Kobe Bryant has been the face of the Lakers dynasty for the past two decades and for good reason. Few players have commanded a basketball court as much as Kobe in historical performances such as his notable 81-point performance in just under 42 minutes of playing time in 2006 against the Toronto Raptors. While the 2015-2016 NBA season will mark the end to Kobe’s storied career, the Black Mamba’s legacy will never be forgotten. Few players can parallel Kobe Bryant in terms of competitive fire and will to win. His polarizing figure defines him and makes even those who do not like him at the very least respect him. Read on to learn about the days of when Kobe played alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Robert Horry, Metta World Peace, Derek Fisher, and Pau Gasol in some of the greatest times of Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball history. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years Kobe Personal Life Kobe’s Impact on Basketball and Beyond The Black Mamba’s Legacy An excerpt from the book: When Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant gave himself the nickname Black Mamba, everyone wondered why he chose to liken himself to a reptile.The Black Mamba is one of the fastest and most deadly snakes in the world. It was also the codename used by Uma Thurman's assassin character in the Quentin Tarantino movie Kill Bill. And yes, Black Mamba was also the boxing nickname given to Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s uncle, Roger Mayweather. For sure, Bryant never wanted a part of the Mayweather’s so it must have been that Tarantino movie that got into him. It turns out that Bryant did in fact watch Kill Bill and was so intrigued by the codename Black Mamba that he said he checked out the snake. Upon reading up on the mamba, Bryant decided that it was the perfect description of how he wanted his game to be. The Black Mamba is said to have a 99% striking accuracy at maximum speed and in rapid succession. Bryant said it's the kind of surgical precision that he wants in his game. Kobe Bryant has always been known as a perfectionist and a player who despite being great wants strives to be the greatest.Bryant also talks about the Black Mamba mentality in which he says one has to "figure it out no matter what comes, whether its hell or high water." This resilient attitude has been at the core of Bryant's game, and it's what has made him bounce back from the many obstacles he has faced on and off the court.Kobe Bryant is one of the most popular basketball players on the planet. He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest scorers in the game and one of the most lethal offensive weapons that has ever graced the NBA's courts. However, Kobe Bryant isn't all about scoring points. He is a winner and he has proved that he can win on his own. Bryant isn’t just about basketball either. He is also a million dollar businessperson and a worldwide icon. More importantly, Bryant is a husband, a father, and a son.

    But what if you want a delightfully quick, witty, and readable reference that, in one compact volume, places the document and its clauses into context? You're out of luck--until now. Written by Seth Lipsky, described in the Boston Globe as "a legendary figure in contemporary journalism," The Citizen's Constitution draws on the writings of the Founders, case law from our greatest judges, and current events in more than 300 illuminating annotations. Lipsky provides a no-nonsense, entertaining, and learned guide to the fundamental questions surrounding the document that governs how we govern our country. Every American should know the Constitution. Rarely has it glinted so brightly.

