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

    Now Sam is putting down roots with his wife and daughter, and no amount of evil can stand in the way.Secure in their out-of-the-way stronghold, the proprietors of the criminal enterprises never planned on a man like Sam Blaylock—a man who would face the Devil himself to balance the scales. Sam never backed down from a bad situation.Rancho Diablo Western Series: Omnibus includes – Shooter's Cross, Hell On Wheels, The Hold Up, The Matamoros Bull, The Armadillo's Hole Saloon and Shooter York.

    She's on her honeymoon with a husband who isn't what he seems. They're both in the wacky world of New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister's paranormal Otherworld.On his first day of vacation, Jim ended up naked, alone, and banished to limbo. Things went downhill from there.In a wild ride through Finland with very non-Shakespearean Titania, double-dealing Oberon, and a plethora of militant nymphs bent on revenge, The Perils of Effrijim is loaded with quirky characters, a fast-paced story, and an adorable demon who just wants to be with his beloved.In Cat Got Your Tongue Joy Randall thought her honeymoon with husband Raphael was going to fulfill all her expectations, but almost immediately they run into a decades-old curse, a spurned ghostly first wife, and a long-dead randy Scottish Laird. As if the odd inhabitants of their castle wasn't enough, Joy finds she isn't going to get the honeymoon she deserves until she settles an ancient feud...which uncovers some pretty shocking secrets about her new husband.This collection of two short stories and assorted mini short pieces were published previously, and gathered here for the first time. The Perils of Effrijim collection also includes excerpts of the two books that launched the characters in the stories: You Slay Me and A Girl's Guide to Vampires.

    We bring the heat, the heroes, and the stories that make you scream for more.The Dom Who Loved Me (Masters and Mercenaries #1) by Lexi BlakeSean Taggart is hunting a terrorist. Grace Hawthorne holds the key to his success. When Grace reveals her submissive nature, seducing her becomes more than a mission. As passion engulfs them, Grace discovers his hidden agenda. Sean must choose between catching a monster and being Master of Grace's dreams.Bodywork (The Works #1) by Marie HarteWhat do scalding coffee, a naked man, and terrible dating advice have in common? Two people hurt by love in the past are offered a second chance at happiness. That’s if they can overcome first impressions, a teenage Romeo, and the wacky suggestions of well-meaning family. Jingle Ball by Cari Quinn(A short story from A Very Naughty Xmas)This year, rocking the office holiday party has taken on a whole new meaning.All receptionist Wendy Stanton wants for Christmas is a chance for a relationship with her sexy, dominant boss outside the boardroom. But his secrets—and hot encounters including her other boss—are complications she never expected.Dust of My Wings (Dante's Circle #1) by Carrie Ann RyanHumans aren’t as human as they think and the world is filled with the supernatural. Warrior Angel Shade is sent to the human realm to protect his brethren, but when he finds the sweet human Lily, he’ll have to make the ultimate decision—fate or duty. Pick Your Pleasure by Jayne RylonEver read a book and wish the heroine hadn’t done that, gone there, or slept with that guy? Now you’re in charge. Tailor your perfect short story or be adventurous. Read through all the different paths to see where life can take you…if you choose. Go ahead, pick your pleasure.

    She's ready for a little R&R, a getaway weekend with her best friend.Heading to a nice, sedate Shakespeare festival, Jane never expected to drive straight into the mother of all thunderstorms. And she never imagined she'd discover a treasured book on witchcraft in a tiny local library. And honey badgers? She never dreamed she'd run into ravening, rampaging honey badgers.Spells work differently in Assjacket, West Virginia. How quickly can Jane forge a path through the magic and mayhem? Because honey badgers aren't the worst thing lurking in the shadows!

