Smith, has already managed to captivate millions of viewers with its unique mix of immortal romance and very human drama.In A Visitor’s Guide to Mystic Falls, YA authors—led by Red and Vee of premier Vampire Diaries resource Vampire-Diaries.net—take a closer look at Mystic Falls: its residents (both alive and undead) and its rich, inescapable history.• Claudia Gray delves into the events of 1864 and how they’ve shaped not just Mystic Falls but the success of the show itself• Sarah Rees Brennan tells us what it takes for a girl to hold her own against a vampire boyfriend (or two), placing Elena squarely between fellow vampire-daters Buffy and Bella• Jennifer Lynn Barnes takes Mystic Falls to task for poor treatment of Caroline Forbes• Jon Skovron examines the male-female vampire dynamic, in history and in The Vampire Diaries• Plus a guide to the book series for tv fans looking to visit The Vampire Diaries’ literary inspiration, and moreWhether you’re a new visitor or a long-time fan, you won’t want to continue your tour of Mystic Falls without it.

    Together these stories form The Weird, and its practitioners include some of the greatest names in twentieth and twenty-first century literature.Exotic and esoteric, The Weird plunges you into dark domains and brings you face to face with surreal monstrosities. You won't find any elves or wizards here... but you will find the biggest, boldest, and downright most peculiar stories from the last hundred years bound together in the biggest Weird collection ever assembled. The Weird features 110 stories by an all-star cast, from literary legends to international bestsellers to Booker Prize winners: including William Gibson, George R. R. Martin, Stephen King, Angela Carter, Kelly Link, Franz Kafka, China Miéville, Clive Barker, Haruki Murakami, M. R. James, Neil Gaiman, Mervyn Peake, and Michael Chabon.

     "Possession in Death" / J.D. Robb: Lieutenant Eve Dallas has always sought justice for the dead, but now, a victim will seek her own vengeance-through Eve. "The Other Side of the Coin" / Mary Blayney: An earl and his countess struggle to understand one another, until they spend a day in each other's shoes-and bodies. "The Dancing Ghost" / Patricia Gaffney: To prove her ancestral home is haunted, a woman hires a spirit investigator, but they end up debunking the mystery of love. "Almost Heaven" / Ruth Ryan Langan: A couple who dies in a car accident struggler to stay in their daughter's life to save her from the wrong man. "Never Too Late to Love" / Mary Kay McComas: A practical woman is faced with the most impractical ghosts, who can't rest in peace until they find what they have lost.

    But returning to her Native roots, and Dan's loving arms, is harder than she ever imagined.A Bridge to Dreams by Sherryl WoodsWith her vacation plans foiled, Karyn Chambers realizes that her long-awaited escape must give way to staying at home in San Francisco. Little does she know her Prince Charming is right in her own backyard.Sister of the Bride by Susan MalleryWhen Katie McCormick finds out that her sister is marrying her ex, she finally agrees to a setup for the big day. To her surprise, Jackson is a catch. But when wedding catastrophe ensues, will their sparks fizzle or ignite into flames?

    The fifty-two stories and critical introductions are organized chronologically as well as thematically for classroom use. Filled with luminous ideas, otherworldly adventures, and startling futuristic speculations, these stories will appeal to all readers as they chart the emergence and evolution of science fiction as a modern literary genre. They also provide a fascinating look at how our Western technoculture has imaginatively expressed its hopes and fears from the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century to the digital age of today. A free online teacher's guide accompanies the anthology and offers access to a host of pedagogical aids for using this book in an academic setting.The stories in this anthology have been selected and introduced by the editors of Science Fiction Studies, the world's most respected journal for the critical study of science fiction.

    . . In Angela Knights' Blood and Roses, a vampire warrior and his seductive captor join forces to stop a traitor from unleashing an army of demonic predators on their kingdom.New in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series is Whisper of Sin, in which a woman in lethal danger finds an unlikely protector—and lover—in a volatile member of the DarkRiver pack.Virginia Kantra continues the haunting tales of the Children of the Sea in Shifting Sea, the story of a wounded soldier rescued by a strange and enigmatic young woman.Meljean Brook launches a bold new steampunk series with Here There Be Monsters, as a desperate woman strikes provocative- and terrifying- bargain to gain overseas passage.

    Attacked by a group of demon hunters, Adeline tries to flee her rescuer, vampire Lachann MacNachton. But escaping Lachann proves useless - as does denying the primal hunger he stirs deep within her...Alexandra Ivy - Taken By Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #7.5)The daughter of a witch, Juliet Lawrence has inherited magical powers - powers that could be quite useful to Victor, Marquess DeRosa, London's most powerful vampire. But that's not all Victor desires of Juliet. He wants the unpredictable beauty in his bed - and he is accustomed to getting what he wants...Kaitlin O'Riley - Immortal DreamsBeautiful widow Grace Sutton is haunted by recurring dreams of a past life and a mysterious, handsome stranger. When Grace meets Stuart Phillips, Lord Radcliffe - the vampire who has been searching for her for over a century - her sensual dreams soon come true in the most unforgettable way...

    right?

    In The Dragon's Treasure, a dragon obsessed with cleanliness quietly pines over a regular customer to his shop. In The Selkie No One Wanted, a selkie who is nothing like his beautiful siblings winds up helping the fisherman he has long admired. A demon finds himself dealing with two troublesome humans in The Spawn, and in Mad Finnegan, a mad wizard reunites with the person who first drove him into the 'madness' that has made him infamous. A young chef winds up with an unusual assistant in Dragon Stew and a man finds that life has not quite yet passed him by in The Innkeeper's Story. The Quest sends a loud-mouthed demon to earn the affections of a mate who does not want him, and in Spellbound a talented thief longs to find a way to steal the heart of his latest client.

    UNDENIABLY SEXY.New York Times bestselling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love and Cindy Gerard and rising romance star Laura Griffin mix seduction and suspense in three irresistible romantic adventures.From sultry international jungles to the rugged terrain of the American southwest, join the larger-than-life, scorching-hot alpha heroes of the Bureau of American Defense, Black Ops Inc., and the U.S. Navy SEALs for the pulse-pounding, heart-racing, toe-curling excitement. They’re cool under pressure, steamy under the sheets, and when the enemy strikes, there’s not a lethal mission these gorgeous men can’t handle...Just Bad Enoughby Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna LoveLeave No Traceby Cindy GerardUnstoppableby Laura Griffin

    But once he's saved her, can he let her go? Darkest Temptation (book 4.5 of the Moon Chasers series)Lycans rule the night in Sharie Kohler's suspenseful story, as a fiery woman stalks mysterious Luc, the undeniably hypnotic being she believes can save her from turning -- IF -- she kills him.

    Each volume’s series editor selects notable works from hundreds of magazines, journals, and websites. A special guest editor, a leading writer in the field, then chooses the best twenty or so pieces to publish. This unique system has made the Best American series the most respected—and most popular—of its kind. The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2011 includes Atul Gawande, Jonathan Franzen, Deborah Blum, Malcolm Gladwell, Oliver Sacks, Jon Mooallem, Jon Cohen, Luke Dittrich, and others

    Duan Jeffries is the perfect man...and the best lover she's ever had. Too bad Mr. Delicious is just a one-night stand. Until Kim needs a date to her mother's (fifth) wedding! Duan's willing...as long as it means full benefits.Then Kim finds out that Duan's got his own agenda. Her head and heart are telling her to be careful. But the sensual thrumming in her blood is turning out to be much more persuasive...Long Summer NightsJournalist Jennifer Dale is on assignment, pretending that miserable isolation in upstate New York is the greatest thing ever. The only bright side is the wickedly sexy recluse across the lake...who showers with the shutters open!When Jennifer suffers a slight boating mishap, Hot Shower Guy comes to her rescue. It turns out Aaron Barksdale is hot enough to switch her damsel’s distress into a damsel undressed! But Aaron is also an award-winning author who disappeared from the public eye years ago. Revealing all could be the scoop of the century...

