And certainly what Melville did for whaling Austen does for marriage--tracing the intricacies (not to mention the economics) of 19th-century British mating rituals with a sure hand and an unblinking eye. As usual, Austen trains her sights on a country village and a few families--in this case, the Bennets, the Philips, and the Lucases. Into their midst comes Mr. Bingley, a single man of good fortune, and his friend, Mr. Darcy, who is even richer. Mrs. Bennet, who married above her station, sees their arrival as an opportunity to marry off at least one of her five daughters. Bingley is complaisant and easily charmed by the eldest Bennet girl, Jane; Darcy, however, is harder to please. Put off by Mrs. Bennet's vulgarity and the untoward behavior of the three younger daughters, he is unable to see the true worth of the older girls, Jane and Elizabeth. His excessive pride offends Lizzy, who is more than willing to believe the worst that other people have to say of him; when George Wickham, a soldier stationed in the village, does indeed have a discreditable tale to tell, his words fall on fertile ground. Having set up the central misunderstanding of the novel, Austen then brings in her cast of fascinating secondary characters: Mr. Collins, the sycophantic clergyman who aspires to Lizzy's hand but settles for her best friend, Charlotte, instead; Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy's insufferably snobbish aunt; and the Gardiners, Jane and Elizabeth's low-born but noble-hearted aunt and uncle. Some of Austen's best comedy comes from mixing and matching these representatives of different classes and economic strata, demonstrating the hypocrisy at the heart of so many social interactions. And though the novel is rife with romantic misunderstandings, rejected proposals, disastrous elopements, and a requisite happy ending for those who deserve one, Austen never gets so carried away with the romance that she loses sight of the hard economic realities of 19th-century matrimonial maneuvering. Good marriages for penniless girls such as the Bennets are hard to come by, and even Lizzy, who comes to sincerely value Mr. Darcy, remarks when asked when she first began to love him: "It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley." She may be joking, but there's more than a little truth to her sentiment, as well. Jane Austen considered Elizabeth Bennet "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print". Readers of Pride and Prejudice would be hard-pressed to disagree. --Alix Wilber

    SNOWFALL AT WILLOW LAKE Sophie Bellamy has dedicated her life to helping people in war-torn countries. But after narrowly escaping a hostage situation, she yearns to return home to Avalon. There, Sophie discovers the surprising rewards of small-town life—including an unexpected passion for Noah Shepherd, the local veterinarian. FIRESIDE Baseball hopeful Bo Crutcher is about to get his shot at the majors. But when life throws him a curveball in the form of AJ, the son he's never met, Bo and his newly hired publicist Kimberly van Dorn begin to realize that they both have a lot to learn about the game of life…and putting love first. LAKESHORE CHRISTMAS Maureen Davenport is finally getting her shot to direct Avalon's annual holiday pageant, but her storybook notion of Christmas is disrupted when Eddie Haven is assigned to assist her. As they spar over every detail of the pageant, their passion for the perfect performance begins to blossom into something more.

    She and her two younger sisters gather at his side, praying he’ll live… At a time like this, falling in love is the last thing on Valerie’s mind. And with Dr. Colby Winston, of all people! He’s David’s heart surgeon, a renowned specialist who enjoys small-town living, while Valerie is a high-powered businesswoman who prefers city life. They’re complete opposites in every way. Yet David keeps insisting she and Colby are a perfect couple. Meanwhile, Stephanie has other worries besides her father’s health. She fled Orchard Valley three years earlier, after her humiliating rejection by local journalist Charles Tomaselli. Now she’s home, and it’s not long before they begin reliving past battles—and renewing old feelings. He was the reason she left. This time, will he give her a reason to stay? David seems to think so… Norah is feeling a bit unneeded these days. Her father is recovering, and her sisters are busy planning their weddings. But then a cantankerous Texan named Rowdy Cassidy crashes his small plane in Orchard Valley. The same Rowdy Cassidy who’d been Valerie’s boss…and who’d demanded Valerie marry him. Now he’s Norah’s patient, and in all her nursing experience she’s never encountered a more difficult man. Or a more irresistible one! Except…is he still in love with her sister?When Norah’s friend Sherry Waterman leaves Orchard Valley, Oregon, for Pepper, Texas, she’s definitely not in the mood for Lone Star Lovin’. But if anyone can change her mind, it’s Cody Bailman—a hardworking, good-looking rancher. Not only that, Cody has a twelve-year-old daughter who thinks Sherry’s “just perfect for Dad!”

