The Raggers have come and they’re the dregs of the universe, as the Unity League is about to find out. An unprovoked Ragger incendiary attack on the human city of Satra kills millions. Not everyone dies. Lieutenant Tanner Conway and a few of his squad survive the flames, as does Captain Jake Griffin, his spaceship Star Burner brought down by enemy fire. The survivors want payback, but it’s hard to beat an alien attack fleet when you’re stuck in the middle of a burning city. The Ragger spaceships are still in orbit and threaten the rest of the planet with the same fate. Someone has to stop them. The Star Burner has a massive nuke in its hold. Conway and Griffin think they can put the bomb to good use, but the spaceship won’t fly and the enemy have their own interest in the wreckage. A plan to bring the bomb to the aliens has unintended consequences and far-reaching effects. The fight will take Conway and Griffin from the ruined city to a spaceship with capabilities beyond reckoning. They will face unimaginable horrors and a foe that has no regard for life. Every contest has a prize and this one is no different. Victory against the Ragger fleet will save billions from death and set back the enemy’s ambitions in this part of the Unity League’s territory. It’s going to take skill, guts and a lot of dead aliens before it happens. Alien Firestorm is a fast-paced military sci-fi shooter filled with guns, tech and warfare. It follows on from book 1 in the Fire and Rust Series: Iron Dogs.

    And the name of that better life was Tom, a local gangster with the face of the devil himself.The next thing I saw was my mother's bloody face bashed into the ground and teeth scattered around her lifeless body.I looked at him and thought to myself- PLEASE, DON'T KILL ME.This story has haunted me all of my life, through the daily flashbacks and nightmares. It has taken me some time to build up the courage to let this story out of my heart.And now, with every single word I can live free. Finally.- Karolina -

    Parrish Times tracks his amazing journey over the last four decades, through a rollercoaster ride of emotions in surely the most dangerous and exhilarating sporting arena there is.In the 1970s Steve was competing for the world motorcycle championship with legendary team mate Barry Sheene on a Suzuki. After retiring in 1986, Steve managed a successful Yamaha factory team to three British Superbike Championship titles and started a truck-racing career, becoming the most successful truck racer ever. He also proved to be a natural commentator, first for BBC radio, then transferring to television with Sky, ITV and Eurosport. Against this backdrop are Steve's notorious pranks: posing as a medical doctor to allow John Hopkins to fly from Japan to the Australian GP; impersonating Barry Sheene in a qualifying session; owning a fire engine, a hearse, and an ambulance - parking it on double yellow lines with the doors open in visits to his local bank.It's a funny, hell-raising account of life - and death - in the fast lane that will keep readers enthralled to the end. Barry Sheene's final words to his best friend sum it up: 'Neither of us will die wondering.'

    Two little boys joined our family when the bitter winter weather was still chilling our bones and their dad was absolutely destitute, no home, no money and no hope of getting his children back with a social worker who seemed to be a bit of a ladies man and favoured their mother. Steve was the second father we had met that would do anything and everything to get his children home…once he had managed to clean himself up and convince the department of Social Services that he would stay off the drink, stay away from women and that he intended to raise his sons in a happy and safe family home. We had to bend a few rules...then break a couple of them in order to help keep this family together…the rewards are immeasurable and, until now, I guess no-one but us and our nearest and dearest (and of course Elizabeth) knew how far we were willing to go to make sure that the right outcome for this placement happened in the end. This placement more than any other we have had, taught me that the determination that one man can have to save his family, against the determination of a department that knows he can’t is a powerful thing, and love really can conquer all.

    Whether inserting a breathing tube or spinal needle, delivering electric shocks, searching for cancer on X-rays or telling stories to his two young daughters at night, Dr. Mathur's heartwarming and occasionally hilarious stories depict human relationships at many levels. The new doctor on the prairie is also a husband, a father, a neighbor, and an immigrant. The first year of practice is critical for all doctors, rocked by anxiety and fear. The love and support of family and patients makes it possible to persevere and overcome these challenges. These stories portray a doctor's life at its best and its worst, and show the personal toll of practicing medicine as well as the many rewards of working in an underserved hospital. This biography reveals that, though medicine is indeed demanding and difficult, a little humor, compassion, and humility makes it fulfilling and inspiring.

    Prostitute. Gangster’s Wife. Survivor. Tara grew up in squalor on the island of Alderney. When she was only four, she was sexually abused by one of her mother’s many lovers, a horror that continued for five long years. As a teenager, desperate to escape the toxic environment at home, she fled to London – but was swiftly drawn into working as a prostitute. She became involved with some of London’s most notorious gangsters – even marrying one – but when she realised the danger she was inflicting on her children, she knew she had to find a way to get out. This is the inspiring story of one woman’s will to survive, and to fight for a better life.

    A heartwarming saga of marriage and friendship in a small country town. Young newly-weds Ellen and Richard Lancy are delighted when they have a son to complete their family. But their happiness is short-lived when a tragic accident changes everything. Ellen must stay strong to protect herself and her family. When help comes from an unexpected source, it also brings misunderstandings and disapproval from her neighbours. Can Ellen keep those she loves safe, and overcome the difficulties life has thrown at her? The heartwarming tale of a courageous woman in a rural English town in Victorian times. Another gripping and bittersweet story from the bestselling author of the much-loved Apple Tree Saga. "Sheer country magic." James Herriott

    Upon surviving and displaying his incredible fighting skills, Koji is forcibly married to Zelea Sagoisa, the Fourth Princess of the Kingdom of Nephosia, and he becomes her husband and Bonder. Koji's status as a martial art prodigy earns the favor of Daethix Colarte Nephosia, the Third Princess and next Queen of the kingdom; eventually, she declares him to be her fiance and future husband! Thus, begins the legend of Koji in the world of the Four Winds. Over time, Koji learns more about the northern kingdom and the Bonder Legacy. His elevation to the status of Prince Consort and a member of the Royal Family of Nephosia creates new opportunities and new challenges. To defend his loved ones, his new family, his people, and his kingdom, Koji must fight the world! KOJI FIGHTS THE WORLD! is a Gamelit Harem Wuxia novel with isekai elements and geared toward mature readers. It is inspired by Summoned Slaughterer Japanese light novel by Ido Masayoshi, Monster Musume anime show, The Legend of Bruce Lee TV series, and Man of Tai Chi movie. WARNING: This 92k words eastern fantasy novel contains graphic martial arts violence, hot sex scenes involving monster girls, forced marriage, a harem, cursing, and other material that some readers may find objectionable. Reader discretion is advised.