    This masterpiece collection represents a high watermark of America’s underbelly. Crime writing gets no better than this.CONTENTSErle Stanley Gardner: Come and Get ItFredric Brown: Cry SilencePeter Collison: Arson PlusFredrick Nebel: Doors in the DarkLester Dent: LuckDashiell Hammett: The Maltese FalconStewart Sterling: Ten Carats of LeadWyatt Blassingame: Murder Is Bad LuckTalmadge Powell: Her Dagger Before MeCharles G. Booth: One ShotRichard Sale: The Dancing RatsKatherine Brocklebank: BraceletsThomas Walsh: Diamonds Mean DeathRoul Whitfield: Murder in the RingWalter C. Brown: The Parrot That Wouldn’t TalkMerle Constiner: Let the Dead AloneCarrol John Daly: Knights of the Open PalmWilliam Cole: Waiting for RustyRamon Decolta: Rainbow DiamondsWilliam Rollins Jr.: The Ring on the Hand of DeathTheodore A. Tinsley: Body SnatcherD wight V. Babcock: Murder on the GaywayCleve F. Adams: The KeyWilliam Campbell Gault: The Bloody BokharaBrett Halliday: A Taste for CognacDay Keene: Sauce for the GanderW.T. Ballard: A Little DifferentCharles M. Green: The Shrieking SkeletonHank Searls: Drop Dead TwiceDale Clark: The Sound of the ShotFrederick C. Davis: Flaming AngelDon M. Mankiewicz: Odds on DeathNorvell Page: Those CatriniHugh B. Cave: Smoke in Your EyesRobert Reeves: Blood, Sweat and BiersWhitman Chambers: The Black BottleMilton K. Ozaki: The Corpse The Didn’t KickRaymond Chandler: Try the GirlNorbert Davis: Don’t You Cry for MeRay Cummings: T. McGuirk Steals A DiamondSteve Fisher: Wait For MeFrank Gruber: Ask Me AnotherHorcase McCoy: Dirty WorkJulius Long: Merely MurderJohn D. MacDonald: Murder in One SyllableH.H. Stinson: Three Apes from the EastD.L. Champion Death Stops PaymentRichard Connell: The Color of HonorBruno Fischer: Middleman for MurderRichard Deming: The Man Who Choose the DevilC.M. Kornbluth: Beer-Bottle PolkaCornell Wollrich: Borrowed Crime

    Brave New Worlds brings together the best dystopian fiction of the last 30 years, demonstrating the diversity that flourishes in this compelling subgenre. This landmark tome contains stories by Ursula K. Le Guin, Cory Doctorow, M. Rickert, Paolo Bacigalupi, Orson Scott Card, Neil Gaiman, Ray Bradbury, and many others.Table of ContentsIntroduction / John Joseph Adams --Lottery / Shirley Jackson --Red card / S.L. Gilbow --Ten with a flag / Joseph Paul Haines --Ones who walk away from Omelas / Ursula K. Le. Guin --Evidence of love in a case of abandonment / M. Rickert --The Funeral / Kate Wilhelm --O happy day! / Geoff Ryman --Pervert / Charles Coleman Finlay --From homogeneous to honey / Neil Gaiman & Bryan Talbot --Billennium / J.G. Ballard --Amaryllis / Carrie Vaughn --Pop squad / Paolo Bacigalupi --Auspicious eggs / James Morrow --Peter Skilling / Alex Irvine --The Pedestrian / Ray Bradbury --Things that make me weak and strange get engineered away / Cory Doctorow --Pearl diver / Caitlin R. Kiernan --Dead space for the unexpected / Geoff Ryman --"Repent harlequin!", said the Ticktockman / Harlan Ellison --Is this your day to join the revolution? / Genevieve Valentine --Independence day / Sarah Langan --Lunatics / Kim Stanley Robinson --Sacrament / Matt Williamson --Minority report / Philip K. Dick --Just do it / Heather Lindsley --Harrison Bergeron / Kurt Vonnegut Jr. --Caught in the organ draft / Robert Silverberg --Geriatric ward / Orson Scott Card --Arties aren't stupid / Jeremiah Tolbert --Jordan's waterhammer / Joe Mastroianni --Of a sweet slow dance in the wake of temporary dogs / Adam-Troy Castro --Resistance / Tobias S. Buckell --Civilization / Vylar Kaftan.

    In this second volume of fairytales, see what happens when magic is put to the best and worst of uses. In The Beast, a beautiful but spoiled young man is attacked by a dark faerie seeking vengeance... vengeance that destroys the young man's world and leaves him hideously disfigured and afflicted by a terrible curse... The Wizard's Tower is the story of a soldier who receives a letter informing him his brother has gone missing, one of many victims of an evil wizard. But when he arrives in the village where his brother lives, all that remains of the wizard is a lone tower and a strange young man... The Huntsman faithfully serves his King, guarding the forest that surrounds and protects the castle. But the peace his kingdom has long enjoyed is shattered when the King returns home early with a new Queen on his arm, a woman of great beauty and terrible magic... Sleeping Beauty tells the story of a poor, young teacher desperate to save his sister, the only family he has left. But her disease is rare, and the cure beyond their means and the only chance at saving her requires a terrible price...

    It’s the long drop off the short pier and the wrong man and the wrong woman in perfect misalliance. It’s the nightmare of flawed souls with big dreams and the precise how and why of the all-time sure thing that goes bad.” Offering the best examples of literary sure things gone bad, this collection ensures that nowhere else can readers find a darker, more thorough distillation of American noir fiction.James Ellroy and Otto Penzler, series editor of the annual The Best American Mystery Stories, mined one hundred years of writing—1910–2010—to find this treasure trove of thirty-nine stories. From noir’s twenties-era infancy come gems like James M. Cain’s “Pastorale,” and its post-war heyday boasts giants like Mickey Spillane and Evan Hunter. Packing an undeniable punch, diverse contemporary incarnations include Elmore Leonard, Patricia Highsmith, Joyce Carol Oates, Dennis Lehane, and William Gay, with many page-turners appearing in the last decade.

    Schmidt offers the first anthology to gather poems by the 43 poets laureate of the United States.

    Yet the literary landscape of this dynamic part of the world has been bound together not by borders and nationalities, but by a common experience of Western imperialism. Keenly aware of the collected scars left by a legacy of colonial rule, the acclaimed writer Reza Aslan, with a team of four regional editors and seventy-seven translators, cogently demonstrates with Tablet and Pen how literature can, in fact, be used to form identity and serve as an extraordinary chronicle of the disrupted histories of the region.Acting with Words Without Borders, which fosters international exchange through translation and publication of the world’s finest literature, Aslan has purposefully situated this volume in the twentieth century, beyond the familiar confines of the Ottoman past, believing that the writers who have emerged in the last hundred years have not received their full due. This monumental collection, therefore, of nearly two hundred pieces, including short stories, novels, memoirs, essays and works of drama—many of them presented in English for the first time—features translated works from Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Turkish. Organized chronologically, the volume spans a century of literature—from the famed Arab poet Khalil Gibran to the Nobel laureates Naguib Mahfouz and Orhan Pamuk, from the great Syrian-Lebanese poet Adonis to the grand dame of Urdu fiction, Ismat Chughtai—connected by the extraordinarily rich tradition of resplendent cultures that have been all too often ignored by the Western canon.By shifting America’s perception of the Middle Eastern world away from religion and politics, Tablet and Pen evokes the splendors of a region through the voices of its writers and poets, whose literature tells an urgent and liberating story. With a wealth of contextual information that places the writing within the historical, political, and cultural breadth of the region, Tablet Pen is transcendent, a book to be devoured as a single sustained narrative, from the first page to the last. Creating a vital bridge between two estranged cultures, "this is that rare anthology: cohesive, affecting, and informing" (Publishers Weekly).

     This captivating tattoo theme surrounds each author's popular characters and worlds: Karen Chance's war mage Lia de Croissets, Marjorie M. Liu's demon-hunter Maxine Kiss, Yasmine Galenorn's Otherworld Intelligence Agency operative Camille D'Artigo, and Eileen Wilk's Lupi world.

    It contains a broad spectrum of his work, from his first published story, "Nunivak Snowflakes," through "The Receivers" and "Monkey Suit," both published within the last year, plus an introduction by his friend, and former Boskone Guest, Stephen Baxter. It is well-known that the scope of Dr. Reynolds' stories is vast; his Revelation Space stories alone attest to that. This collection shows his impressive range, from the claustrophobic Antarctic station, "Byrd Land Six," to the branespanning "Tiger, Burning," to the millennia-long quest of "Fury." His viewpoints are as varied as his constant production of big, new ideas. A lone artist calmly painting the universe. A planetary ecological struggle reduced to a game. A fleeing assassin drawn into an alien rescue between the stars. The full-color dust jacket is by John Picacio, the Boskone 47 Official Artist.Table of Contents:-Introduction by Stephen Baxter-Nunivak Snowflakes-Monkey Suit-The Fixation-Feeling Rejected-Fury-Stroboscopic-The Receivers-Byrd Land Six-The Star Surgeon's Apprentice-On the Oodnadatta-Fresco-Viper-Soirée-The Sledge-Maker's Daughter-Tiger, Burning

    This is the DEAD OF WINTER, exclusively available in eBook format.

    Abandoning her inhibitions, she shares a blissful tryst with a mysterious partner. Though Eve runs from their hotel room the next morning, Leyton Palmer is determined to track her down and show her that the night neither can forget was only the start of something sensational….Candy Christmas by Adrianne ByrdPeace on earth and goodwill to all men? Not if the man in question is drop-dead-sexy Montel Starks, Candy Lahane's competitor since he started at their ad agency a year ago. But on a business trip to Europe, rivalry gives way to a red-hot, explosive affair that makes Candy realize that what she really wants for Christmas is right in front of her, just waiting to be unwrapped….Chocolate Truffles by Kimberly Kaye TerryIt started as an innocent drink with a stranger to celebrate her promotion. It turned into the most erotic night of Camille Jackson's life. But the man she was sure she'd never see again is now her instructor in a two-week managerial workshop, and Gideon Taber is making it clear that he'd love to relive every delicious detail of their encounter, again and again….