    THE HIGHLANDER’S IMPROPER WIFE by Tarah Scott and KyAnn WatersA proper young lady should never attend a Masque...Aphrodite is no lady. Upon the death of her betrothed Lord Blackhall, Lady Caroline Wilmont is promised to his brother. But she refuses to allow her first taste of desire to be at the hands of a man who hates her. Taran Robertson scorns marriage to the Sassenach heiress. The night before his wedding he attends a masque. The vixen he meets and seduces has secrets...secrets that may reveal he’s to have an improper wife.THE LOVE OF A RAKE by Linda Rae SandeAt thirty-five, Randall Roderick, Marquess of Reading, decides it's time to trade in his life as the ‘Rake of Reading’ for the life of a married man. Trouble is, his reputation precedes him. When Constance meets him in the park, she's intrigued by the gentleman she thinks is a well-to-do cit with a fascination for horse racing. Determined to discover what’s become of her inheritance and then return to her home and horses to live as an independent woman, she’s not interested in being courted. Or is she? It may take a bit of horse sense for these two to get on the right track in “The Love of a Rake”.A QUESTION OF LOVE by Angeline FortinThough widowhood freed her from the prison her life had become, Eve was still floundering, trying to rediscover the lively girl she'd once been when her first love Francis MacKintosh, Earl of Glenrothes reappeared in her life. Tempted by passion and the longing to truly live again, Eve struggles between her old self and the new, between yearning to be with him and a determination never to put herself under the thumb of another man - even one she discovers she still loves as much as her Glenrothes. MYRIAH FIRE by Claudy ConnIt started with a stolen kiss.Fiery Myriah Whitney is wild of nature, contrary, and independent. But when her father catches her kissing the handsome Sir Roland (how else is she to determine if he is the one who will make her feel thunder and lightning, hear bells and music?), he declares that her days of headstrong independence are over. She will, he commands, announce her engagement to Sir Roland—immediately.But in an age where marriages are about alliances rather than affection, practicality not passion, Myriah wants more—she wants to fall in love. And she does not love Sir Roland. So she runs away to her grandfather with her faithful manservant, Tabson, at her side. A wrong turn in the fog, however, leads to the discovery of an injured young man, and before she knows it Myriah is caught up in world of intrigue and secrets. And when she meets the young man's older brother, the mysterious Lord Kit Wimborne, the sparks fly. Their first encounter—in his bed, both of them naked, no less!—is an explosion of wills, and it is what finally sets Myriah on fire.She has, it seems, finally found her thunder and lightning. LOVING THE MARQUESS by Suzanna MedeirosTo save her family from destitution, Louisa Evans must turn to the head of the family that ruined hers. But the Marquess of Overlea hides a secret that will turn her whole world upside down.

    She gave up on love and the whole fairytale love story until Majesty walked into her life, showing her things no other man has done before... Will Royal let Majesty love her or will she push him away because she's afraid of being hurt a second time? Majesty Swore off love after his ex-girlfriend did the unthinkable and walked out of his life. Majesty threw himself into his businesses and stayed clear from any kind of relationship, until he crossed paths with Royal. With both of their exes trying to come back in the picture, will both Royal and Majesty make it through the lies, drama and deceit that the people that they once loved try to throw at their relationship? Or will they go their separate ways? Find out in Royal Majesty: A Dope Boy Love Story

    Duane became a viral sensation thanks to a 2008 lecture outlining the reasons why you should never agree to answer questions from the police—especially if you are innocent and wish to stay out of trouble with the law. In this timely, relevant, and pragmatic new book, he expands on that presentation, offering a vigorous defense of every citizen’s constitutionally protected right to avoid self-incrimination. Getting a lawyer is not only the best policy, Professor Duane argues, it’s also the advice law-enforcement professionals give their own kids.Using actual case histories of innocent men and women exonerated after decades in prison because of information they voluntarily gave to police, Professor Duane demonstrates the critical importance of a constitutional right not well or widely understood by the average American. Reflecting the most recent attitudes of the Supreme Court, Professor Duane argues that it is now even easier for police to use your own words against you. This lively and informative guide explains what everyone needs to know to protect themselves and those they love.

    With a junky for a mother who would sell her just for a quick fix and an absentee father, life was unbearable. At a young age, Angel learned to fend for herself to survive this cold, cruel world. With her less than perfect childhood, it's no surprise that her attempts at love failed; making her come to the realization men DON'T love, they only care about the pleasurable favors one could offer them. To endure heartbreak and the life that was forced upon her, she created an alter ego... SYN. Syn, unlike Angel, was built to deal with any situation. The only thing that mattered to her was sex and money. Growing up in an abusive home, Parker James became void of all feelings, which caused him to live reckless and not care whether he lived or died. Until one day he walked into a strip joint and his eyes landed on her. The pain and loneliness in her eyes pulled at the strings in Parker’s heart, giving it an unrecognizable double beat. She caused something to stir in him, and he knew he had to have her, and he was willing to do whatever it took to get her.

