Book picks similar to
Playing for Keeps by Marcia Evanick
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A Whole New Light
Sandra Brown - 1989
. . A WHOLE NEW LIGHT Cyn McCall knew she could always count on her late husband’s friend and business partner, Worth Lansing. He could make her laugh and forget her problems. She could tease him about his many romantic entanglements. The last thing Cyn expected was to find herself longing for a man who could never settle down.When Worth invites Cyn to a getaway weekend in Acapulco, he doesn’t expect to be sharing a room—or to respond to her the way he does to any beautiful woman. While he thinks it’s time Cyn stopped mourning and moved forward with her life, he can’t escape the feeling he’s betraying his friend’s memory. But even guilt can’t stop the desire that overwhelms him—and ultimately overtakes them both.Cyn wants to believe their night of passion was sparked by the exotic locale and intoxicating scent of hibiscus. But Worth knows they share something deeper, something that will outlast the Mexican sunglow. He knows he’s finally ready to stop playing games . . . if only Cyn would open her heart to new possibilities and the promise of love.
Invisible in Austin: Life and Labor in an American City
Javier Auyero - 2015
But as in many American cities, poverty and penury are booming along with wealth and material abundance in contemporary Austin. Rich and poor residents lead increasingly separate lives as growing socioeconomic inequality underscores residential, class, racial, and ethnic segregation.In Invisible in Austin, the award-winning sociologist Javier Auyero and a team of graduate students explore the lives of those working at the bottom of the social order: house cleaners, office-machine repairers, cab drivers, restaurant cooks and dishwashers, exotic dancers, musicians, and roofers, among others. Recounting their subjects’ life stories with empathy and sociological insight, the authors show us how these lives are driven by a complex mix of individual and social forces. These poignant stories compel us to see how poor people who provide indispensable services for all city residents struggle daily with substandard housing, inadequate public services and schools, and environmental risks. Timely and essential reading, Invisible in Austin makes visible the growing gap between rich and poor that is reconfiguring the cityscape of one of America’s most dynamic places, as low-wage workers are forced to the social and symbolic margins.
A Haunting at Holkham
Anne Glenconner - 2021
Set during WWII in Holkham, think Downton Abbey meets Knives Out ...It's Christmas 1943 and Lady Anne Coke has returned to Holkham Hall from Scotland. But her home is now an army base, with large sections out of bounds. And 11-year-old Anne is in the care of a new governess, whom she hates and believes to be hiding something. At least her beloved grandfather is there with her, to share stories and keep her entertained.But even though she's been told to stay away from certain parts of the house, Anne knows secrets about the hall that others do not; the passageways and the cellars that allow her to move around unnoticed, watching. And when mysterious events lead to a murder and disappearance, Anne is determined to uncover the truth.
Flirting to Win
Natalie Anderson - 2012
So when an Olympic hopeful invites her to his flat to make her delicious cereal, she's bewildered when his brother Jack walks in, accusing her of trying to ruin his brother's career. Libby has every intention of staying single, but with Jack around, no way can she suppress the personal pleasure she's long denied herself.Investment banker extraordinaire Jack Barnes's attraction to Libby is instantaneous, but he's raised his two siblings after their parents died in an accident, and it's been all work and no play for as long as he can remember. He can't let down his guard now--not when his brother is so close to the gold. But keeping Libby busy and out of his brother's life challenges every ounce of his self-control.Until now...Neither wants a relationship, and though they can't deny their incredible chemistry, Libby and Jack agree that what they have is temporary. So when things start to sizzle between them, will they be able to take the heat?Seduction in SilverA limited engagement...For two weeks Nina Breslin had passed an enticing stranger when catching the Baker Street Tube to go to work. So utterly sexy, and enticingly foreign, she figures he's eons out of her league--until the day he makes an outrageous proposal.Dr. Eduardo Ruiz needs a break from the heart-breaking reality of his job. So when he finally introduces himself to the vivacious woman he's been admiring, he quickly realizes they could help each other with their sticky situations...and have great fun in the process.They agree to an outrageous plan. For one night only, she'll masquerade as his girlfriend to appease his overzealous family members, and he'll accompany her to meet with her ex-fiancé's friends, pretending to be her attentive lover. Can they play by their own rules, or will they succumb to the pull of seduction?Gamble in GoldThe one that got away...Seven years have passed since shy Lexie Peterson had her heart trampled by her teenage crush. When she comes face to face with him in London, she vows to stay strong against his charms. But there's something about the man who has always made the impossible seem possible.When Luke Marchetti walks into his flat to find Lexie in a negligee, all he can think of is having a little flirt and fling. But sweet, caring Lexie is all grown up now, and her determination to keep him at a distance makes him realize she deserves more than he can offer.One kiss when they were younger ignited a passion that lasted seven long years. But is it enough to entice the two to take a gamble on love?