    At the turn of the millennium, we are witnessing the emergence of a vital--perhaps viral--new strain of female poetics: the "Gurlesque," a term that describes writers who perform femininity in their poems in a campy or overtly mocking manner, risking the grotesque to shake the foundations of acceptable female behavior and language. Built from the bric-a-brac of girl culture, these works charm and repel: this work is fun, subversive, and important. Poets include Brenda Coultas, Brenda Shaghnessy, Cathy Park Hong, Matthea Harvey, and Sarah Vap.

    For over two decades, the late Marion Zimmer Bradley, best-selling and beloved author, discovered and nurtured a grand generation of popular and acclaimed writers including Mercedes Lackey, Jennifer Roberson, and a host of others. Authors who have appeared within the pages of Sword and Sorceress represent the full spectrum of some of the brightest talent working today from C.J. Cherryh, Charles de Lint, and Emma Bull... to Deborah J. Ross, Diana L. Paxson, Steven Brust, and Laurell K. Hamilton. We are proud to continue the classic and vibrant feminist tradition with this twenty-fifth volume of new magical adventures edited by Elisabeth Waters, secretary and co-editor to Mrs. Bradley. Here are twenty original stories of remarkable women of power, swashbuckling and magic, spells and duels, arcane sorcery and fabled heroism, written by familiar word-weavers of excitement and adventure, and bright newcomers who are sure to become favorites. Enter a wondrous universe... Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress Volume 25 includes stories by Dave Smeds, Amy Griswold, Michael H. Payne, Michael Spence, Elisabeth Waters, Deborah J. Ross, Catherine Soto, Pauline J. Alama, L. M. Townsend-Crow, K. D. Wentworth, Helen E. Davis, Robin Wayne Bailey, Steve Chapman, Steven Brust, Kate Coombs, Jonathan Moeller, Lauren K. Moody, Josepha Sherman, Barbara Tarbox, Jonathan Shipley, and Susan Wolven.

    Contents: 'Introduction' by Mark Valentine, 'The Effigies', 'After the Darkness', 'The Paravine Cries', 'Pale Roses', 'In Violet Veils', 'The Lost Moon', 'Café Lucifer', 'The Craft of Arioch', 'The Secret Stars', 'The Hesperian Dragon', 'The Lighting of the Vial', 'The Nephoseum', 'Sea Citadels', 'The Prince of Barlocco', 'The Black Eros', 'Mad Lutanist', 'The Mist on the Mere', 'The White Solander', 'The Last Archipelago', 'The Rite of Trebizond', 'The Serpent, Unfallen', 'The Temple of Time', 'The Descent of the Fire'.Following in the footsteps of M.P. Shiel's exotic savant Prince Zaleski and Arthur Machen's Mr Dyson, Mark Valentine and John Howard's The Connoisseur - aesthetical detective extraordinaire - unravels a cornucopia of arcane mysteries in these twenty-three tantalising tales. Collecting together all the adventures in previous Tartarus volumes In Violet Veils and Masques and Citadels, along with four further tales published elsewhere, this volume provides the lover of esoteric mystery and adventure fiction with the complete Connoisseur casebook.Venturing from his fire-lit study in an English cathedral city, The Connoisseur encounters, among other phenomena, strange masquerades in country houses; a Scottish island whose Prince may not be named; a poignant relic from the Black Sea region, sought after by a ruthless order; a secret account of the first crossing of an Arctic land and an Art Deco cinema which may retain resonances of its mysterious former occupants. From your own fireside, follow The Connoisseur into the delicate shading between this world and other realms of wonder, tragedy and trepidation.

    But when an individual raised by society to live, breathe and look at the world with female eyes transitions to male, some of the most enlightening, helpful and profound advice can only come in retrospect. Letter to my Brothers, features essays from respected transmen mentors who share the wisdom they wish they would have known at the beginning of their journey into manhood. 20% of the proceeds are donated to the FtM Mentors Project of TransMentors International.

    It features 16-different stories starring the World's Greatest Super Heroes including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Metamorpho and the Metal Men, written and Illustrated by some of the comic industry's top talents. The 11" x 17" trim size to approximate the Sunday funnies was spearheaded by DCU Editorial Art Director Mark Chiarello, whose past editing credits include BATMAN BLACK AND WHITE, and DC: THE NEW FRONTIER. The full list of featured stories and creators is as follows: BATMAN, by the Eisner Award-winning 100 BULLETS team of writer Brian Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso ADAM STRANGE, by writer/artist Paul Pope (BATMAN: YEAR 100) METAMORPHO, written by New York Times best-selling writer Neil Gaiman with Art by Eisner Award-winner Michael Allred (Madman) THE DEMON AND CATWOMAN, written by Walter Simonson (Thor, MANHUNTER) with Art by famed DC cover artist Brian Stelfreeze DEADMAN, written by Dave Bullock and Vinton Heuck, Art by Dave Bullock KAMANDI, written by Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN, GREEN LANTERN CORPS) with Art by Ryan Sook (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, ARKHAM ASYLUM: LIVING HELL) SUPERMAN, written by John Arcudi (The Mask) with Art by Lee Bermejo (JOKER) WONDER WOMAN, written and illustrated by Ben Caldwell (Dare Detectives) GREEN LANTERN, written by Kurt Busiek (TRINITY, ASTRO CITY) with Art by Joe Quiñones (TEEN TITANS GO!) TEEN TITANS, written by Eddie Berganza with Art by Sean Galloway SUPERGIRL, written by Jimmy Palmiotti (JONAH HEX) with Art by Amanda Conner (POWER GIRL) HAWKMAN, written and illustrated by Kyle Baker (PLASTIC MAN, Special Forces) SGT. ROCK, written by Adam Kubert (SUPERMAN: LAST SON), ilustrated by legendary comics artist Joe Kubert THE FLASH, written by Karl Kerschl (TEEN TITANS YEAR ONE, THE FLASH: THE FASTEST MAN ALIVE) and Brenden Fletcher, illustrated by Karl Kerschl METAL MEN, written by Dan DiDio with Art by Ian Churchill (SUPERGIRL)

    An appointment book, calendar, and magical reference all rolled in one--this practical datebook will help you align your life with the Wheel of the Year. Packed with Sabbatrecipes, Moon rituals, tips on using magical herbs, Sabbat musings, and astrological information, you'll find fun, fresh ways to celebrate the sacred seasonsand enhance your practice.This edition features articles on storytelling in ritual (Deborah Lipp), animal medicine (Kristin Madden), found magic (Dallas Jennifer Cobb), creating a paired path (Gwinevere Rain and N. Dante Lugo), and choosing the May queen (Magenta Griffith).

    side at the top, and shot into the next hollow, twisting in the descent. A huge swell pushed up exactly under her middle, and her bow and stern hung free with nothing to support them. Then one joking wave caught her up at the bow, and another at the stern, while the rest of the water slunk 251 away from under her just to see how she would like it; so she was held up at her two ends only, and the weight of the cargo and the machinery fell on the groaning iron keels and bilge-stringers. "Ease off! Ease off, there!" roared the garboard-strake. "I want one-eighth of an inch fair play. D' you hear me, you rivets!" "Ease off! Ease off!" cried the bilge-stringers. "Don't hold us so tight to the frames!" "Ease off!" grunted the deck-beams, as the Dimbula rolled fearfully. "You've cramped our knees into the stringers, and we can't move. Ease off, you flat-headed little nuisances." Then two converging seas hit the bows, one on each side, and fell away in torrents of streaming thunder. "Ease off!" shouted the forward collision-bulkhead. "I want to crumple up, but I'm stiffened in every direction. Ease off, you dirty little forge-filings. Let me breathe!" All the hundreds of plates that are riveted to the frames, and make the outside skin of every steamer, echoed the call, for each plate wanted to shift and creep a little, and each plate, according to its position, complained against the rivets. "We can't help it! We can't help it!" they murmured in reply. "We're put here to hold you, and we're going to do it; you never pull us twice in the same direction. If you'd say what 252 you were going to do next, we'd try to meet your views." "As far as I could feel," said the upper-deck planking, and that was four inches thick, "every single iron near me was pushing or pulling in opposite directions. Now, what's the sense of that? My friends, let us all pull together." "Pull any way you please," roared the funnel, "so long as you don't try your experiments on me. I...