    Aria Amherst lied about her age the first night she and Ryker met.But when he kissed her… he just didn't care.WILD THING is a smokin’-hot, sexy story of a runaway princess and her reluctant Prince Charming. A tantalizing tale of forced marriage, captive submission, and a hero who doesn’t know he’s a hero until he meets the girl he was meant to save.Kidnapping Lyssa was the easy part. Taming her into submission for a pre-arranged marriage was another story altogether!Pretty Thing is new sexy, brother’s-best-friend romance filled with tender moments, second chances, and steamy love scenes that will make you sigh with happiness when you turn the last page!Off. Limits.That was my best friend's rule when it came to his sister. All these years I’ve honored that. I never broke his trust. Until now.

    She’s surfed the net to learn everything she can about being a monster. She’s ready. She’s even practicing on her sister. Inside her fractured mind, her imaginary mentor, Doctor Nine, promises that he is coming for her. To take her with him and his strange friends; to help her become all that she can be. Is Doctor Nine only a figment of her imagination, or has her madness opened a doorway to something –else? Jonathan Maberry the New York Times bestseller and multiple Bram Stoker award-winning author of Patient Zero, the King of Plagues, and Dead of Night takes you along for a ride through the darkest landscapes of the human soul.

    When his true love Tammy Winslow died saving his life, Jonathan Randall had only one reason left for existing: his baby daughter Sarah. But Sarah's great-grandfather, powerful millionaire Alan Spaulding, was obsessed with bringing her up himself. Faking his death, Jonathan fled Springfield, leaving only his mother Reva Shayne aware he and Sarah were still alive. After being on the run for months, Jonathan comes to the sleepy town of Tourmaline, California, with no intention of staying. But ten-month-old Sarah seems strangely happy here, and Jonathan himself feels an inexplicable pull toward the town. It's almost as if Tammy's ghost were whispering to him that he should stay for a while. But life is hard for a bad boy trying to turn good, until a local young woman comes into his life. Aubrey Cross isn't quite sure what attracts her to this stranger in Tourmaline. Perhaps it's his dark good looks; perhaps it's because she too has always felt as if she doesn't belong in Tourmaline, even though her father is the popular town sheriff. Aubrey alone knows that this pillar of the community is in reality a sadistic abuser. And, of course, with a past like Jonathan's, it's no surprise that life doesn't stay peaceful in Tourmaline for long. Sheriff Zeke Cross is sure there are some secrets buried, and he's not going to rest until he uncovers them. Can Reva protect Jonathan and Sarah before they're discovered by the dangerous Alan Spaulding? Featuring some of Guiding Light's favorite characters, Jonathan's Story is the passionate tale of how Jonathan may have finally found a second chance for true love...but who knows better than Jonathan how quickly everything you love can be ripped away from you?

    Things they preferred to keep in the past. Things that bring painful memories and nightmares. But the past won't stay there. It never does. Having been through hell and back, all survivors, they come together in Riverton to open a new rape crisis center. But little do they know that the grand opening will bring danger to their door. The past will come hurtling back with a vengeance. With their women in horrible trouble, will Victor, Patrick, and Hunter be able to save them? Or this time, will they be able to save themselves before it's too late? Only one thing is for certain . . . danger lurks when you try to protect your secrets.

    

    The Legend of Batman Graphic Novel Collection proudly presents the first special edition book in the series, the fantastic Batman Eternal - Part 1...After a spectacular battle, the unthinkable happens when the incorruptible Commissioner Gordon is arrested for murder! With Batman’s oldest ally behind bars, mob boss Carmine Falcone reappears, determined to rid Gotham of insane criminals, honest policemen and anyone else who stands in his way..Contents: BATMAN ETERNAL #1-13

