Still, with his derisive green eyes, tats peeking out from beneath the edges of his sleeves, and the scruff on his jaw, he was the sexiest man I’d ever seen in my life.He also seemed to delight in disrupting my life.I was there to fix a few pipes; he was there as a guest artist. I was there to do a job, he seemed to take pleasure in upsetting mine.I was a grown up.He was a tattooed troublemaker.This was not going to end well.Tattooed Troublemaker is a standalone story inspired by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s (Stuck-Up Suit). It's published as part of the Cocky Hero Club world, a series of original works, written by various authors, and inspired by Keeland and Ward's New York Times bestselling series.

    From Sprite commercials to The Source magazine to Soho art galleries, the elements and vernacular of the graffiti aesthetic are apparent in today's society. This book examines graffiti's influence from its earliest days to its undeniable ubiquity now. Written by an insider, it includes a general history, in-depth interviews with both the progenitors of the form and current artists, and full-color illustrations of the most important works over the last 30 years. Unlike other subcultures that have been corrupted by the media and the mainstream, graffiti has maintained its sense of the underground and its clandestine feel. The purity and integrity that have defined the graffiti writer's mission have never faltered. The Art of Getting Over offers an unprecedented glimpse into this deeply affecting urban art form.

    Her overprotective father monitors every aspect of her life, so when he becomes employed by Vladimir Ivanov—a sexy Russian with an array of tattoos and an accent that weakens her knees—a bit of danger is within Carter’s grasp. Behind her father's back, she enjoys spending time with Vladimir at his lavish estate. But is he really the upstanding businessman she believes him to be?Vladimir Ivanov reigns as godfather of a Russian mafia crime ring.Vladimir spent five years of his life in a Siberian prison camp and has earned every tattoo inked into his skin. He is a powerful man who gets what he wants, and after stalking the gorgeous tennis player for years—he wants Carter. A little charm melts her heart, and behind the scenes, he orders his henchman to track her every move.He’s a tattooed stick of dynamite ready to blow at the slightest spark.As their romance reaches deadly levels, Carter senses something’s not right. When she’s lured into a compromising position at the hands of a shady European drug dealer, she calls in Boris, Vladimir’s right hand man, to rescue her—without telling Vladimir. With his authority questioned, he sets out to teach Carter a lesson about loyalty she’ll never forget.When Carter realizes she's in too deep, she must fight for her freedom before the attraction turns fatal.But the Russian mafia plays for keeps, and Vladimir’s fierce lust to possess her spirals their romance out of control.RUSSIAN TATTOOS PRISONER - BOOK #2American tennis player Carter Cook is being held prisoner by the Russian mafia...Carter is the obsession of mob boss Vladimir Ivanov, a man she once loved. Now a mafia war has erupted on his home turf, and Vladimir’s enemies have put a bounty on her head to force him to surrender. If she is captured, his rivals will deliver a deadly ultimatum—his life in exchange for hers. The price for Carter’s freedom is Vladimir’s blood.Vladimir holds ultimate power as godfather of the Ivanov Bratva…He spent five years in a Siberian prison camp and has earned every tattoo inked into his skin. He is a powerful man who rules his crew with an iron fist.But his enemies have discovered his only weakness—Carter. Vladimir knows if she stays in his world, he is handing her a death sentence, so he vows to get her home and never interfere in her life again. Giving up the woman he loves is the only way to protect her from the bad guys—including himself.Vladimir’s rivals have a different plan for the ill-fated couple…Some punishments are worse than death, and the head of the Ovechkin Bratva will go to any length to seek vengeance and inflict maximum suffering on Vladimir.Carter may be Vladimir’s weakness, but she is also his only hope for survival. When the boss of the Ovechkin family threatens the man she loves, she must fight for Vladimir’s freedom before their rivals can deliver the fatal blow.Love is blind—but it could also be deadly.RUSSIAN TATTOOS CRIMINAL - BOOK #3Russian mob boss Vladimir Ivanov has many enemies—one of them just kidnapped his wife.A mafia war has erupted in London, and Vladimir’s enemies know his one weakness is his deep passion for his new bride, Carter Ivanov. When rival mob boss Maksim Ovechkin kidnaps her, Vladimir is willing to pay the ransom with his own blood.But Maksim’s plans go deeper than that. Vladimir’s blood may not be enough.Maksim wants Carter for himself.Carter has a secret—she’s pregnant with Vladimir’s heir.If Maksim finds out, the consequences will be disastrous. But Carter isn’t willing to give up on her husband, even if her loyalty to Vladimir puts her life on the line.Some risks are worth taking, however, and Carter has a plan.Unfortunately, Maksim is one step ahead of her.

