She was too focused on building her career, putting it way above love and even herself. Landing an unexpected job at a top marketing firm was a dream come true. And now that a major opportunity for her to become partner pops up, the ambitious beauty is determined to land the new job role. Until everything starts spiraling uncontrollably once her boss’s son, a man too good looking to be true, crashes into her world, threatening everything she has worked so hard to build…by snatching her new dream job. 
Kalmon Howard is a man who is no stranger to success. Ruling the streets and making endless amounts of cash are just two of the many accomplishments of this sexy, yet ruthless businessman. Never being one to shy away from the sword, Kalmon does anything to protect his family and empire. And those that try to cross him, always wish they hadn’t. After his last headache dealing with his ex, love is the last thing on Kalmon’s mind. He’s more concerned with diving into new business ventures and he sets his sights on the one company he helped build from the ground up. He never had an issue earning respect from anyone…until Azia Price stepped into his life.
 Like a bee to honey, Azia is drawn to Kalmon and despite her mind convincing her to stay away from this bold stranger, their hold on each other is too powerful. But while the pair become more acquainted, hidden truths start crawling out from every direction. Neither Kalmon nor Azia could have imagined how connected they would become or realize how connected their lives truly are. But they’re surely about to find out and life will never be the same again. Passion and desire fill the pages of this love tale but most of all, deceit. Kalmon secures Azia’s heart but will he also be the person who ultimately breaks it?

    

    Now, for the first time, editors Jason Sizemore and Lesley Conner are collecting the award winning and nominated stories, those chosen by readers as Story of the Year, and their own personal favorites into one anthology. A Veil that wipes the experiences of war from soldiers’ memories. A witch who faces down both God and the devil to save a soul. A swaying dance that crosses the galaxy to transmit a message. A vampire caught in a web of politics and law by his responsibility to his family. Within this collection, you will find 21 stories that explore what it means to love, to regret, to be human. With stories by Ursula Vernon, Ken Liu, Rachel Swirsky, Sarah Pinsker, Rich Larson, and more, Best of Apex Magazine: Volume 1 brings readers some of the best stories Apex Magazine has published so far.Cover art by Adrian Borda.TABLE OF CONTENTSJackalope Wives by Ursula VernonGoing Endo by Rich LarsonCandy Girl by Chikodili EmelumaduIf You Were a Dinosaur, My Love by Rachel SwirskyAdvertising at the End of the World Keffy R.M. KehrliThe Performance Artist by Lettie PrellA Matter of Shapespace by Brian TrentFalling Leaves by Liz ArgallBlood from Stone by Alethea KontisSexagesimal by Katharine E.K. DuckettKeep Talking by Marie VibbertRemembery Day by Sarah PinskerBlood on Beacon Hill by Russell NicholsThe Green Book by Amal El-MohtarL’esprit de L’escalier by Peter M. BallStill Life (A Sexagesimal Fairy Tale) by Ian TregillisBuild a Dolly by Ken LiuMulto by Samuel MarzioliArmless Maidens of the American West by Genevieve ValentinePocosin by Ursula VernonShe Gave Her Heart, He Took Her Marrow by Sam Fleming

    Cursed.All who venture to the island disappear.But Gavin doesn't believe in such things. He is a hunter; since his father's death, he is the only one who can provide for the family. Silly rumors of ghosts aren't going to stop him from crossing the dark waters to the island in search of fresh game...

    Take a stroll on the beach and be mesmerized by the perpetual eruptions of our volcano mines – number one suppliers of interstellar travel fuel in the colonized galaxy! Head to a government approved bar and enjoy our exclusive brand of alcohol that is strong like a real patriot should be. While there, you will listen to our national songs that you will memorize before your departure. The capital Nerayah is full of landmarks and attractions not to be missed by any respectful visitor. You will stay in the best hotel in town – The Imperial Star of Glorious Remania. You will go to the Central Media Tower, visit the Eternal Freedom Square to pay your unquestionably profound respect to the Supreme Council residing there. You will attend cultural performances and visit other landmarks required by the itinerary provided to you on your arrival. While in Remania, you will be watched on a permanent basis. You are not to deviate from your route or make any unauthorized contact with any citizen of our peace-loving land. You are to watch at least four hours of Truthovision every day of your stay on the planet. Your movements will be monitored by the Police, the Secret Police, the Elite Guard, as well as by our clerical staff. The patriotic citizens of Remania will also be watching you and reporting any unlawful behavior at their local honesty hub. Enjoy your stay in Remania – your experience will be unforgettable in more ways than you can imagine. * This ad was approved by the Central Media Committee – resolution 75478.