    Jarvis Banks was sentenced to five years in prison, leaving behind his girl, Shonte Howard. What Shonte and Jarvis shared was that real, ghetto love, and everybody hoped for a relationship that the two of them shared. But everything that glitters isn’t gold. While from the outside looking in, the two may have had the best relationship, but boy if Jarvis wasn’t taking advantage of Shonte’s heart.So, what happens when Jarvis Banks is finally released from prison and comes home to see that the love of his life is now engaged? Jarvis is a man who is used to getting what he wants, so he will stop at nothing to get his girl back. While he’s fighting to get her, Shonte is holding back a secret from Jarvis that could be detrimental to both of them.Come take a ride with this Miami couple and find out if Mr. Banks is able to put that move on Shonte’s heart.

    That was until he laid eyes on Kenzie. From the second he saw her face he knew that she was going to be his.The only problem was that he wasn't sure if his life was something she could handle. Only time would tell, but as far as Dre was concerned, they would have to figure it out because Kenzie was already his.Gun sales and family secrets play a role in their fate but Kenzie and Dre are determined to find a way.

    Civilization is in ruins. Cities have fallen. Shambling corpses wander the back roads and highways of America. Places of safety grow ever more rare as bands of survivors find themselves under siege. Even so, a handful have managed to hang on. Among these is Jacob Thornton who, along with a small group of friends, has built a home in the wilderness. Isolated and protected by thick walls, they made it through the early, dreadful months and the harsh winter that followed. Wanting more, the group decides to seek out others in the hope of bolstering their numbers and creating a true community. Not all who have survived the change seek a return to normalcy. There are those who embrace the collapse and chaos. Most such men have since perished, but there exists a single unified force, an army crisscrossing the land attacking all they encounter, leaving nothing but battered, violated bodies in their wake. Guided by a shadowy prophet, these raiders have targeted those few settlements and outposts still standing.

    She runs and owns a tattoo shop with her cousin, Kourtney. Kourtney is tired of seeing her cousin down and out. She convinces her cousin to get back into the dating scene again, forcing Nina to confront her hurtful past.Nina grew up on a naval base in San Diego, California. When Nina was fourteen, she met and fell for an older musician by the name of Ricque Cole. What started off as tutoring to get him caught up on his schoolwork turned into a beautiful relationship, but more than that, the two became best friends. They confided in one another and depended on each other to get through the tough times. Nina struggled with the feelings of neglect that her mother placed upon her; Ricque struggled with the life that his parents left him to deal with.Circumstances pull the young couple from one another, forcing Nina to keep a secret that should have never been kept. Heartbreaking decisions were made, and Nina’s conscience begins to weigh down on her. After a tragic event, Nina’s aunt invites her to come live with her in Goldsboro, North Carolina.After almost sixteen years of living with guilt and anguish, Nina meets a handsome club owner by the name of Santiago Dominguez. Feelings start to flourish, and Nina can’t seem to shake the fact that the new man in her life has similarities to the old one. Just when Nina decides that it’s time to move on, her past confronts her with open arms.

    Not only that, she is strikingly gorgeous, witty, and smart. But she is also damaged. No matter how many great qualities she possesses; Riley has ended up scorned by love time and time again. This time though, when love leaves her with absolutely nothing and she is ready to call it quits once and for all, she finds refuge in an unlikely place. Mason Moore is handsome, wealthy, and noble. But for every positive attribute there is an even stronger, much more ruthless quality hidden underneath the surface. Growing up the son of a street legend in Passaic, New Jersey’s Aspen Place Projects, Mase has been groomed for the street life ever since he could remember. So when Mase inherited his title of Kingpin along with all the burdens that came along with it when his father was murdered in cold blood he was up for the challenge. Along with his childhood friend Steele, Mase has prided himself on his ability to continue to build and grow the organization that was handed to him with ease… that is until money turns up missing and a new flame threatens to knock him off of his square. Riley and Mase hit it off instantly and seem to be made for each other but can they really trust the fairytale their connection appears to be? Is it real or is their love circumstantial? Are they entertaining the idea of something that isn’t meant to last? With both their pasts hell bent on being a part of their futures, falling in love with each other could cost Mase and Riley not only their relationship but also their lives.