    He was 46. He left a substantial but unfinished oeuvre of exceptional beauty and power. Writer, journalist, thinker, playwright and producer, Camus was a man of tremendous vitality, a passionate defender of freedom who put his art at the service of human dignity. He fought constantly against oppression and exploitation and set an example that is still worthy today. Using a combination of extracts from his works, photographs and other archive material, some published here for the first time, Camus's daughter Catherine leads us clearly but discreetly through the fascinating life and work of a solitary but universal figure."My children and grandchildren never got to know him. I wanted to go through all the photos for their sake. To rediscover his laugh, his lack of pretension, his generosity, to meet this highly observant, warm-hearted person once more, the man who steered me along the path of life. To show, as Séverine Gaspari once wrote, that Albert Camus was in essence a 'person among people, who in the midst of them all, strove to become genuine'."  — Catherine Camus

    These are the stories told to warn children, entertain adults and beguile all. Contents:BluebeardThe Living BookThe Jacaranda WifeRed SkeinThe Chrysanthemum BrideFrozenThe Hummingbird HeartWordsThe Little Match GirlThe Juniper TreeSkinThe Bone MotherThe Dead Ones Don’t Hurt YouLight As Mist, Heavy As HopeDresses, ThreeThe Girl With No HandsCover design by Lisa L. Hannett

    You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

    Fiction. Essays. Women's Studies. FEMINAISSANCE = collectivity; feminine ecriture; the politics of writing; text and voice; the body as a site of contestation, insurgence and pleasure; race and writing; gender as performance; writing about other women writers; economic inequities; Helene Cixous; monstrosity; madness; and aesthetics.FEMINAISSANCE = Dodie Bellamy, Caroline Bergvall, Meiling Cheng, Wanda Coleman, Bhanu Kapil, Chris Kraus, Susan McCabe, Tracie Morris, Eileen Myles, Maggie Nelson, Vanessa Place, Juliana Spahr, Christine Wertheim, Stephanie Young, Lidia Yuknavitch.FEMINAISSANCE = "If the fact that women do not say 'We' was one of the constitutive problems for 20th century feminism, the fact that women do and still clearly feel the need to say 'We' is just as rich and interesting a topic for feminism today. The writings gathered here prove feminism to be alive and more relevant to all genders than ever: not just because feminist discourse remains a political necessity, but because of its artistic and intellectual pleasures." Sianne Ngai"

    Since ancient times, this hidden essence has been symbolized by the number 108. There are 108 earthly desires, 108 human feelings, 108 delusions, 108 beads in the traditional meditation mala, and 108 sacred poems in this anthology. Filled with crystalline wisdom from the great poets, sages, saints, and mystics, this selection of poems is a collective expression of universal heart-filled wisdom. The poems span a wide range of cultures and civilizations — from India to Europe, Japan, and the Middle East — and each one offers a unique perspective about the path to awakening. Some of the poems express belief in a higher being. Some convey instantaneous awakening. Others lead the reader down a disciplined path of contemplation.Ordered according to a broad interpretation of the heart-centered chakra model, these remarkable poems guide the reader toward realization and offer timeless jewels of insight to spark awakening and enrich spiritual practice.

    Intricately crafted and filled with dark humour, his 22 stories examine the conundrums and contradictions of human relationships, and ask us what it is to be human at all.

    This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

    This blog quickly became the home of hundreds of misfit stories that, to put it simply, were 'too weird' for other markets. 212 stories were published during YEAR ONE. These are our favorites.

    With the men of Three Partners Protection Agency as role models, how can he go wrong? And falling in love with bodyguard Jackson Benoit, is a dream come true, but the dream becomes a nightmare when Jackie is gravely injured in the line of duty. Feeling helpless, Brier makes a promise to God in exchange for his lover's life. One he intends to keep no matter what.Jackie Benoit cherishes the love he's found with Brier. When his new lover insists on testifying against a violent man from his past in order to fulfill a promise, Jackie has no choice but try to stop him. If that doesn't work, Jackie will protect Brier with everything at his disposal.Seb's SurrenderAfter a lifetime of abuse, Jared Grant was rescued by Brier Blackstone and taken to one of the safest places he knew, the bodyguard dormitory of the Three Partners Protection Agency. For the first time, Jared is surrounded by men whose job it is to protect, not hurt him.One of his protectors, Sebastian James, knows a little something about abuse. Once a victim of abuse before he and his brother were taken from an abusive household and put into separate foster homes, Seb learned to harden his heart as a way of survival. Now, the soft spoken and scared Jared threatens the shell Seb spent years fortifying. When Jared’s tormentor threatens him from jail, it’s up to Seb and the rest of the bodyguards to keep Jared safe until he can testify at his abuser’s trial. However, the close contact might be more than Seb’s hard shell can withstand.

    

    All proceeds benefit the ACLU. Reviews posted at the point of sale are very much appreciated, as are blog posts, tweets (@Coming_Together), and social networking updates. Every little bit helps Coming Together sell more books and raise more money for charity! Thank you for supporting erotic altruism. NOTE: This purchase also entitles you to a digital (ebook) copy of this title. Simply forward your receipt to the publisher via the email address below, and a ZIPped file containing PDF, EPUB, MOBI, and LIT formats will be attached and returned. Publisher: Coming Together (erotic.cocktail [at] gmail [dot] com)

    Where wishes come true, Frosty is itching for a melt-down, fairies and angels are randy to grant your every wish, ‘tis the season to be oh, so jolly-filled. Unwrap your darkest desires…for this is Christmas, and it will never be the same.13 Author AnthologySanta's Naughty List by Stacey Espino Be Warned: mild BDSMMy Boys by Amarinda Jones Be Warned: menage sex, anal sexA Christmas Curse by Ericka ScottThe Little Red Ribbon by A.D. BlackburnOnce Upon a Christmas Spanking by Rachel Clark Be Warned: anal play, mild BDSMYes Alana, There Is a Santa Claus by Seleste deLaneyCarly's Delights by Lauren PillaKingdom of Sweets by Gigi BrevardHolly's Clause by Kerri NelsonHard for the Holidays by Skylar SinclairThe Christmas Fae by Emma ShorttJack Frost by Misty BurkeA Christmas Wish for Laura by Shannan Albright

    This is a communal effort by the Pushcart Press staff, contributing editors, and hundreds of small presses. For this edition distinguished poets Julie Sheehan and Tom Sleigh served as poetry editors. The result is an introduction to a literary world that few readers have access to, where much of today's important new writing is published, far from the commercial influence of the conglomerates. In reviewing last year's edition, Donna Seaman of Booklist commented: "A brimming, vibrant anthology-the perfect introduction to new writers and adventurous new work by established writers . . . extraordinary in its range of voices and subjects. Here is literature to have and to hold." The Pushcart Prize has been chosen for the Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement recognition by the National Book Critics Circle and the Writers for Writers award from Poets Writers / Barnes Noble.

    #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh returns to her sensual world of the Breeds in an all-new novella that explores just how savage, and how far, a man is willing to go in the name of desire. Plus three other stories of irresistible passions from three masters of hot paranormal romance.

    Its name: BIZARRO. For years, readers have been asking for a category of fiction dedicated to the weird, crazy, cult side of storytelling that has become a staple in the film industry (with directors such as David Lynch, Takashi Miike, Tim Burton, and even Lloyd Kaufman) but has been largely ignored in the literary world, until now. The Bizarro Starter Kit features short novels and story collections by ten of the leading authors in the bizarro genre: Russell Edson, Athena Villaverde, David Agranoff, Matthew Revert, Andrew Goldfarb, Jeff Burk, Garrett Cook, Kris Saknussemm, Cody Goodfellow, and Cameron Pierce.

    The poetry and essays by more than fifty contributors offer the reader glimpses into places as diverse as a forest in West Africa, the moors of Ireland, the canyons of the Sonoran desert mountains, and the fields of New England, and they reflect the varied perspectives of field biologists, hunters, farmers, environmental educators, wilderness guides, academics, writers, and artists. The collection is an intimate portrait of the natural world drawn through the wisdom, ecological consciousness, and open hearts of these exceptional contributors. The Wildbranch Writing Workshop, cosponsored by Orion magazine and Sterling College, has encouraged thoughtful natural history, outdoor, and environmental writing for more than twenty years. The Wildbranch faculty has included its founder E. Anne Proulx, the essayists Edward Hoagland, Janisse Ray, and Scott Russell Sanders, the poet Alison Hawthorne Deming, and many other notable authors. Many have work included in the anthology. Winner of the New Mexico Book Association's Southwest Book Design & Production Awards for Excellence in the category Trade Books: Non-illustrated.

    

    These stories donâ��t leave off in mid-breath; instead, they feature characters who seem to live on even after their closing pages. The humor in The Book of Right and Wrong makes the jarring moments that much more jarring, and the tender moments that much more tender.At once heartbreaking and hilarious, the eleven stories in The Book of Right and Wrong capture their characters at the defining moments of their lives. A mother finds herself defending her sonâ��s biggest bully from a tormentor of his own; a young man watches as his cape-wearing former high-school classmate proves himself more adept at making friends; a social worker gambles everything on expediting an adoptionâ��and causes unforeseen consequences for every person in her life; a boy standing in for Jimmy Carter in his elementary schoolâ��s mock-election inadvertently starts a bloody playground war; an ex-con single father finds himself on the inside of his townâ��s social circle, with no clue as to how the game is played.With lively storytelling and empathy to spare, The Book of Right and Wrong defies the notion that full, memorable characters live only in novels.

    An Enchanted Season The Magical Christmas Cat Hot for the Holidays

    Martin, Charlaine Harris, Chuck Palahniuk, Neil Gaiman, H.P. Lovecraft, Joe R. Lansdale, Angela Carter, David J. Schow, Kathe Koja, Bentley Little, and more. Skipp provides fascinating insight and details, through two nonfiction essays, into the history and presence of shape shifting in popular culture.  Resources at the end of the book include lists of the genre's best long-form fiction, as well as movies, websites, and writers.

    Join the Undisputed Mistress of Lesbian Romance in a literary dessert buffet with short stories featuring characters you fell in love with.Inspired by classics like Touchwood, Painted Moon and Unforgettable, as well as bestsellers and award winners like The Kiss That Counted, Warming Trend and Substitute for Love, Karin’s second volume of follow-up stories is sure to satisfy your craving for more.Karin Kallmaker is a three-time winner of the Lambda Literary Award for both novels and short stories, as well as numerous other accolades over her twenty-year devotion to lesbian romance.

