiligman, Award-winning author of Vincent and Theo

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"A dark story of passion, revenge, and a Faustian pact ... a guilty-pleasure read that kept me captivated knowing something sinister is looming ..." ~Jessica DeBold, New Orleans MagazineHell has a new master In the late 1800s, handsome, wealthy New Englander, Magnus Blackwell, is the envy of all. When Magnus meets Jacob O’Conner—a Harvard student from the working class—an unlikely friendship is forged. But their close bond is soon challenged by a captivating woman; a woman Magnus wants, but Jacob gets. Devastated, Magnus seeks solace in a trip to New Orleans. After a chance meeting with Oscar Wilde, he becomes immersed in a world of depravity and brutality, inevitably becoming the inspiration for Dorian Gray. Armed with the forbidden magic of voodoo, he sets his sights on winning back the woman Jacob stole from him. Amid the trappings of Victorian society, two men, bent on revenge, will lay the foundation for a curse that will forever alter their destinies. WARNING: CONTAINS SOME MATURE SCENES"… an intriguing, dark tale complete with vividly drawn characters, and a uniquely compelling character in Magnus." ~ Melanie Bates, RT Book ReviewsAwardsGold Medal Winner ~2019 NYC Big Book Awards: Cross Genre ~2019 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards: Fiction — Intrigue ~2018 American Fiction Awards: Horror—Supernatural/Paranormal ~2018 Feathered Quill Book Awards: Mystery"I love the storyline and period of time (turn of the century). The author throws fire on many pages through vibrant dialogue and fantastic scene writing. The end is far from predictable, and so satisfying and rewarding. The care and attention to detail with cover art and layout is near perfect." ~Feathered Quill Book Awards Judges' CommentsSilver Medal Winner ~2018 Feathered Quill Book Awards: Adult FictionBronze Medal Winner ~2017 Foreword Reviews Indies Book of the Year Awards: HorrorFinalist Honors ~2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards: Series ~2019 National Indie Excellence Awards: Suspense ~2019 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem Awards: Semi-Finalist ~2018 Hollywood Book Festival: Wild Card ~2018 ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Contest: Quarterfinalist ~2017 Readers’ Favorite: Fiction: Supernatural ~2017 International Book Awards

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THE DARKER THE SECRET, THE HIGHER THE PRICE. Dallas August runs a dangerous business—an organization of elite spies for hire.The secrets trade. Nothing is off limits, and no price is too high. When asked to uncover what recluse Gwen Marsh knows about a Mafia kingpin's death, Dallas poses as a bodyguard to get close to his target, but the stubborn Asian beauty wants nothing to do with him. As the FBI and the Mafia close in, danger drives them together, but can he protect Gwen, or will Dallas be the one risking everything to discover what she is really hiding? Dallas August is about to find out how dangerous life can be as one of the Secret Brokers.Once you are in, there is no turning back.

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From hungry ghosts, vampiric babies, and shapeshifting fox spirits to the avenging White Lady of urban legend, for generations, Asian women’s roles have been shaped and defined through myth and story. In Unquiet Spirits, Asian writers of horror reflect on the impact of superstition, spirits, and the supernatural in this unique collection of 21 personal essays exploring themes of otherness, identity, expectation, duty, and loss, and leading, ultimately, to understanding and empowerment.

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Award-winning picture book now an award-winning animated short film featuring narration by Mister Sam Shearon.Alistair Gray loves Halloween. When Alistair Gray attends his school Halloween carnival, he is disappointed to see his favorite night of the year has turned more silly than scary—all treats and no tricks. But when he wanders alone into the dark the night before Hallow’s Eve, Alistair meets a spooky new friend that teaches him the holiday is about fun and fright…and that there’s more than one way to celebrate Halloween.

