It tells the story of William Stoner, who attends the state university to study agronomy, but instead falls in love with English literature and becomes an academic. The novel narrates the many disappointments and struggles in Stoner's academic and personal life, including his estrangement from his wife and daughter, set against the backdrop of the first half of the twentieth century.In his entry in the Bookmarked series, author Steve Almond writes about why Stoner has endured, and the manner in which it speaks to the impoverishment of the inner life in America. Almond will also use the book as a launching pad for an investigation of America’s soul, in the process, writing about his own struggles as a student of writing, as a father and husband, and as a man grappling with his own mortality.

    

    Attitudes surface and personalities clash as struggles, secrets, and obsessions emerge. Follow the lives of eight quilters from Chicagoland as they gather once a month to play Bunco, the popular no-skills dice game. The last thing Lettie wants is for a member to quit the Bunco Club, but a well-guarded hoarding obsession may cause that very thing to happen. When Nancy’s one-love contacts her after twenty years, she shares tidbits each month about the devastating breakup along with news of a possible reunion and she finds there is no shortage of opinions from the women of the Bunco Club. Follow the members as their stories are revealed and woven together through the bond of friendship—from a heart stopping discovery of a national historic treasure, to a 39-year-old secret, to a mom whose child is devastated from being bullied. Eight women capture the hearts of readers who will long to be members of The Bunco Club.Show more Show less

     One would have never thought the pimple faced, dark skin girl who was bullied everyday would grow up to be drop dead gorgeous with silky smooth dark skin. In the prime of her new identity, Cameron met and married Malcolm within three months of dating. Things eventually took a turn due to his infidelity as well as him failing to satisfy her sexually, which led her back into the arms of her forbidden fruit. Cameron’s life is now spinning out of control. She is finding it harder and harder to balance two men, especially with a husband who was once predictable but now pops up on her without notice. Malcolm is so obsessive that she has to walk around on egg shells in order to follow through with her every move. To make matters worse, Cameron finds out that she is pregnant and both men she is involved with wants a house full of babies…but she doesn’t want any more. Will she, along with her unborn child, survive the horrible accident that was caused by one of her lovers? How long will Cameron be able to balance two baes?

    For adult readers.Marcie has never heard of such a thing as a contract to become a substitute wife and it’s even more shocking coming from the real wife of her attorney boss. It’s very simple. She needs to care all her boss’s needs at work. Some of those needs are pretty kinky. It also involves being shared with the boss’s partner. Marcie should say no. But she doesn’t.

    I’ve seen my share of evil the wrong men do, but I’ve also seen the good things. Grace is one of those, the best thing that could ever happen to me. From the first time I saw her, I knew it – but I wouldn’t admit it. I’ve finally met a woman to tame the wild man inside me, a curvaceous, blue-eyed all American dream of a girl. She’s smart too, maybe too smart?I try to forget her and leave her in peace, but when she comes snooping around. I have to stop her and find out more. I’ve never been afraid of anything before, but this beauty has brought me to my knees. My life is dangerous. I’ve only ever had to look after number one.And another thing, her dad used to be my best friend.GraceThe first time I saw him, I was hooked. I was terrified. Afraid but intrigued by this tough vodka drinking Russian. I never guessed in my wildest dreams that he’d be interested in a girl like me. I mean he must be twice my age – he was dad’s best man at his wedding. He’s the sexiest, wildest looking man I’ve ever seen. When he looks at me, I can see the longing in his eyes, the passion in his soul as he undressed me with his eyes, and I needed to find out more.*My Dad's Russian Mafia Friend is an insta-everything standalone instalove romance with a HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.

    His books receive little notice until he unearths a 100 year old mystery that the powerful had hoped would never have been uncovered. How far will the city's power brokers go to silence Taylor and his band of friend known as The Travis Club? Intrigue and romance bring this mystery alive in a one of a kind city, San Antonio.