    His confession blindsides her. Sean has a shady past, she knew that from the beginning, but this is so much worse than she thought. There's a dangerous side to Sean Ferro. It's alluring and frightening at the same time. Avery has to decide if love can overcome anything or if she should protect her heart. Genre: Romantic Suspense Collection A: Includes Volumes 7-9 Pages: 378 THE FERRO FAMILY The Arrangement (Sean & Avery) Damaged (Peter & Sidney) Stripped (Jon & Cassie) The Proposition (Bryan & Hallie) Easy (Jocelyn Ferro) Broken Promises (Trystan & Mari) The Wedding Contract (Nick & Sky) Secrets & Lies (Kerry) H.M. WARD'S NEW YORK CITY LOVE STORIES REVIEWS: "H.M. Ward writes an emotional, deeply felt story that will rock your world." -Carly Phillips, New York Times Bestselling Author "H.M. Ward takes this series to a whole new level of intensity!" -Cary Mattiller "One of the most emotionally charged novels I have read all year." -Crystal via Goodreads "If you love The Arrangement, then you will not be disappointed with The Proposition." Linda Wallace "Amazing, awesome, and unbelievably sexy." -Cheryl, via Goodreads "You can't go wrong with any book written by H.M. Ward." -Christon Benford "This is a story about true love/ first love never dying and making it through all odds. An incredible book." -Gabby's Book Blog "This has to be H.M. Ward's best work yet!" -Sheri via Goodreads "The tension is palpable and so physically powerful; it literally reaches out and tugs at all my emotions. My God, it was beautifully erotic. When a story elicits so much emotion from you, you know it's good." Tessamari Reviews "I want to marry this book and have it's fictional babies" "Move over Christian Grey and welcome Sean Ferro." -Reading, Eating, & Dreaming "You can't go wrong with a book written by H.M. Ward." -Christon Benford "I thought nothing could top Damaged & The Arrangement Series. I was wrong." -Curious Kindle Reader "Serious sexual tension!" -Spare Time Book Blog "Hilarious, witty, with a 'gut punching' story line." -Workman "Amazing, hot, sexy, and leaves you wanting more." -ENA AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY: H.M. Ward continues to reign as a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author who is swiftly approaching 13 million copies sold, placing her among the literary titans. Ward has been featured in articles in the NEW YORK TIMES, FORBES, and USA TODAY to name a few. You can interact with this bestselling author on facebook at AuthorHMWard. Text HMWARD to 24587 and get a text reminder on release & sale days.

     She’s agreed to meet the man she’s been exchanging letters with for six months. They are to meet in Sweetwater Springs, where they can get to know one another before making a marital decision. Little does May know that Mr. Montague, her intended, has gotten a terrible case of cold feet. Randolph Cade does what his boss tells him to, even impersonating him to meet his potential bride. May is sweet, saucy, and more beautiful than Randolph expected. Sending her home becomes a test he’s bound to fail. A May Bride was first published as a Montana Sky Kindle World book.

    This special boxed set offers the first three full-length novels in the series. Each book is filled with Barbara Freethy's unique blend of page-turning romance, family and mystery—unforgettable stories that will touch your heart. ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS: The second oldest of the Callaway clan, Aiden Callaway veered from the family tradition of urban firefighting and became a smokejumper, never questioning his choice until the job took the life of his friend, Kyle, and left Aiden with injuries and fractured memories. Everyone blames Aiden for what happened, but he doesn't remember, nor is he sure he wants to remember. The truth may clear Aiden of blame but destroy Kyle's reputation and hurt the people he left behind. 
 Aiden seeks help from an unlikely ally. Sara had always been untouchable, sweet, innocent, his sister's best friend, and the girl next door. But one reckless night in their youth took their relationship to a new level. Sara has never forgiven or forgotten the way Aiden brought it crashing down, but she's no longer that girl with the crazy crush. She's a woman in search of her own truth. The sparks between Aiden and Sara have been smoldering for a very long time. Sara is afraid to take another chance on a man who broke her heart, and Aiden knows better than anyone how dangerous an intense fire can be. As teenagers they weren't ready for each other. Are they ready now? SO THIS IS LOVE: Emma Callaway, a hot fire investigator clashes with Max Harrison, a cool homicide detective in SO THIS IS LOVE, the second book in the Callaway Series. For Max Harrison, love seduces and then destroys. His brother went to prison for love. His father left his family for love. And Max is determined not to follow in their footsteps, until he meets Emma… Emma runs into burning buildings without an ounce of fear and embraces life as if every day is a new adventure. But while she's fearless on the job, Emma is a coward when it comes to love. Betrayed by an ex-boyfriend, Emma has no intention of putting her heart on the line again, until she meets Max… As the fires around the city rage, the heat between them ignites in a blaze of passion that's far more dangerous. Will it destroy them or will they finally get everything they ever wanted… FALLING FOR A STRANGER Ria is as sexy and sultry as a warm tropical night and as beautifully dangerous as the island drinks she serves at the beachside bar on Isla de los Suenos -- The Island of Dreams. But Ria is not as carefree as she appears, and the pretense is wearing her down. One night she risks everything to escape from reality. Drew Callaway is a former Navy pilot looking for his own escape from a life that has seen too much tragedy. Meeting Ria is like embracing the sun, and their single night together is life-changing. But the dream quickly fades when Ria is killed in a tragic accident at sea. Months later, thousands of miles away from where they first met, Drew sees a woman who looks just like Ria. She claims her name is Tory, and that they've never met before, but he can see that she's in trouble, and he can't walk away. He's going to save her whether she wants it or not. Drew isn't afraid of a little danger, but can he risk losing his heart to a beautiful stranger? Also Available in the Callaway Series: Between Now and Forever (#4) Nobody But You (A Callaway Wedding Novella) All A Heart Needs (#5) That Summer Night (#6) W