    (Eden Bradley) In the Big Easy, there's a legend women long for: a sexual voodoo spirit who can fulfill their darkest fantasies. And in these three steaming-hot novellas, he helps three New Orleans couples achieve the ultimate satisfaction... In Release Me, Allegra heads down to New Orleans to heal her wounds, but she never expects to lose her heart to such a quiet, troubled man as Rousseau. She's even less prepared for the scorching, sexual spirit within him-and what he can do to her... In Reclaim Me, Ben has loved Michelle as long as he can remember. But his beautiful artist has a way of running away from life-and what the pair could be. Leave it to the infamous spirit to help Ben prove to Michelle where she belongs: in his embrace... In Redeem Me, it's All Saints' Day, the one day the voodoo spirit can walk the world in the flesh. When he bumps into Bethany, she might just be the reincarnation of a girl he once loved. Passion ignites, but can the couple overcome past mistakes and have a real chance at love?

    Father and son? Uncle and nephew? Teacher and pupil? Or perhaps just a kid, lost, tagging on to an adult in the hope that he will be taken somewhere safe, dry?They are wading away from the light into the darkness and gloom. The unknown. Fear. Hunger. Disease. But they are also wading towards you. They can’t ask for your help. You must choose to give it.A simple way of doing that is to buy this book. Proceeds go to helping the victims of the Pakistan floods.Now please take one more look at the cover. And remember, they can't ask...50 Stories for Pakistan features work by the following authors:Robert J. McCarter, Joanne Fox, Erik Svehaug, Susan Lanigan, Anne Mullane, Lisa Ricard Claro, R.J. Newlyn, Nuala Ní Chonchúir, Martin Webster, Jonathan Pinnock, Trevor Belshaw, Julia Bohanna, Iain Pattison, Laura Eno, Dave Clark, Pam Howes, Alun Williams, Annie Evett, Jennifer Stakes, Rebecca Emin, Marjorie Tolchard, Marit Meredith, Paul Malone, Ewan Lawrie, Jarred McGinnis, Alex Tomlin, Gail Richards, Benjamin Solah, Ruchira Mandal, Alyson Hilbourne, Ramon Collins, Darren Lee, Riaz Ali, Nasim Marie Jafry, Heather Parker, Shazia Bibi, Andrew Parrott, Brigid O’Connor, Rob Innis, Tony Williams, Annemarie Neary, Emma Newman, Robert Long, Beryl Brown, Vanessa Couchman, Joanna Campbell, Sylvia Petter, Rosemary Hayes, Paul Anderson, and Alice Turner.The introduction was written by award-winning author, Vanessa Gebbie.

    Taff, J. Travis Grundon, Alan Spencer, Lee Hughes, and macbre poetry by Joey Froehlich.

    How can poetry engage with a global ecosystem under duress? How do poetic languages, forms, structures, syntaxes, and grammars contend or comply with the forces of environmental disaster? Can innovating languages forward the cause of living sustainably in a world of radical interconnectedness? In what ways do vectors of geography, race, gender, class, and culture intersect with the development of individual or collective ecopoetic projects?Contributors include: Karen Leona Anderson, Jack Collom, Tina Darragh, Marcella Durand, Laura Elrick, Brenda Iijima, Peter Larkin, Jill Magi, Tracie Morris, Catriona Mortimer-Sandilands, Julie Patton, Jed Rasula, Evelyn Reilly, Leslie Scalapino, James Sherry, Jonathan Skinner, and Tyrone Williams.Co-published with Portable Press at Yo-Yo Labs

    Jonathan Edwards was a colonial, philosophical preacher and theologian.  To many he stands as the preeminent theologian and thinker of the American tradition.  This series of five books covers Edwards' life and major writings opening an accessible window into the heart and mind of the man credited for starting the First Great Awakening.  By way of introduction, presentation and reflection the authors unearth the choicest treasures of Edwards' writings for lay people to discover.  Eminently readable and understandable, The Essential Edwards Collection proves you do not need to be a scholar to enjoy and benefit from the writings and life of Jonathan Edwards. This set includes all 5 books of The Essential Edwards Collection:  Jonathan Edwards Lover of God, Jonathan Edwards On Beauty, Jonathan Edwards On Heaven and Hell, Jonathan Edwards On the Good Life, and Jonathan Edwards on True Christianity.

    In Swedish fairy tales, frogs become beautiful fairy girls, troll girls marry troll princes, kings transform into woodcutters, and little boys go searching for adventure in the forest. This collection of twenty-one marvelous tales includes:The Seven WishesThe Trolls and the Youngest TomteThe ChangelingsLeap the Elk and Little Princess CottongrassThe QueenAnd many moreThese stories are clever and fun, full of adventure and magic. A world of wonder and mystery is brought to life by the spellbinding art of one of the world’s greatest illustrators of fairy tales, John Bauer. His big-nosed, good-natured trolls are sure to delight, while his heroes and heroines shine brightly, bringing hope and goodness to dark places.Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

    From an insomniac vampire to a library filled with human skin bound books,this collection will take you on a wild ride of chills and thrills without you even having to leave your seat. With each story being no more than 200 words, this collection is only a fraction of what these wr iters can do. Forty-Two chilling tales from many talented authors, trust me you will not want to put this book down.

    Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 20. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Tuf Voyaging is a science fiction novel by George R. R. Martin, first published in 1986. It is a darkly comic meditation on environmentalism and absolute power, and is regarded by many fans as being among Martin's best early work. He has also cited Jack Vance as a big influence on the Tuf stories, trying to emulate Vance's style in many of them. This fix-up novel is a collection of short fiction works published over several years beginning in 1976 with "A Beast for Norn," and did not incorporate the S'uthlam stories (all of which were published in Analog) until late 1985, shortly before the fix-up was collated, given a Prologue, and published in book form. The novel concerns the (mis)adventures of Haviland Tuf, an exceptionally tall, bald, very pale, overweight, phlegmatic, vegetarian, cat-loving but otherwise solitary space trader. Due to the venality and cutthroat tactics of the party chartering his one-man trading vessel, Tuf inadvertently becomes master of Ark, an ancient, 30-kilometer-long "seedship," a very powerful warship with advanced ecological engineering capabilities. Tuf travels the galaxy, offering his services to worlds with environmental problems, and sometimes imposing solutions of his own. The story begins with four people requiring transport: Celise Waan, a scholar of anthropology; Jefri Lion, a scholar and retired soldier; Annitas, a half-robotic cybertech; and Kaj Nevis, the leader of the expedition. They hire Rica Dawnstar, a mercenary bodyguard, and acquire the services of Haviland Tuf, a not very successful trader. Their destination is a so-called "plague star," known to inflict disease and pestilence on every third generatio...More: http: //booksllc.net/?id=93247

    As a species it has ravaged the world and its own societies. From the ruins of civilisation arises a new race: Wraeththu. Androgynous, powerful and deadly, Wraeththu must rebuild or start anew. But when they are steeped in tribal warfare and gang culture - remnants of their human past - many cannot see beyond the moment, and it is up to the few who can to attempt to initiate change and growth.Based on the world created by Storm Constantine for her Wraeththu novels, the stories in this collection are set in the very early days of Wraeththu history. Struggling to come to terms with their new condition, fighting to survive amid the hostile humans who remain, and the often equally-hostile hara of other tribes, Wraeththu must learn quickly how to master their powerful abilities or succumb to the same fate that destroyed humanity. With an introduction by TV producer Brad Carpenter, who is working on a TV mini-series inspired by the Wraeththu novels, and stories from ten writers, many of whom are well-known within Wraeththu fandom, and including a new story from Storm herself, Paragenesis expands upon the mythology of the novels, telling the stories of the prime movers whose lives altered the fate of Wraeththu for ever and the hara whose tenacity and strength helped shape the future of their race.Featuring stories by Storm Constantine, Wendy Darling, Christopher Coyle, Fiona Lane, Maria Leel, Martina Luise Pachali, Gwyn Harper, Suzanne Gabriel, Kristi Lee and Andy Bigwood. With cover by Ruby and interior illustrations by Ruby, Danielle Lainton and Andy Bigwood.Full Contents:Paragenesis by Storm Constantine; The First by Wendy Darling; A Sickle Blade by Christopher Coyle; The Dawn of Hope by Suzanne Gabriel; The Burned Boy by Gwyn Harper; Building Immanion by Martina Luise Pachali; Specimen 16 by Andy Bigwood; You Can Never Go Back by Christopher Coyle; Conservation of Momentum by Fiona Lane; Song of the Sulh by Maria J Leel; The Rune-Throwing by Kristi Lee; Something's Coming by Wendy Darling; Pro Lucror by Storm Constantine.Bonus articles: The Future of our Dark, Delirious Imaginings by Wendy Darling; Early Wraeththu Inspirations by Storm Constantine.

    Collected here is a comprehensive representation of Irish poetic achievement in the 20th and 21st centuries, from poets such as Austin Clarke and Samuel Beckett who were writing while Yeats and Joyce were still living; to those who came of age in the turbulent '60s as sectarian violence escalated.