    Bite into this collection of shifter romance stories of desire, seduction and true mate love by NY Times, USA Today and national bestselling authors.Cyrus - Kenzie CoxCyrus Doucet used to be the bad boy, the one all the girls wanted...all of them except one, the girl next door. Claire Erickson's always been the good girl. But now she's in trouble and the only person she can turn to is her outlaw neighbor.Forbidden Bear - Harmony RainesJoel has met more than his mate. Mia is most certainly his match too, the way she handles her bike, and that skin tight leather catsuit, what more could a bear want? Even if she is a wolf!Cross - Elle ThorneA former Shifter Council Enforcer hell-bent on being left alone finds his plans go to hell in a hand basket when he has to help a curvy spitfire on the run from the mob.Andre - V. VaughnNessa has no interest in the broody bass player, Andre, until he opens his mouth to sing with her. When she helps him write the song of their hearts, she discovers their love is more than beautiful music, but Andre's a polar bear shifter and the only way to be with him is to change. Forever.The Billionaire Shifter's Virgin Mate - Diana SeereHe's a wealthy playboy bear shifter with an enormous appetite for women. She's a virginal pre-med student with no time for nonsense. And then they hear The Beat, an old myth about fated mates that Derry can't believe...but can't ignore.Bait This! - Tasha BlackBillionaire bear Derek Harkness is always in control. Until he meets a curvy witch who takes him out of his element. When the you-know-what hits the fan, Derek and Hedda will have to work together if they want to get out of Copper Creek alive.Damage Report - Mandy M. RothWeston just wants to return to his solitary life off the grid where he can drop off the radar of those looking to kill him. Then news reaches him of a woman in danger and he can't help but rescue the damsel in distress, especially since she is his future. But it's been too long since he's seen to his manly needs, and way too long without shifting, so one small stop on the way shouldn't interfere with fate too much, right?Tempt me Cowbear - Liv BrywoodRecent divorcee Donna is on a mission to indulge in each of the seven deadly sins, beginning with a trip to the Curvy Bear Ranch's cooking class. She gets more than she bargained for when she finds Brody, a sexy cowboy with a scorching hot body. Brody thinks the curvy blonde bombshell, his bear insists is their mate, is totally wrong with her filthy rich, self-absorbed seductive ways. They both have to decide if their recipe for love is worth a chance.

    The Dandy's back again for another bumper feast of comic fun! Catch up with Desperate Dan, Winker Watson, Corporal Clott, Keyhole Kate, The Jocks and the Geordies and more! Loved by the young and the young-at-heart alike, The Dandy Annual is a book for the whole family to enjoy!

    Sure she can’t afford the financial hit, but she’d deal. Until her best friend convinces her to hire the Brotherhood Protectors to get to the bottom of the thefts. She just hopes whoever they send doesn’t find out about what she does when she isn’t waitressing, or the terrible events she’s tried so hard to forget. Some secrets need to remain hidden because some wounds may never heal. Greer “Bull” Gorsch has wanted the sexy redheaded waitress at the café, so he takes the assignment to find out who is behind the cattle thefts at Shelby’s ranch. He doesn’t count on a fearful young boy to bring up memories he thought long buried or the reason why the young man is on her property. Suddenly he’s dealing with more than an ordinary cattle theft and in spite of his best intentions, he’s falling in love with his assignment

    First, from a father that didn’t want him then from the place he grew up. Circumstances have shaped him into a hardened, sometimes angry man. The future of their kind, of all shiften, had been bleak until news that a destined mate had been found. With the help of his friends he’s held onto the last shred of his humanity and now has hope for himself and his fellow bearen. Zane never had a reason to believe that his world could change from a mate-less life spent fighting dangerous fires to one with a chance for a One True Mate for him to love. Poppy Woodall loves her life in Serenity. She cares for the community through her massage therapy and shares a special gift with those that need it. Her mother promised she had a greater destiny, although Poppy wasn’t sure how that would happen with her quiet life. Plagued by nightmares that have haunted her since childhood, Poppy holds on to hope that one day she’ll have all the answers. A dark shadow, a hateful plan, and true love fighting against those that want to see it destroyed. Can Zane fight against an unseen force and show Poppy that she can trust him with her heart?