The Island Villa
Lily Graham - 2018
If you loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Island by Victoria Hislop, you’ll devour this dramatic book-club read set in a beautiful Spanish villa where the walls whisper with secrets. When Charlotte’s husband James tragically dies, he leaves her an unexpected gift – her grandmother’s beautiful villa, Marisal, on the Spanish island of Formentera. As she begins to explore her new home, and heal her broken heart in the warm golden sunshine, Charlotte discovers that her grandmother Alba has been keeping secrets about her life on the island. Intrigued by her family’s hidden history, Charlotte uncovers a devastating love affair that put many lives at risk and two sisters torn apart by loss. Can the heartbreaking truth of the island’s dark history finally be laid to rest? Or will the secrets of the past shake the new life and love that Charlotte is close to finding?
Rough Waters
S.L. Rottman - 1997
Rocky runs a white-water rafting company, and the brothers have to start working there right away. Scott is determined to make the best of it-and Gregg is just as determined to self-destruct.
Loving Jenny
Theresa Weir - 1989
He was carrying a can of beer and a bag of potato chips."There's more beer in the refrigerator," he said almost absentmindedly, popping the tab on the beer. His gaze went from the can in his hand to her face. For a fraction of a second it seemed as if a spark of something flashed in his eyes, then he was edging past her.Jenny watched in stunned amazement as he continued into the living room. He switched on the TV, then plopped his large muscular frame down in the overstuffed chair, nudging the footstool closer with the toe of one boot.The sound and picture came on. "Green Acres," he commented, stretching his long, Jean-clad legs to the stool, crossing his feet at the ankles. "I love Arnold." He tilted his head back and took a long drink of beer, then opened the bag of chips. "One smart pig."All Jenny could do was stand in the doorway and try to keep her mouth from going slack. This was Twilight Zone material. She remembered seeing an episode where a person could simply walk through walls and become a part of total strangers' lives."What's for supper?" The words were casually tossed over the man's broad shoulder, as if he took her presence for granted, as if this were routine for them both.She stared at the back of his head. Wavy, dusty hair fell almost to the neckband of a blue T-shirt. His hair color would probably be called medium brown, except for the long sun-bleached strands running through it.Jenny finally found her voice. "What are you doing here?""Great." He pointed his beer toward the TV. "This is the episode where Arnold gets amnesia,"Enough was enough.Jenny strode into the room, flicked off the television and turned to glare at him, arms crossed at her waist, one hip out, a small bare foot tapping the floor in front of her. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" she demanded. Her voice came out loud and angry, but slightly shaky.The man looked up, eyes bland. "You mean my grandmother didn't explain it to you?""What are you talking about?""I'm Lucas Tate. Stella's grandson."The bad feeling she'd had ever since she'd heard his footsteps in the house intensified tenfold. "And?""I guess you could say I come with the house." He paused. "I live here."She let out a strangled gasp.He popped another potato chip into his mouth, regarding her as he chewed, assessing her reaction.
Worth Dying For: Into the Night / Man Around the House
Cindy Gerard - 2012
Jessie swears that the fire burning in Tony’s eyes can’t be real—until he sets a seductive trap she can’t escape. Can Tony persuade Jess he’s never letting her go?With an irresistible blend of humor, passion, and a bit of suspense, Cindy Gerard creates a memorable love story to cherish. Man Around the House –Winner of the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence and a RITA Award Finalist!Answering his neighbor’s cry for help, Matthew Spencer finds himself rescuing a sassy blue-eyed temptress. Katie McDonald is a walking disaster who falls off ladders into his arms and awakens his hunger with the speed of a summer storm, and her infectious spirit has him rediscovering the joy in life.Matthew makes her feel too much, want more than she can have, and dare to dream of being loved, but Katie knows she’s all wrong for a man with a child. Despite the passion between them, Matthew needs someone nice and normal, not wild and reckless. And once he learns her deeply buried sorrow, can he love her for all time? An unmatchable blend of tenderness, humor, and light suspense as only Cindy Gerard can write it!