    Ellison's bestselling Taylor Jackson novels have garnered praise from many quarters and have been published all over the world. Her short stories have been aptly described as Hitchcockian in nature. Sweet Little Lies is an anthology of short (short) stories, a collection of Ellison's published and anthologized work from 2005 - 2010, including her award-winning story Prodigal Me. This collection also includes excerpts of Ellison's previously published novels. "Sharp. Witty. Shocking. The stories in Sweet Little Lies start with a deadly whisper and end in a high-frequency scream. Ellison takes the tedious banality of our tidy little lives and twists it just so revealing the terrifying truth inside us all. - Laura Benedict, author of Isabella Moon"Outstanding" - Publishers Weekly on The Immortals (starred review)"What J.T. Ellison has done with the city in her award-winning Taylor Jackson books is magnificent... Lovers of mystery and suspense fiction could not ask for more." Bookreporter on The Immortals"Fusing gritty cop drama with dark psychological thriller, Ellison distinguishes herself with exceptional character development, consistently breakneck pacing and a sense of authenticity throughout." -Chicago Tribune on 14"Morbidly elegant plot twists" - Fiction Nation on The Cold Room"What Jeff Lindsay's Darkly Dreaming Dexter does for Miami, Ellison's Jackson novels do for Music City." - Nashville Scene"Everything a great crime thriller should be." - NYT Bestselling author Allison Brennan

    ""And the women who embrace 'cougardom' openly without fear or reservation, are, in fact, pioneering a new social phenomenon-prime women not only acknowledging their continuing sensuality and sexuality, but embracing it wholeheartedly."" --From the introduction by Valerie Gibson, The Original "Cougar" What is a Cougar woman? She's age 40 or over, and she dates younger men. She's also intelligent, confident, attractive, enjoys sex, and she knows what she wants. The Cougar Book is a new and exciting anthology edited by Jolie du Pre celebrating Cougar women and their relationships. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy these 23 stories written by the top names in erotica: Rachel Kramer Bussel, Shanna Germain, Bill Brent, Madeline Moore, Jolene Hui, Emerald, D. L. King, Craig J. Sorensen, Jeremy Edwards, Donna George Storey, Sascha Illyvich, Heidi Champa, Tara S. Nichols, J. C. Wesner, Randall Lang, Adriana Kraft, Keeb Knight, Dona Lee, Doug Harrison, Brenna Lyons, Trish DeVene, Julia Barrett, and Blue Canyon."

    . ."The Phoenix Project" by Jacquelyn FrankHeld captive, Amara is subjected to bizarre experiments that test the limits of her sanity. But nothing prepares her for being locked away--naked--with a sexy ex-cop. . .after they've been pumped full of drugs that increase their sexual appetites to animalistic intensity. . ."Crystal Dreams" by Kate DouglasWhen Lemurian Guard Darius chases a demon spirit to Earth, he faces a lethal battle between good and evil. His ally is Mari, a breathtakingly beautiful human who unknowingly holds the key to victory. But before the war is over, Darius's desire for his mortal companion threatens to erupt--and could cost Mari her life. . ."Spark of Temptation" by Jess HainesBlackmailed into taking a treacherous case, P.I. Sara Halloway is thrust into a demon war. Sara seeks guidance from a charismatic mage, but their hunger for one another soon becomes a deadly distraction. . .and the danger surrounding them only makes their urges more powerful. . ."My Soul to Take" by Clare WillisNew Orleans native Dr. Maggie Dillon thought she left her past behind her--until she's enraptured by a handsome patient who has been possessed by a malevolent spirit. To find a cure, Colby revisits her magical roots--and unleashes a primal lust too vital to ignore. . .

    Kicked Out brings together the voices of current and former homeless LGBTQ youth and tells the forgotten stories of some of our nation's most vulnerable citizens. Diverse contributors share stories of survival and abuse with poignant accounts of the sanctuary of community and the power of creating chosen families. Kicked Out highlights the nuanced perspectives of national organizations such as The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and The National Alliance Against Homelessness, and regional agencies, including Sylvia's Place, The Circus Project and Family Builders. This anthology, introduced by Judy Shepard, gives voice to the voiceless and challenges the stereotypical face of homelessness. To learn more, visit us online at KickedOutAnthology.com.

     In the wilds of Oklahoma, three sisters have a date with destiny... Bound: When Valerie left for the big city, she kissed her foreman husband goodbye-along with the best sex she ever had. Now, seeing him brings back sizzling memories. Branded: Watching Gage wrangle untamed horses leaves Brea hot and bothered. But can she live out her fantasy with a man who may ask for more than she's willing to give? Brazen: Ranch hand Walker Morgan can't afford to get too close to his new boss, Jolene, no matter how she tempts him. But Jolene's prepared to take the first step. In the style of Wild, Wicked, & Wanton, national bestselling author Jaci Burton, delivers a threesome that no reader will ever forget in these steamy stories.

    Includes the Aurealis Award-winning stories "The Grinding House", "Fresh Young Widow" and "A Positive".

    At 7.35am Pangaean Airlines, one of Europe’s major carriers, is put into receivership grounding all flights, stranding thousands of passengers and impounding tonnes of luggage. But all is not as appears on the surface and the sliding-doors moment of one woman deciding to retrieve her suitcase will ricochet through the lives around her.This is the combined book which includes The Yin Book (ISBN 978-0-9807446-4-4) and The Yang Book (ISBN 978-0-9807446-6-8).

    The problem? Goblins are supposed to fish, forage, and stay out of the world's way, not challenge odious villains.But Malagach and Gortok aren't going to let a few rules keep them from their dreams.Armed with their wits, their stolen (er, borrowed) books, and their scavenged tools, they're ready to eradicate the evils around their mountain home. Or get in a lot of trouble trying....Included: seven short stories for ages 10 to adultWord count: 29,000 words (approximately 130 paperback pages)

    They live the life of wanderers, traveling from place to place, putting an end to broken vampires. They rely on each other, partners through and through—until a secret rips them apart.Preston is a hunter of top vampires, those who have lived for decades, even centuries. It is Preston's duty to keep an eye on these older vampires and ensure they do not break the strict rules by which they live. This duty is easier said than done, when his days are predominantly spent settling the disputes between two vampires with a vehement dislike of each other—but who share a particular fondness Preston.Trevor has faithfully served top vampire Richard as housekeeper for years, watching from afar as the man he loves notices everyone but the man right in front of him. But then Richard, recovering from a stinging rejection, begins to spend more time with his housekeeper in an effort to get over his heartbreak, and Trevor begins to hope that he might finally get the chance at the vampire he's always wanted.

    When he meets the beautiful Belinda he realizes he would do anything to be with her. With no other options, he turns to the mysterious Kaleen Rae in the solitary Gothic house on the far side of the meadows.In the Welsh countryside, a werewolf is spurred into action by an alluring scent. But is it ever wise to hunt in daylight?For Pvt. Eddie Coates, surviving Afghanistan is looking increasingly unlikely. The few remaining members of his unit are pinned down under heavy fire. All seems lost, and then they hear wings beating in the darkness…A troubled youth plots his revenge. But what price would you pay for retribution?Hellish demons, haunted houses, shape-shifting monsters, and genetic mutations, make up this unsettling collection, which also includes the original short story version of The Strange Case at Misty Ridge.