    He just wanted a quiet life. Something his mother was not going to allow. There again he never for one moment imagined he would have to look into the death of a 90-year-old lady who was gambling away her family fortune. The Hayden Detective Agency has no need of clients. The very existence of the Agency allows Martin Hayden to claim his large monthly allowance from the family fortune - without lifting a finger. Martin’s biggest problem is his interfering mother, who understands her idle son too well. She takes steps to find him not just clients but also a personal assistant to keep an eye on him. Under pressure from the women in his life, Martin agrees to take on his first client. How hard can it be to follow a 90-year-old woman who spends her time losing money at roulette tables? As it turns out harder than Martin ever thought possible, especially with the old lady dying in strange circumstances. Soon the Reluctant Detective is grappling with shady estate agents, an intellectual artist, missing charity money and an irritating Indian waiter. Luckily for Martin there is help in the form of Colin, a transvestite who, apart from having very good fashion sense, is an expert at breaking into houses.

    I knew he would never stop, so I just had to do what I could to survive." Mandy Thomas was just 18 when she met the man who would change her life forever. She was soon under his spell – and then her real nightmare began. Mandy found herself part of a cruel and violent relationship that she couldn’t escape. Until one day he went too far… You Can’t Run is Mandy’s searingly honest and moving true story.

    When she was approved to adopt ten-year-old Lara, a sweet and caring girl, it was a dream come true. Elizabeth knew that that her new daughter had had a difficult past but when she found out that Lara had been abused, the extent of her emotional damage became clear. By the age of twelve, Lara was often out of control, hanging out with drug dealers in Oxford, disappearing for days. For the next five years Elizabeth put herself in danger to rescue her daughter time and time again, while battling the authorities who failed to give Lara the help she so desperately needed. She had no idea that her daughter was being trafficked by a sex ring. Because she refused to give up on Lara, today Elizabeth and Lara have a close and loving relationship. Deeply moving, You Can't Have My Daughter is the story of a mother determined to keep her promise to her daughter: 'I will always be there for you, whether you want me to or not'.

    Violent and disruptive, no foster carer could cope with Leanne's behaviour. Can Maggie Hartley succeed where so many others failed? Perfect for fans of Cathy Glass, Casey Watson, Angela Hart and Rosie Lewis.***** A TRUE SHORT STORY BY THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR MAGGIE HARTLEYEleven-year-old Leanne is out of control.Since being taken into care at the age of three, she has had over forty placements, each carer less able to cope with her anger and destruction than the last.Late one night, foster carer Maggie Hartley receives a terrified call from Leanne's current placement, who has barricaded herself in her bathroom to protect herself from Leanne's rage. With the police on standby, Maggie manages to diffuse the situation but Leanne is left without a home once more.Maggie is Leanne's only hope. But this is her last chance. If this placement fails, she will have to be put in a secure unit.Then Leanne threatens Maggie with a knife and makes accusations against her that have to be investigated by Maggie's superiors. Where most others would simply walk away, Maggie refuses to give up on the little girl who's never known love.Can Maggie get through to Leanne and begin to help her heal? Will the girl no one wanted find her forever home?A true short story by The Sunday Times bestselling foster carer Maggie Hartley. Perfect for fans of Cathy Glass, Casey Watson, Angela Hart and Rosie Lewis.

    But Florence is nursing a broken heart and a terrible secret, which might destroy her one chance of happiness...Meanwhile, a new plane is being developed that could turn the tide of the war, but Florence fears there is traitor is in their midst, putting Siegfried - and the whole country - in terrible danger. Can Florence save her Spitfire boys, and her own heart?

    

    Now, Dylan James, in-house counsel for a D.C. lobbyist firm is once again face-to-face with Cristine Palmer, defense attorney from New York. The passion that had been on a low simmer because of prior relationships is now on full blast. But Dylan has a dark side that he’s certain Cristine will not understand. Cristine has not come this far to walk away from her feelings for Dylan again, so following him to Chicago and bidding for the lover she’s always dreamed of is her only option. This novella is part of the Distinguished Gentlemen Series. It is 1 of 14 novellas that are connected by an event—The Southlake Park Bachelor Auction at the Book Euphoria Weekend Block Party. Here is a list of all the books in this series: The Alpha Bid by Ty Young The Rival Bid by Reese Ryan The Reluctant Bid by Sheryl Lister Losing the Bid by Suzette Riddick Invitation to Bid by Angela Seals The Contingency Bid by Sherelle Green The Renegade Bid by Kelsey Green The Birthday Bid by Suzette D. Harrison An Outlandish Bid by E.J. Brock A Bid on Forever by Joy Avery Switched At Bid by Nicole Falls The Closing Bid by Elle Wright The Bid Catcher by Anita Davis Each novella can be read as a standalone, so please do not feel as if you are committed to purchasing and reading each novella in the series. However, I can safely say that you might be missing out on 14 fantastic stories if you don’t.