    The 2010 winner was 28-year-old Brendan Hall and his crew in Spirit of Australia. Although Brendan was the youngest and least experienced skipper in the race, the win was no accident – it was the culmination of years of training, skilled navigation and a leadership style way beyond his years.His skills were soon put to the test – in the middle of a North Pacific hurricane, Brendan went to the rescue of a competing yacht and skippered both boats across one of the most feared oceans in the world. This brutally honest, no-holds-barred account is revealing and instructive, with valuable lessons in leadership and management – as well as never giving up. Thrown in quite literally at the deep end, he is pushed to the limit, and learns lessons you can only learn the hard way.

    “Why did you stop? You didn't have to, you know?” “You were drunk, and I won't do that, not to you. You're a very good actress, but I don't believe you're the drunken, one-night-stand kind of woman. When I have you Sarah—and I will—I want every part of you. I want to know that every bit of you wants it just as much as I do. I want to look into your eyes when I'm deep inside you and know you'll never forget a single moment.”

    Too bad his wife is already in that spot! Her love for him has her lowering her standards to maintaining her side chick status. But Kara wants more… She becomes demanding and gives Jazz ultimatums proving she is over his games. His empty promises and lies show her he isn’t the man he claims to be. But like most women, Kara is determined to fight for her love… Jazz is hooked on Kara’s young love. After witnessing his best friend and wife having sex, he’s confused and unsure of who he can trust. His life is flipped upside down by drama and tragedy, once the set up of his best friend comes back to haunt him. “Zen” aka Zenayia struggles to love her husband Jazz… She’s gotten lost in her feelings for his best friend Damon. Her affair with Damon ultimately puts her in a compromising position when she is deemed with an unexpected pregnancy. Her marriage is on the line resulting in her hiding secrets are unmasked. The ultimate betrayal of his best friend Jazz leaves Damon questioning those around him. He is jealous of Jazz and wishes he had his lifestyle. Their friendship will be tested, pushing Damon to make drastic decisions to keep his affair with Zen under wraps. He is determined to find out who set him up, but he has no idea his enemy is right under his nose…

    Her spirited façade belies the emotional scars gouged by the man she thought would someday be her husband. Brian Carrington, the cocky, extremely reactive heir to the Carrington Steel empire, has concluded that women only want one thing from him – his money and the prestige of his last name. Investing no emotional energy in one-night stands, he has developed the ultimate guard for his wealth, status, and heart. What will happen when their worlds collide into a dominant and submissive power exchange? Can they overcome the demons of her past as he is thrust into the role of protector?

    She's perfect.Gorgeous. Innocent.The minute we see her, we know.We'll make her scream. Make her beg.Make her our plaything.Secrets. Lies. Ambition.It's how we've become the best.But now there's more at stake.We have our own plans. Only one of us can come out on top.And our little plaything holds the keys to the kingdom.

    Entrusted with the burdens and joys of memory, Elisabeth’s eldest granddaughter, Suzanne Congdon LeRoy, combines lived experience with meticulous historical research as she details a family legacy filled with inconceivable loss, love, and perseverance. Elisabeth Congdon emerges as the messenger of spring and the key to her granddaughter’s survival. Her early efforts to nurture a foundation of hope, optimism, and the power of possibility lead Suzanne to advanced education, a remarkable nursing career and the discovery of the ineffable relationship between healing oneself, service to others, and the connection to the spirit and beauty of the earth that makes her whole again. “Nightingale” is a book of rare power, beauty, and hope. All proceeds, after taxes, are used to support health and human rights initiatives that benefit women and girls with an emphasis on education, reproductive health, and violence prevention.

    After watching his father's fall and the suffering it caused Walter learns from a young age that favor is fleeting. Young Walter leaves home to find his own way and is swept away on one of the ships in service to the crown. The seas are full of dangers, from unforeseen storms to brutal pirates. During one of Walter's many sea voyages he encounters a girl who will change his fortune. But in order to survive in a world where favor can bring a man a lifetime of good fortune or destroy him in the blink of an eye, Walter must stay true to himself and his values. Walter faces the question we all face, are we what we are born into or can we become more? I, Walter is a tale of love, courage, and adventure.