    For years his mother had warned him to stay away from the dark-haired neighbour, but on that particular evening, Aden hadn't listened. He'd been fascinated with the handsome man since the day he'd overheard his mother and grandfather refer to Victor as a vampire.Now, twenty years later, Aden once again is in the presence of Victor DePasse. Only this time he's older and knows exactly what he wants.After years of visiting his charge in his dreams, Victor suddenly has the man he's fallen in love with in front of him. Does he defy his orders and make Aden his, or does he obey and give Aden up to his destiny?Stealing Rain by A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. ManlyIn the not too distant future, water becomes so scarce the hunt is on for any drop on other planets. Drew and Trace, former lovers find that love, not just rain, is high at any price.Drew Lecour was once the pride of the military, until he'd decided to leave the federation and became a rogue, selling water to the highest bidder. Trace had a history with Drew, one that involved some hot sex and broken promises. And now, after not seeing him for years, Drew and his crew suddenly show up on a planet Trace has been contracted to protect, a planet where Drew is set to drill for water.Trace doesn't have a choice. He has to defend the water supply. His men are waiting for their leader to give the order to kill, but he can't bring himself to do that. So he confiscates Drew's equipment and takes him prisoner; but having Drew naked and at his mercy proves far more challenging than he'd anticipated, and then, there are others forces at play.Hotwired Heart by Jaime SammsTales from Rainbow Alley #1A good car thief needs sixty seconds, but grand theft heart might take even less time than that.Freedom and trust; opposite sides of the same coin that could give expert car thief, Marky, the win he's looking for. Little does he know escaping his gang ties will lead him through heartbreak and into cuffs he hadn't even thought to watch out for. Now he can trust the powerful man who wants to help, or he can keep running.It all depends on how much he values his freedom, and whether or not Roland has managed the impossible; hijacking Marky's carefully guarded heart.The Magic Thieves by Serena YatesElryk Muyd'omir is the most powerful lightning wizard born on Tah'Nut in two hundred years and a pacifist. When he refuses to co-operate with the illegally ruling Xoh'kas family they torture and kill his lover. Rather than risking the death of thousands by losing control over his lightning magic in his rage, he flees to Earth—a place without magic. When the gateway that connects Tah'Nut to other worlds opens Elryk knows that the Law Forces have found him. It is time to either face cruel punishment or fight.Kaythan Vs'urr is a Law Force Commander who is sent to retrieve the criminal wizard Elryk. He is expected to return him to Tah'Nut for ‘reprogramming'. Secretly disgusted with the Xoh'kas' lack of determination to stop the magic thieves, he has decided to win Elryk for his plan of defeating them. All they need to do is find the fabled Magic Shield to prevent further thievery.Can Elryk trust the gorgeous Law Commander who wants his help? Will the two men be able to work together to defeat the Xoh'kas and eliminate the magic thieves?Stealing Michael by Jambrea Jo JonesCan one wrong make it right?Robert's mother pushes him into stealing a painting. He is in over his head when the homeowner catches him in the act. It leaves him wondering what to do now?Michael's life turns in a new direction when a stranger enters his home and the urge to protect the thief overcomes his common sense. He knows he should be angry but who can resist a thief that looks like an angel?Dragon's Eye by Stephani HechtDragon's Soul #1After a decade of living under the iron rule of a sorcerer, dragon shifter, Duncan Moore finally has his chance for freedom. With his former master dead, all Duncan has to do is steal the very thing that has been holding him captive all these years, his dragon's eye. The stone holds his magic and his dragon self and without it, he can never go home again.What should be an easy theft turns complicated when he finds that someone has beat him to the eye and he has no idea where it could be. To add to things he suddenly finds himself teamed up with the dead sorcerers' son, Trent. For years Duncan has longed for Trent, but had never dared act on his desires. Then one night of passion between the men changes everything and Duncan realises that he could lose something far more valuable than his dragon's eye, he could lose Trent.Will Duncan be able to save them both? Or will he have to make the ultimate sacrifice?

    In ‘The Bad Girl’s Sweet Kiss’ she has brought together her own experiences as well as those of many other erotic writers from all over the world. From some of the most well-known voices in erotica to more recent newcomers to the field, everybody’s first time is different. In this diverse collection of blow-by-blow accounts exploring an oft-overlooked act of intimacy, you’ll find something to shock, titillate, amuse as well as trigger memories of your own oral initiation.

    Mistress of the Shadows. Lady of Bones and Dust. Frightening One of the Far Places Where Men Fear to Go. Strong One Who Builds the Boundaries and Knows How to Tear Them Down. Queen of the Great Below is a collection of poems, essays and personal ritual experiences by modern devotees in honor of Ereshkigal. Once worshipped as Ruler of the Underworld from the shores of the Euphrates to the banks of the Nile, Ereshkigal is now known primarily for her role as the antagonist in The Descent of Inanna. In this unique devotional anthology, however, Ereshkigal is revealed to be a multi-faceted deity of transformation, boundary-keeping, and passion, a teacher of harsh but necessary lessons. You stand at the brink of the Underworld, on the shadowed path that few walk willingly. Those who have contributed to this devotional have walked this road and returned, bearing the blessings of the Queen. We invite you to walk this path, as well. Ereshkigal awaits .... [Editor's Note: This text contains references to BDSM and the ordeal path.]

    In a small North American university town ten lives are intersecting...Miranda is reaping what she has sown.Mitchell understands there is no resisting fate.Clint dreams of pursuing a violent destiny.Elizabeth is about to make a discovery.Robin hides a terrible secret.Simon hasn’t slept in ten days.Sam is haunted by nightmares.Susie has lost everything.David has just been found.Jake is atoning for past evils....Ten ordinary people struggling to keep their sanity in an insane world.

    Later: Enter Another.” In the “locations” between these captivating stories you’ll find exciting and richly rewarding tales by some of today’s best-known SF writers and several of its most talented newcomers. Each of these stories has something that Asimov’s is rightly famous for—strong and deeply moving characters that face their futures head on. Whether they’re a jazz musician on a starship, the spirit of H.L. Mencken tangling with a twenty-first century medium, or the new personality of a wayward teenager trying to stake a claim on a body that is and sort of isn’t hers, they must all find their way in uncharted territory. You can join them on their journey. Turn the electronic page and enter a future. A little later, you can enter another.

    Includes a special preface and notes throughout the book by Welsh storyteller Peter Anthony Freeman and artist contributions by Jen Delyth, Monica Richards, Casey Ruic, Frankie Babylon, John Charles, Gina Turcios (rabbit), Phresha Le Vandale, David Richardson, Adrien Burke, Spinestealer, Nicole Josephian, Kelly McCartin, Gaabriel Becket, Nicolas Caesar, Rick Dienzo Blanco, Meiling Chen, Nichola Hope, Chris Mann, Andrea Gutierrez, Calan Ree, Kimberly Wlassak, Sarah Hope, Jo Mazelis, Rochelle Shelly Rosenkild, Michele Witchipoo, Lorin Morgan-Richards, Xavier Lopez Jr., Rhys Jones, Liam O'Connor, Jeremy Cross, and Jason Shepherd.

    When the religion is Orthodox Judaism, the task is even more daunting. This anthology takes on that challenge by giving voice to genderqueer Jewish women who were once silenced—and effectively rendered invisible—by their faith. Keep Your Wives Away from Them tells the story of those who have come out, who are still closeted, living double lives, or struggling to maintain an integrated "single life" in relationship to traditional Judaism—personal stories that are both enlightening and edifying. While a number of films and books have explored the lives of queer people in Orthodox and observant Judaism, only this one explores in depth what happens after the struggle, when the real work of building integrated lives begins. The candor of these insightful stories in Keep Your Wives Away from Them makes the book appealing to a general audience and students of women’s, gender, and LGBTQ studies, as well as for anyone struggling personally with the same issue. Contributors include musician and writer Temim Fruchter, Professor Joy Ladin, writer Leah Lax, nurse Tamar Prager, and the pseudonymous Ex-Yeshiva Girl.Keep Your Wives Away from Them official website: http://www.keepyourwivesawayfromthem....

    Venjamin and Sangre Valley, Valerie Murray and her family have picked up the pieces of their lives and begun over again on the white beaches and blue seas of the Caribbean. Valerie has her first lead role in the community theater; her children are typical teenagers-John, moody and distance; Amelia has her first boyfriend; and Harry . . . is, well, Harry. Life is anything but a paradise though. The family has become somewhat of a freak show among the vampiric world. Vampires from all around the globe visit the island just to get a glimpse of the living vampires and the woman who destroyed the evil doctor and his legacy. There are whispered rumors that Valerie is the legendary Vampire Queen of ancient times, returned to unite vampires and humans under her reign-a title Valerie wants nothing to do with. But when Dr. Venjamin's technology resurfaces and threatens not only Valerie's new life but the life of all vampires, she just might be the only who can protect them.

    Writers who are both seasoned and up and coming, African American, as well as from the African Diaspora contributed more than 20 pieces of the most entertaining, eclectic, and enthralling stories that will cature your imagination.Featured authors include: Linda Addison, Charles Saunders, Edward Uzzle, Milton Davis, B. Sharise Moore, Carole McDonnell, Valjeanne Jeffers and many more.

    The five dedicated women selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award have done just that, by discovering a seed of compassion, and nurturing it to effect real change in their communities. To celebrate their accomplishments, five bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by these real-life heroines.We hope "More Than Words" inspires you to look into your heart and find the heroine who lives within.

    Award-winning author Paul G. Bens, Jr. takes us on a trip through the Hawaiian Islands in this trio of short stories featuring the acclaimed erotic novella "Mahape a ale Wala'au," reader-favorite "Me Ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou" and the all-new "Ka Heleui Hope." included as a bonus is "Kili's Tour of the Islands." So, pull up a chair and join Kili and Ka'eo to Talk Story.

    After reading these tales by established and upcoming masters of the macabre from around the world, you'll pray for dawn. Contents include: Tomorrow's Headline by Adrian Ludens; Holy is as Holy Does by Pete Mesling; Gravity Hill by Jenna M. Pitman; While Gabriel Slept by Matthew Moore; Twinkle, Twinkle by Jessy Marie Roberts; Little Piggies by G. Winston Hyatt; The Bitter Taste of Rapture by Monique Bos; The Stripper by Stephanie Kincaid; The Elephant in the Marble by Desmond Warzel and many, many more.

    … While there is a theme–the suburban part–each story felt unique and different so that I didn’t really know what to expect with each story. … There’s a lot of diversity here–from alternate history to horror to metaphoric fiction–but at the same time you felt it was rooted in suburban Australia.Charles Tan, Bibliophile Stalker

    The stories traverse the magical and the mundane, where supernatural beings are indistinguishable from their mortal counterparts in their complexity and complicity.

    Drenched in gluttony and decadence and with a scope stretching from the depravity of rulers in ancient Greece and Renaissance Spain, to phantasmagorical body alteration in Zürich and New York, these are supremely refined and elegant, creepily intelligent and, of course, exquisitely unpleasant stories that pack a tremendous punch, both individually and collectively. Stories that will not easily be forgotten.