    Merwin --Magic barrel / Bernard Malamud --About marriage / Denise Levertov --from Jane Austen / Virginia Woolf --Princess and the tin box / James Thurber.

     I didn’t want a part in my father’s criminal empire. But when they lowered his body in the ground, I didn’t have a choice. Handsome, rugged, and deadly, Hawk became my guard and captor. He’s not here to play games. One look at those eyes and I know he wants to bend me over his bike. To strip away what little they’ve left me. To own me--body and soul. And I’m scared that when the time comes… … I won’t want him to stop. HAWK I take innocent girls and turn them bad. The more off limits, the better. From the moment I saw April, I knew she was all I wanted. Problem is, the same people who killed her father wants her dead as well. To save my club, I’ll have to keep her alive. But after I finish what I started, I’m going to make her mine. Hawk is a full-length, standalone romance novel with steamy hot sex, strong language, a happily every after ending and NO CLIFFHANGERS. Contains dark and disturbing themes, and over the top sexiness that may be uncomfortable for some readers. Perfect for fans of Joanna Blake, Alexa Riley, Devon Hartford, Sabrina Paige, Winter Renshaw, Vanessa Waltz, Emilia Kincade and Melanie Harlow

    One by one.Even if it starts a war.A human omega, is the only one that can satisfy our desires.Book Four: Tiger TripletsWe weren’t looking for a jobBut sometimes the job finds you.We’ve been hired to be bodyguardsOf the states most wanted omegaA big pay day.Only one problem.We want her more than anyone else.And Tigers always take what they want.Book Five: Bear TripletsIf that damn wolf woman thinks her son can get away with killing our cattle,we will make her pay.We have the most productive ranch in the county,But it’s been barren without one thing—a woman we can share.So for now, we’ll let them stay.We’ll give them protection from other shifters.And we’ll be a father to her unruly wolf boy,Under one, STRICT, condition.18+ Only.

    Pour yourself a glass of wine and settle in to be romanced by these 10 hot alpha men. As they work to win the hearts of their strong and curvy women be prepared for:Ups and downSurprisesChallengeSexy heatMisunderstandingsAdventureChemistryConnectionMistakesTrust gainedTrust lostLove wonUnforgettable nights of passion and...10 HAPPILY-EVER-AFTERS!++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Heroes of Hope CountyOnce you take that first step across the county line into Hope, you'll find things are about to heat up!At first glance, Hope County appears a simple, sleepy place, but once you venture inside, you'll be welcomed into a place of thriving, hot excitement and luscious, heart-stopping drama with the perfect places for love and happily ever afters. A mansion with suspense and seduction; a dance club with all the right moves and curves; a record shop that will send you spinning. Drive around and see for yourself if fiery passion is enough to turn into instant love.Take a trip with our steamy, alpha-male cast in this five part, stand-alone romance series as Myles, Graham, Miguel, Josh and Andre fall hard in love for their curvy counterparts. They'll stop at nothing to win their hearts and make their own happy endings.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Swanford Coast SeriesGet your romantic fantasies revving with Jake, Robert, Lincoln, Ben and Kai!They’re heating it up on the shores of the small town of Swanford Coast!But, just because they turn all the female heads in town, doesn’t mean that love comes easy for these yummy alpha men.Grab your beach chair and pull up some sand & discover...♥ Will Jake be able to live down his false reputation and win Amanda's heart?♥ Robert finally broke through to Victoria but has he dropped the ball and lost her now for good?♥ Lincoln is able to be private about his colored past but Jenny's not so lucky. Can he and Jenny ride the tumultuous waves of her's and not have the town shame her into running away?♥ Ben, the ex-military alpha... turned baker. Will the secret he's hiding cause Wendy to lose respect for him and leave him broken-hearted?♥ Kai doesn't like the beach so why the hell is he in Swanford Coast? He even wonders himself, until he meets Alanna. What she does is about to changes everything.These 5 hot, steamy, insta-love stories will leave you, not only dreaming of your own seaside romance, but also believing in true love and happily ever afters.Love really CAN change everything.(And it certainly doesn't hurt when your hero is a drop dead alpha stud of sizzling hotness.OMG!)