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From Eric Hoffer Award-Winning Author Lindy Miller, comes an uplifting novella about the magic of Christmas, the strength of family, and finding your path where you least expect it. This enchanting and inspirational read will have you both laughing and crying while it warms your heart. This festive Christmas treat is perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Jenny Hale, and Sheila Roberts.“A delightful holiday read highly recommended for romance readers seeking a blend of life-changing encounters and love.” ~Midwest Book ReviewChristmas isn’t fashion editor Roxanne Hudson’s style, but when she finds herself snowed in with a handsome stranger, she might just discover the magic of the season after all.Roxanne Hudson does not like the holidays. They come with too many family obligations that take her away from work as a rising fashion editor in New York City. But this Christmas might be Grandma Myrtle’s last, and Roxanne’s parents want her to spend the holiday at the family cabin in the Green Mountains. So, she decides to brave the long commute—and the wilderness—to spend Christmas in Vermont.After an uncomfortable call from her on-again, off-again ex-boyfriend starts the trip off badly, Roxanne is blindsided by a blizzard on the snowy mountain road, where the last thing she hears before losing consciousness is sleigh bells. When she’s rescued by Mark Foster, a handsome park ranger who’s the exact opposite of everything she always thought she wanted, Roxanne seeks her grandmother’s wisdom and discovers an uncanny connection that could be a sign of what her life is really meant to be.“This was the perfect story to put me in the Christmas spirit! If you're looking for the perfect book to get you excited for Christmas, pick this one up!” ~Katie, NetGalley“This was the cozy winter love story that I want to read and watch all season long.” ~Crystal L, NetGalley“I loved this book! All the coziness and warmth of a Christmas romance, whilst also touching on some important societal issues. The little touches of magic were adorable, and I can just picture this as a Christmas movie!” ~Sara H, NetGalley

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The Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States guarantee the right against self-incrimination, the right to remain silent, and the right to counsel. A crime wave swept California in the late 1970s. Several young girls were abducted, raped, and murdered. Michael Dee Mattson was convicted of these crimes and sentenced to death.Law clerk by day, family man by night. In 1982, Jim Potts—a brilliant, idealistic, African American law student—is honored when one of his professors recruits him to assist in writing a death penalty appeal on behalf of a serial killer. Potts discovers a loophole in the case that had somehow been overlooked. One that could not only get Mattson off death row, but once presented to the Supreme Court of California, could release him to rape and murder again. When Potts confides in his pregnant wife, she says if Mattson goes free, their marriage is over. But if Potts quits the case, or withholds information, he violates his duty to client and Constitution and risks his career before it even begins.A moral dilemma with no good way out. To avoid losing his family and releasing pure evil back into the world, Potts must be smarter than his options. He must find a way to keep his family together, fulfill his duties, and keep Mattson behind bars.But can he?

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For a small New England town, Shadow Grove has an uncanny ability to attract the worst kind of trouble. Not that the residents are too concerned about the various horrors living among them. As the leaves change color and the weather grows colder, a foul presence is making itself known by leaving peculiar gifts for the students of Ridge Crest High. At first, the presents seem harmless—and a rash of accidents seem coincidental—but when seniors Rachel Cleary and her Scottish cousin, Dougal Mackay, find a boneless body in the boiler room, things take an ominous turn. Something vicious is on the loose in Shadow Grove, but with Orion Nebulius gone, Rachel has little hope of anyone getting out alive.

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“Stephen King’s It meets Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight ... in a frightening story of horror and fantasy woven together to create a delectable tale of the macabre … romance and action. Snyman’s storytelling will have people lining up for the next book.” - School Library JournalSHADOW GROVE IS A PERFECTLY PLEASANT TOWN ... Shadow Grove isn't a typical town. Bad things happen here. Children disappear, one after the other, and nobody is doing anything about it. Parents don't grieve, missing posters don't line the streets, and the sheriff seems unconcerned. Seventeen-year-old Rachel Cleary lives on the outskirts of Shadow Grove, next to the creepy forest everyone pretends doesn't exist. Usually the forest is filled with an eerie calm, an unmistakable graveyard solemnity. But the trees have started whispering, forgotten creatures are stirring, and the nights feel darker than ever. Something is stalking the residents of Shadow Grove, changing them into brain-dead caricatures of themselves. It's up to Rachel to stop the devouring of her hometown before all is destroyed and everyone she loves is forever lost.“With its boogeyman-like creature based in lesser-known folklore, the novel is unique, as well as creepy and unsettling. The familiar small town atmosphere is imbued with a chilling aura, and the mystery at the heart of the book keeps pages turning. The Night Weaver introduces a world of myth, intrigue, and darkness with considerable technique.” - Foreword Reviews “Snyman’s creative adoption of English folklore adds a unique twist, and satisfying frights abound. An enjoyable, frenetically paced fantasy.” - Publishers Weekly

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