My Funny Valentine
Rhonda Nelson - 2000
The books were only sold in Wal-Mart and spent less than a month on the shelves. Now, thanks to the wonderful world of digital publishing, they're available again. Young widow Bella Valentine isn't looking for love in all the wrong places--she's not looking for love at all. With a young son, an aging Victorian house in need of constant repair and a busy business keeping the women of Magnolia Grove, Mississippi groomed and in current fashion, she doesn't have time for romance...until it literally arrives at her front door...in the form of Gray Cameron. Bestselling mystery author Gray Cameron is in town researching his latest novel and needs a place to lay his head for a few months. Bella's above-stairs apartment fits the bill excellently and the scenery--hers specifically--is nothing to sneeze at either. But when the sexy widow and her adorable son prove to be more interesting than his current novel, Gray knows he's in trouble. And trouble has never felt so good...
Credo
William Sloane Coffin - 2003
In this best-seller, Coffin gives a powerful record of his remarkable public life, offering his inspiring words on issues ranging from charity and justice to politics and the meaning of faith.
Secret Past
Sharee Stover - 2018
She’s been in witness protection since childhood, and now her crime-lord father has found her. As bullets fly, US marshal Daniel Knight whisks her to safety—but not for long. Captured and held prisoner, only Katie can unearth her secret past…if she can survive long enough.
A Double-Edged Blade
Julie Moffett - 1996
But a bullet to the thigh knocks her back to seventeenth-century Ireland...and into the arms of rebel leader Miles O'Bruaidar. Known as the Irish Lion, Miles immediately suspects the modern-day beauty of being a spy. He takes Faith as his hostage, only to discover her feminine wiles are incredibly alluring. But desperate to return to the future, Faith has no time for love with a mutton-feasting, ale-quaffing brute like Miles. Yet with each passing day her own time and staying with the charming rogue, Faith knows her heart has been pierced to the quick, but she wonders if their love will always be a double-edged blade.
The Joy of Swimming: A Celebration of Our Love for Getting in the Water
Lynn Cox - 2016
Congdon brings her personal passion as a lifelong swimmer to this beautiful and thoughtful celebration of getting in the water. Hand-lettered inspirational quotes, watercolor portraits paired with real people's personal stories, illustrated collections of vintage objects—colorful swim caps, bathing suits through the ages, traditional pool signs—and much more evoke the beauty and inspiration of the subject. An emphasis on swimming as a way of life—taking the leap, going with the flow—makes this delightful volume one that will speak to serious swimmers, vacation paddlers, and anyone pondering their next high dive.
Sleeper 13
Rob Sinclair - 2018
For years he was forced to do things no child should do, for a cause he couldn't believe in.But while his brothers were preparing to kill, he was looking for a way out.Now, on the eve of the deadliest coordinated terrorist attacks Europe has ever seen, he'll finally get his chance.He will break free and hunt down those responsible for making him a monster. He must draw on all his training, all of his deadly skills to survive.
He is Sleeper 13.
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SLEEPER 13 is a fast-paced thriller filled with twists and turns and intrigue that will appeal to readers of big-hitting thrillers such as NOMAD, ORPHAN X, THE BOURNE IDENTITY and globe-trotting spy thriller I AM PILGRIM.
Above the Fold
Rachel Scott McDaniel - 2019
When a millionaire inventor is murdered, she finally convinces her hesitant father to give her the break she’s been dreaming of. But there’s a catch. To get her article above the fold, she must compete for it. Her coverage of the story must outshine her opponent’s. To her dismay, the rival is none other than Cole Parker—a high-profile journalist and Elissa’s former flame. Losing his prestigious job at the New York Dispatch is shameful enough, but the reason behind Cole’s termination almost killed him. When his former employer gives him a redemptive opportunity in Pittsburgh, all Cole can think of is procuring a second chance with Elissa. The crazy contest her father invents keeps Cole near her, but she regards him as an enemy, both to her dreams and her heart. Can Cole convince Elissa he’s no longer the man who’d abandoned her years ago? Or will their love remain old news?