    What makes the Book of Kells such an extraordinary example of the illuminated manuscript? Why is Durer's self-portrait so iconic? How did Turner's Rain, Steam, Speed turn the art world on its head? What's so great about Jasper Johns's Flag? And who was Whistler's mother, anyway? Art history is filled with paintings that shocked, intrigued, enraged, and mystified their audiences--paintings that exemplified the period in which they were created and forever changed the way we think. Here, 100 examples of these icons of art are presented in beautiful, high-quality reproductions. Each spread features comparative illustrations and details as well as an engaging text that explains why that particular painting belongs in the pantheon of world-changing art.

    From the 1893 Chicago World's Fair to the 2000 Whitney Biennial, a rapid succession of art movements and different styles reflected theextreme changes in American culture and society, as well as America's position within the international art world.This exciting new look at twentieth century American art explores the relationships between American art, museums, and audiences in the century that came to be called the American century. Extending beyond New York, it covers the emergence of Feminist art in Los Angeles in the 1970s; the Blackart movement; the expansion of galleries and art schools; and the highly political public controversies surrounding arts funding. All the key movements are fully discussed, including early American Modernism, the New Negro movement, Regionalism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, andNeo-Expressionism.

    The young artist asked a selection of his heroes, Is it possible to maintain one's integrity and freedom of thought and still participate in the art world? Responding artists--including Gregory Amenoff, Jo Baer, John Baldessari, Jimmie Durham, Joan Jonas, Adrian Piper, William Pope Lawrence Weiner and Richard Tuttle wrote back with advice (Gregory Amenoff: Keep away from art fairs.); encouragement (Joan Jonas: The answer is the Work. To Work. To care about the Work.); and cautionary tales (Adrian Piper: Young artist, it is highly unlikely that you will be rewarded professionally for reaching this point. Nor will it make you popular. On the contrary: you will develop a reputation for being 'difficult, ' 'uncooperative, ' 'inflexible, ' or even 'self-destructive;' and treated [or mistreated, or ostracized, or blacklisted] accordingly.). Twelve of these letters were originally published in Art on Paper. This book expands considerably upon that proje

    Examining visual art from 1980 to the present, it takes an intriguing and accessible approach that motivates students and other readers to think actively about and discuss contemporary art--what it means and how it means what it does. The opening chapter provides a concise overview of the period, analyzing how four key changes (the rise of new media, a growing awareness of diversity, the influence of theory, and interactions with everyday visual culture) have resulted in an art world with dramatically expanded boundaries. Reflecting the paradigm shift from a formalist way of teaching studio art to more varied and open-ended concepts, the remaining six chapters each deal with a key theme--time, place, the body, language, identity, and spirituality. Each chapter features an introduction to the thematic topic; a brief look at historical precedents and influences; a detailed analysis of how contemporary artists have responded to and embodied aspects of the theme in specific works; and an in-depth and fascinating profile of an artist who has extensively explored aspects of the theme in his or her work. Themes of Contemporary Art: Visual Art after 1980 shows how art can be interpreted from several different angles: techniques and materials, historical circumstances, aesthetic qualities, theoretical issues, and an artist's ideas and intentions. Writing in a lucid and engaging style, the authors skillfully reveal the multiple levels of meaning in artworks, drawing connections between contemporary art, art of the past, and everyday existence. The volume is enhanced by 87 illustrations--19 in full color--that demonstrate an immense variety of materials, subjects, and styles. These well-chosen examples will help readers learn to critically describe, interpret, and evaluate contemporary visual art. A bibliography and a timeline that situates contemporary art in the context of major events in world history, art, and popular culture are also included. An ideal core text for courses in contemporary art history, Themes of Contemporary Art: Visual Art after 1980 can also be used as a supplement in modern art, art appreciation, art criticism/theory, and studio art courses.