    This year's selections, chosen from National Magazine Awards finalists and winners, include David Grann's article from the "New Yorker" on the execution of a possibly innocent man; Sheri Fink's report from the "New York Times Magazine" on the alleged euthanization of patients during Hurricane Katrina; and Fareed Zakaria's compelling take from "Newsweek" on Iran's weakening regime."The Best American Magazine Writing 2010" also includes absorbing profiles, arresting interviews, personal essays, and entrancing fiction. "Esquire"'s Mike Sager recounts a promising quarterback's shocking descent into drugs; "Vanity Fair"'s Bryan Burrough shares the confessions of the year's other major Ponzi schemer, and, from "McSweeney's Quarterly," Wells Tower weaves a transporting tale of elemental desire. "GQ"'s Tom Carson offers his critique of America's current vampire craze; Mitch Albom rediscovers Detroit's indomitable spirit in "Sports Illustrated"; and Garrison Keillor sings an ode to the homegrown joys of state fairs in "National Geographic." Additional contributors include Atul Gawande, Megan McArdle, and many others commenting on a range of issues, from health care and the national debt to war movies and the controversy over circumcision. Altogether the writing collected here proves the rich pleasures waiting in the best magazines.

    7, of course. In this seventh issue of the highly acclaimed series, you will find twenty-seven original works of fiction and poetry from today's top talent, with suggested musical accompaniment, our trademark design aesthetic, and much more. But be sure to leave a trail of breadcrumbs on your way into Sybil's Garage, or you may not find your way out. Published by Senses Five Press, the World Fantasy Award-winning publisher of Paper Cities, An Anthology of Urban Fantasy. Contributors include Kathryn E. Baker, Cheryl Barkauskas, Kelly Barnhill, Tom Crosshill, Hal Duncan, Lindsey Duncan, Amal El-Mohtar, Lyn C. A. Gardner, Juliet Gillies, M.K. Hobson, Swapna Kishore, Avi Kotzer, Terence Kuch, Megan Kurashige, Sam Ferree, Richard Larson, Alex Dally MacFarlane, Anil Menon, E.C. Myers, AJ Odasso, Eric Schaller, Alexandra Seidel, Amelia Shackelford, Amy Sisson, Sonya Taaffe, Marcie Lynn Tentchoff, Jacqueline West, & A.C. Wise

    Includes the BBC Radio dramatisations of such classic stories as: 'The Day of the Triffids'; 'The Kraken Wakes'; 'The Chrysalids'; 'Survival'; 'The Midwich Cuckoos' and 'Chocky'.

    The stories in Smooth, collected by award-winning erotic editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, capture the heat of being stripped bare, of flaunting your body, and of reveling in pure sensuality. Read along as women get tattooed, become “the sushi girl” at a restaurant, strip on the subway, go commando, host tea parties, enjoy sploshing, and much more. Featuring stories by Donna George Storey, Heidi Champa, Angela Caperton, Charlotte Stein, Louisa Harte, Jacqueline Applebee, Susan St. Aubin and other leading erotica writers, these adventurous characters have more to reveal than just being naked.

    So when she gets a new neighbor who seems more interested in his computer than in communication, Lark feels compelled to get to know him. But her spontaneity and zeal for life seems to push him further away. Everett Holden moved to a small town to work in peace and quiet. With a neighbor like Larkspur, though, he’ll be lucky to get anything done. And being around her brings up fears and hurts that he thought he’d put away long ago. To Everett, Larkspur seems pesky, impulsive, and utterly impossible to deal with. Except for that smile of hers… THE LOVE SONG Clumsy. Invisible. Ugly. This is how Clair O’Neal would describe herself on a good day. Coming from an abusive childhood, she is painfully shy and sees herself as a misfit. So when she promises her boss she’ll represent her company at a high-society event, she finds herself completely out of her element. Image coach Glenn Yves urges Clair to join the party, since he sees something uniquely wonderful about her—something she cannot see in herself. Musician Hudson Mandel rescues her from a moment of likely humiliation. Both men find themselves drawn to Clair’s unassuming presence, her inner beauty, and maybe even her vulnerability. Can Clair trust their interest and their motives? After so many years without love, would God really bring two men into her life and make her choose between them? CASTLES IN THE AIR Nori’s biological clock has been going off forever, it seems. Loud and clear. She tries to tell herself that she isn’t really plain…or fat…or useless. She’s a successful entrepreneur, after all! So where are the eligible, interested men in her life? They don’t seem to exist. Zachary Martin knows he’s a nerd. He can’t even carry on a conversation with Nori without making a fool of himself—like when he choked on some candy in Nori’s store or bought the stupidest clothes to impress her. . . Man looks on the outward appearance, but God sees the heart. Will Nori and Zachary ever see themselves—and each other—the way God does?

    Their essays, stories, poems and images are woven into a conversation which draws on a range of cultural and intellectual traditions.

    He’d branded her with his kisses…but he was waiting for her to wake up, to know what – and who – she wanted. But he was running out of patience! Caught in the Crossfire Annette Broadrick Caught clad only in his boxers in the bed of a senator’s daughter! Despite no memory of their night together, Jared Crenshaw knew that had he tasted this woman’s passion, not even amnesia could make him forget. Still, there was going to be a huge scandal… So, Jared made an honourable proposal… The Virgin’s Secret Marriage Cathy Gillen Thacker Once upon a time, hockey player Joe Hart fell in love with sweet, beautiful Emma Donovan. But then Joe discovered that Emma’s father owned the team he played for. Seven years later, Joe returns for a second chance. After all, he and Emma eloped all those years ago – and they’re still married!

    Naomi Lewis' translations brilliantly capture Andersen's irresistible humor and conversational tone, and a whole host of memorable characters are brought to life in Joel Stewart's fresh and whimsical illustrations.

    The visions of New Zealand - and beyond - painted in this collection of short stories are both instantly recognisable, and nothing like the place we know.A Foreign Country brings together the work of established authors and fresh voices to showcase the range of stories produced by New Zealand's growing community of speculative fiction writers. Humorous, disturbing, intriguing, cautionary, and ultimately hopeful, these tales tell of worlds where the boundaries between human and animal are blurred, babies are not what they seem, desperate measures are in place to ward off disaster, and flying standby can be a big mistake.The anthology includes stories by: Philip Armstrong, Richard Barnes, Claire Brunette, Anna Caro, Matt Cowens, Bill Direen, Dale Elvy, J.C. Hart, Paul Haines, Miriam Hurst, Tim Jones, Susan Kornfeld, Juliet Marillier, Lee Murray, James Norcliffe, Ripley Patton, Simon Petrie, Brian Priestley, Marama Salsano, Lee Sentes, Janine Sowerby, and Douglas A. Van Belle.

    Mocha Chocolate: Escapades of Passion is book 2 in the anthology series and includes titles such as Baby Girl Strikes Back, Point and Click Lover, Beijing Beauty, Lemonade Freak, Roommates, Marco Polo, and Engine Trouble, and more. Unlock your passion today with this sultry short story series.

    To establish his reputation in the English-speaking world Dedalus has translated his five novels plus a collection of his short stories and published the first ever English-language biography of Meyrink. Now is the time to produce an overview of Meyrink in a single volume. The Dedalus Meyrink Reader has excerpts from all the translated books and a whole section of hitherto untranslated material, including the stories from the collection Flederm use and autobiographical articles. This volume is perfect companion for both the Meyrink scholar and the first-time Meyrink reader, containing as it does the whole gamut of Meyrink's writing from his love of the bizarre, the grotesque and the macabre to the spine-chilling occult tales and his quest to know what is on the Other Side of the Mirror.Novelist, satirist, translator of Charles Dickens, dandy, man-about-time, fencer, rower, banker and mystic seer, there are many, sometimes contradictory aspects to Gustav Meyrink, who must also be the only novelist to have challenged a whole army regiment to a duel. He has left behind a unique body of work, which can be sampled and enjoyed in The Dedalus Meyrink Reader.

    After being jilted, Ashley Bancroft moves to Hawaii for her new job with author Anthony Adler. Then suddenly her ex-fiancé reappears. To whom will she give her forever kind of love? Marnie Jordan is suffering from amnesia. Will her husband Jeff find a way to regain his rightful place beside her? Kayli Akimo isn’t looking for a man, yet finds two of them vying for her affection. Who will win her love? Can God untangle these affairs of the heart?

    Issue one features work by Eric Orner, Joey Alison Sayers, and Robert Kirby.The collection as a whole was nominated for an Ignatz Award for Outstanding Anthology or Collection in 2011, and the individual story "Weekends Abroad" by Eric Orner was also nominated for Outstanding Story.

    Fiction. In its short tenure, the Brooklyn-based online literary magazine Harp & Altar has defined itself by publishing innovative, risk-taking literature, establishing a home for serious readers attracted to its groundbreaking writing and original design. The energy and talent on display have been widely recognized--and now the best of this online magazine has been collected in THE HARP & ALTAR ANTHOLOGY, which features a selection from the fantastic poetry and fiction published in the first three years.