    It combines history, political science, and international law in a unique interdisciplinary approach to explore how lessons from the rich experience of the past can be brought to bear on the diplomatic challenges that confront our world today. Now thoroughly revised, updated, and enhanced, the book combines the cumulative insights and reflections of three distinguished scholars with international reputations who have written more than fifty books between them. Paul Gordon Lauren has been involved with the book from the beginning and brings a fresh perspective to this edition. In lucid prose and clear organization, the fourth edition surveys the evolution of the international system from the emergence of diplomacy and the rise of the modern state in the seventeenth century to the present. It then takes the reader into an analysis of some of the most important issues of statecraft. Now much more international and global in scope, this edition contains a number of new case studies, including the negotiations over nuclear weapons in North Korea, and a discussion of recent events. It also offers completely new or significantly expanded coverage of such topics as the impact of terrorism and 9/11, international human rights, ethics, the lessons of history, globalization, the United Nations, the growing role of nonstate actors, weapons of mass destruction, just war theory, and the legitimate use of armed force. For the first time, this edition contains illustrations, maps, and website references to guide readers. Force and Statecraft is both a classic and a timely resource ideal for those interested in diplomatic history, international relations, foreign affairs, statecraft, and security studies.

     Zion is the regular girl who never does anything besides what is expected of her. Plain Jane is what she sees herself as. Never one to party or do anything fun, she sticks to the things she knows; working at her father’s auto shop and attending school. A brief accident with her car throws her into a budding friendship with a bad boy who she has nothing in common with other than cars. Growing up, Jasheem wasn't into the street life that consisted of selling drugs. He planned to walk the straight and narrow, but nothing really goes as planned. An unfortunate event leads him to turn his love for cars into an illegal six figure business. With a girl at home whom he doesn't love, Jasheem realizes he wants something more out of a relationship. Once he lays eyes on Zion, he deems her as the perfect candidate. The innocence Jasheem sees within Zion is what attracts him to her, but her knowledge and love for cars is what gave him the push to pursue her. Living in two different worlds, Zion and Jasheem both find something in each other they never saw in anyone else. Will these two be able to turn their love for cars into a loving relationship? Or will an untold truth tear these two apart?

    Because of his lifestyle, Rafiq Harris is pegged as a womanizer. In the eyes of the media, he is the reigning champ of scandal. But, behind closed doors, he's far from the dog that he is made out to be. With so many women chasing him, he only has eyes for one special lady. However, getting the prize isn't as easy as he expected. Soraya Jones isn't impressed by his money and fame, so Rafiq has to step outside of his box to bag his queen. However, it's not so simple when he has a host of women all chasing after the same thing… his money and his heart. Deanna has been down for Rafiq since they were in high school. She knew what she was getting herself into with him from the start, but, she felt she was entitled to his heart once he was ready to settle down. However, Rafiq doesn't see it that way. Kendra was hired as his publicist, but, she finds out the hard way why you can't mix business with pleasure. Brandi is what you call the bitter baby mama from hell. She hasn't gotten over the fact that Rafiq have moved on and now he only wants to do right by his daughter without the drama. However, if she can't have him, no one else can. Last, you have Soraya, the one that got away. Thanks to his mother, Vanessa, after their one night of pleasure, he didn't see her again until years later and he's willing to do whatever it takes to make her his queen. How will Rafiq handle all the drama coming his way with the women in his life? Came Along Way is a classic tale, filled with drama, love, and deceit. It's sure to heat up your kindles and leave you thirsty for more. One-click your copy and get in on the drama!

    Fresh on the dating scene, she wasn’t looking for anything serious, just a night of fun with no strings attached. Love was not supposed to be in the cards, but she got more than she bargained for when she crossed paths with Dogada Harris. Dogada, president of the famous biker club ‘Rude Boys’ has never had a problem with the ladies until he met his match in Erica James. Not one to be impressed with his status as a Rude Boy, Dogada found himself in a position that he’s never been in, chasing after a woman. While Erica is running away from love, Dogada has finally found it. Will Erica open up her heart to giving love a second try or will Dogada lose a love he never had