    With the rising popularity of MP3 files and streaming digital music--and the near-extinction of traditional album art--concert posters have become the most important visual representation of contemporary music.Gig Posters Volume I celebrates this dynamic medium with contributions from 101 top designers--including Rob Jones of Animal Rummy, Steve Walters, Jay Ryan, Gary Houston, Aesthetic Apparatus, Patent Pending Industries, and many more. Throughout the book, their voices offer fascinating commentary and behind-the-scenes information about the creation of gig posters.Readers will also discover 101 perforated and ready-to-frame posters promoting today's most innovative and original bands--including Radiohead, the White Stripes, Modest Mouse, Girl Talk, Queens of the Stone Age, Wilco, and many, many more.Complete with an introduction by founder and curator Clay Hayes, Gig Posters Volume I celebrates the most talented designers, artists, bands, and performers of the twenty-first century.

    Now, something’s wrong with Justin. He can’t sleep, he can’t think straight, and he certainly can’t explain why he keeps waking up naked and covered in blood. Ted might be the only person who can save him-- assuming he’s okay with shooting his childhood BFF with a silver bullet. But that’s what friends are for, right?From Max Booth III and FANGORIA comes Carnivorous Lunar Activities― the ultimate werewolf bromance. It’s a toxic cocktail of An American Werewolf in London, Old School, and Bubba Ho-Tep that dives deep into the well of childhood nostalgia, blood soaked horror, and irredeemable dick jokes to bring readers a slice of Southern Fried horror that proudly wears its heart―not to mention a few other internal organs―on its sleeve."Booth’s book is a breakthrough, from the conceit to the delivery. It’s funny but mean, smart but smartass, and it just might be your favorite werewolf story in the world. CARNIVOROUS LUNAR ACTIVITIES starts out like a play, Grand Guignol, a couple of very compelling characters locked in a helluva conversation, before transforming into a blood-bright explosion of horror joy. Fucked up love, fucked up friendship, and how maybe you shouldn’t live past the best night of your life. Oh, how I loved this book." -- Josh Malerman, author of Bird Box and Unbury Carol

    Since then, painting has been declared dead several times over, and contemporary art has now expanded to include just about any object, action, or event: dance routines, slideshows, functional hair salons, seemingly random accretions of waste. In the meantime, being an artist has gone from a join-the-circus fantasy to a plausible vocation for scores of young people in America.But why--and how and by whom--does all this art get made? How is it evaluated? And for what, if anything, will today's artists be remembered? In The Contemporaries, Roger White, himself a young painter, serves as our spirited, skeptical guide through this diffuse creative world.White takes us into the halls of the RISD graduate program, where students learn critical lessons that go far beyond how to apply paint to canvases. In New York, we meet the neophytes who assist established artists--and who walk the fine line between "assistance" and "making the art." In Milwaukee, White trails a group of friends trying to create a viable scene where rent is cheap, but where the spotlight rarely shines. And he gives us an intimate perspective on three wildly different careers: that of Dana Schutz, an emerging star who is revitalizing painting; Mary Walling Blackburn, whose challenging art defies market forces; and Stephen Kaltenbach, a '70s wunderkind who is back on the critical radar, perhaps in spite of his own willful obscurity.From young artists trying to elbow their way in to those working hard at dropping out, White's essential book offers a once-in-a-generation glimpse of the inner workings of the American art world at a moment of unparalleled ambition, uncertainty, and creative exuberance.