    

    From the crystal waters of the Caribbean to the sunny shores of Hawaii, the historic coast of Melbourne or a fishing village in Maine, these beachfront books will deliver the joys of summer loving any time of year! Island Pursuits: Former U.S. Marine Adrian Mendez returns to his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago only to run into a feisty island goddess with one flaw - she has no love of anything military. Caribbean Melody: Their dancing duo was an overnight sensation at the posh Martinique hotel, but is Kristen just Leon's ticket to stardom or something more? Surge: University transfer student Marcus sets out to earn fellow student Lara's friendship, but a secret could jeopardize everything he's worked for his entire life. As the heat rises, he must choose between love and his dreams. Doubts of the Heart: Recent breast cancer survivor Nica Dobson is trying to regain her spirit and accept the changes in her body and mind. Now an old flame and ancient secrets challenge her to embrace love, too. Naturally Enchanted: As a struggling journalist, Owen Cooper has to make a name for himself, and a tip that a real-life witch is living on Mango Cove may just lead to the big story he needs. Undercover as a shipwrecked tourist, he worms his way into Ezra's family and their secrets, but can he get her out of his heart? Seducing Phoebe: Phoebe Fitzgerald is about to marry wonderful Marco Petronelli - until her ex turns up and declares his undying love for her. Confused about her feelings, she calls off her wedding. Can Marco convince her their relationship is worth saving? His Hawaiian Christmas: When Clara O'Fallen gets a promotion to paradise, she can't help feeling homesick for her Wisconsin winters. But smiling surfer Kai Schmitt might just show this scrooge how to hang loose and catch the spirit of the season - the aloha spirit! Paradise Point: Inheriting half ownership in Paradise Point marina is a break Liv Barnette embraces with open arms. The sexy downside? Sharing her windfall with Army Ranger Adam Lark, who wants her gone . . . or so he thinks. California Sunset: Annie Gerhard is struggling to keep her Silicon Valley techie job during a recession, while John Johnson is trying to make a go of his bookstore. Neither has time for romance, but fate is taking care of business. Five of Hearts: As lead singer for the boy band Five of Hearts, Dean learned that women only want him for his money and fame. So he has a good reason for hiding his alter ego from his neighbor, Shannon, and everyone else in Scallop Shores. But the closer he gets to Shannon and her children, the more he realizes he may have made a mistake. Sensuality Level: Sensual

    Unwelcome newcomers to Still Creek, Minnesota, she and her troubled teenage son are treated with suspicion by the locals, including the sheriff. Yet nothing will stop her from digging beneath the town's placid surface for the truth - except the killer.Night Sins (Engineer: Jill Sovis): A peaceful Minnesota town, where crime is something that just doesn't happen, is about to face its worst nightmare. A young boy disappears. There are no witnesses, no clues - only a note, cleverly taunting, casually cruel. Has a cold-blooded kidnapper struck? Or is this a reawakening of a long-quiet serial killer?Guilty as Sin (Engineer: Melissa Coates): A cold-blooded kidnapper has been playing a twisted game with a terrified Minnesota town. Now a respected member of the community stands accused of a chilling act of evil. But when a second boy disappears, a frightened public demands to know: Have the police caught the wrong man? Is the nightmare continuing . . . Or just beginning?

    MIRA brings you three full length novels in one collection! Welcome to Thunder point, a small town along the Oregon coast with towering cliffs, a picturesque bay, and the finest people you could ever hope to meet.This box set includes:ONE WISH (A Thunder Point Novel)By #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn CarrCome back to Thunder Point! From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River series, book 7 in her beloved Thunder Point novels, where second chances can be complicated, but finding love might be simple…A NEW HOPE (A Thunder Point Novel)By #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn CarrCome back to Thunder Point! From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River series, book 8 in her beloved Thunder Point novels, where second chances can be complicated, but finding love might be simple…WILDEST DREAMS (A Thunder Point Novel)By #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn CarrFrom the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River series, Robyn Carr, rediscover the charming coastal town of Thunder Point, where hard work and determination are all it takes to make dreams come trueRead the Thunder Point Series by Robyn Carr:Book One: The WandererBook Two: The NewcomerBook Three: The HeroBook Four: The ChanceBook Five: The PromiseBook Six: The HomecomingBook Seven: One WishBook Eight: A New HopeBook Nine: Wildest Dreams

    To Kill a MockingbirdThe Shoes of the FishermanSeven Days in MayTo Catch an Angel