     Stone (Walk of Shame 2nd Generation #1) My name is Stone Ridge and I’m a fucking go getter… I set my sights on what I want and go after it. Not giving up easily is what I’m known for. Well… that and shaking my dick for money. I take pride in knowing I’m damn good at both. Screaming girls everywhere, willing to drop their panties for me and toss their money my way, yet there’s only one girl that I can’t get out of my fucking head. Especially since she’s my damn roommate. Sage Knox… Things were hot between us, both of us looking for the best fucks of our lives; a way to have fun and get off without becoming attached. Until I decided that being attached to her is what I want. She pushed away, afraid of being hurt like she has been since the day her parents abandoned her and her brother Hemy. Every single person in her life has crushed her. I understand her worries and I’m willing to do anything now to take them all away. I’m making her mine one way or another… beginning with my damn body. Styx (Walk of Shame 2nd Generation #2) My name is Styx Sterling and I’m a fucking giver… Most would say of great orgasms and rough sex, but I have so much more to offer, and when I find the right one I’m giving her everything that I fucking have in me: my heart, my soul, and my life. So much more than my asshole father could ever give his family. As fun as it is to have it easy, knowing that I can have any girl I desire, it's no longer enough. I need much more than that. My desires exceed more than a quick fuck with a woman that simply wants me because I’m a fantasy… a popular male entertainer with a big cock. I may give off the impression that I’m just a man-whore that takes any hot woman to bed, but there’s so much more to me than that. It will just take someone looking deeper than my exterior. My heart is looking for a reason to ache. Meadow Jenkins. I knew the second my eyes met those curious green ones at the gym that she was different than the rest. That she wanted to learn about me. Unlike the others, she didn’t jump at the opportunity to have me inside her. Now, I want inside her in more ways than one. Kash (Walk of Shame 2nd Generation #3) My name is Kash Knight and I’m a fucking protector… It runs deep in me, this need to dedicate myself to a woman and make her feel secure and cared for in every single way. Not just physically, but emotionally. But when women see my hard body, all they want is for me to pleasure them and give them their ultimate fantasy. I need something more though, someone I can give my heart to. And when my eyes land on the sassy blonde that seems too busy to put her needs first, I know without a doubt that it’s her I want to take out and show what it feels like to go out with a real man. To be touched by a real man. Eden Quinn… I need a chance for her to see me as something other than just a male fucking stripper– a dirty temptation that knows how to make a whole room of women hot and wet. Slowly, I begin to work my way in and when I find out she has a son that means more to her than life itself, I want so much more than I ever could’ve fucking imagined.

    This photo-heavy book also traces the history of Japanese tattooing, putting the iconography and kanji symbols in their proper context so readers will be better informed as to what they mean and have a deeper understanding of irezumi. Featured tattoos range from traditional tebori (hand-poked) and kanji tattoos to anime-inspired and modern works—as well as everything in between. For the first time, Japanese tattooing is put together in a visually attractive, informative, and authoritative way. Along with the 350+ photos of tattoos, Japanese Tattoos also features interviews with Japanese tattoo artists on a variety of topics. What's more, it contains interviews with clients, who are typically overlooked in similar books, allowing them to discuss what their Japanese tattoos mean to them. Those who read this informative tattoo guide will be more knowledgeable about Japanese tattoos should they want to get inked or if they are merely interested in Japanese art and culture.

    As they peruse covers, read stories and fragments of stories, they begin to suspect that the comics contain hidden messages and… a threat. Fiction and reality blur; sanity and madness become increasingly intertwined as the reader becomes convinced the key to their predicament is to be found between the panels of the strange books. With a dizzying array of inventive visual and narrative styles, Ex Libris continues the line of exploration and play that Madden initiated with 99 Ways to Tell a Story: Exercises in Style. Ex Libris is a tribute to the meta-fictional tradition of writers like Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, Vladimir Nabokov, and Italo Calvino (whose novel, If on a Winter's Night a Traveler, was the inspiration).

    But now they’re older, and their bond is stretched by partners, children, and the tightening net of secrets that are threatening to emerge.On the morning of Nick and Lisa’s wedding, their friend Penny is found poised on the hotel window ledge, soaking wet and ready to jump. As the A Team rally around her, they soon realise that none of them are being as honest with themselves – or with each other – as they think they are…Why does Will look at Jen’s daughter so strangely? What is Dan really doing on his long lunch breaks? And what is the real reason that Penny was found on that ledge?Tense, disturbing and clever, My Husband’s Lies is the second domestic noir from Caroline England, perfect for fans of C. L . Taylor and Apple Tree Yard.

    Once again, his story features Amos Hatcher, the savvy private investigator of the art world.The story begins in New York, where Hatcher is galvanized into action by the brutal murder of Jake Sloane. Hatcher sleuthing takes him to Rome, where a series of random clues, most notably an obscene slogan spray-painted on the wall of the Caprese Collection, lead him closer to the thieves he is tracking. In the course of his investigation, Hatcher discovers that he is on the heels of a mastermind who seems to have a connection with the Red Brigades, an intimate knowledge of the art market, and a mysterious, uncanny obsession with Caravaggio.An inspired and suspenseful detective story, The Caravaggio Obsession is a fascinating portrait of the intrigues that plague the international art world. Unforgettable characters, a plot that never gives the reader pause, and the rich flavor of the "Eternal City" comprise this riveting and sophisticated novel of suspense.