    She may be right. A high-tech electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) attack destroys the country's power and communication grids, and sends the U.S. hurtling back to the Dark Ages. Can Dee learn to survive without the basics: electricity, clean water... even her cell phone? The chaos caused by the EMP isn't her only problem. A sinister plot by a corrupt official threatens Dee and all she holds dear. She will have to fight if she wants to survive in this hostile new world. Written for all fans who love apocalypse stories, Outage is a Young Adult novel of survival with a hint of romance and a lot of action-adventure.

    The day after the troupe arrives in tiny Morgan’s Crossing, the manager takes all the money and leaves town. By opening a dressmaker shop, Cinnia hopes to make the home she’s always wanted, but Nola, the older sister who has made the decisions for the orphaned sisters, disagrees. Leather worker Nicolai Andrusha is living in hiding as Nic Andrews until the patent on his family’s tanning process is approved. Although he’s under a mandate to keep a low profile, he’s intrigued by the red-haired performer. Controversy arises when miners claim they paid the manager for private appointments with the female performers. Will Nicolai defy his family obligation to help the stranded beauty who has caught his eye?

    Part two of the get me right again series left off with some news that kept everyone on their toes. What’s going to happen with Shaniqua and the baby? Will the baby be strong enough to survive? Then, there’s Desmond’s grandmother; the woman who raised him ever since he was a little boy. Did she survive those gun shots that Vick gave her? There are so many questions that need to be answered, and this final installment will take you on a very extreme emotional roller coaster. Shaniqua and Desmond have had curve ball after curve ball thrown at them ever since they solidified their relationship, but can one curve ball be the end? Can this Miami couple finally get it right and receive that happily ever after that every couple dreams about?

    The world outside for an orphan teen on dark Victorian streets is not a kind one.Bradford Pikes has loved Amy since their first childhood games together, but now his sweetheart has disappeared and his love remains unspoken. He knows the dark London streets swallow innocent girls like Amy leaving them bereft of not only family but of hope.Will he find her in time? Save Amy from the forces arrayed against their love? Or will the Sheffield lass be lost forever?The Lost Lass of Sheffield is the debut Victorian romance by Rosie Swan. If you love historical Victorian sagas that celebrate the resilience of the human heart in the face of insurmountable challenges you will love the deep and moving tale of The Lost Lass of Sheffield.

    Walsh comes an introspective and emotional novel with vivid characterization. This insightful, nostalgic, and witty story follows the lives of three teenage girls as they 'come of age’. In 1953, the world was ripe for destruction. The Korean War dragged on and the Rosenbergs were executed as spies. Senator Joseph McCarthy convinced the country communists were infiltrating the government, and the threat of nuclear war festered in the collective consciousness of the nation. While American’s constructed backyard bomb shelters, the government conducted nuclear tests in the desert, three teenage girls planned their futures. Their innocent conversations about what each of them would do if the end of the world were imminent, coupled with a friend’s obsession, become the catalyst for a prank that spins wildly beyond control and draws in an entire town. Left behind in the wake of that summer’s events are their unrealized dreams and open wounds. In 1973, a reunion trip to the small town of their youth returns them to the summer of 1953 and the passion and betrayal that changed their lives. BE PREPARED! This summer will be Atomic! What readers are saying about Atomic Summer? Every character comes alive Refreshing The story transported me back in time ˃˃˃ Why should you grab a copy of this award winning novel?In addition to being one of the top summer reads, the author dedicated the book to her mother who died of cancer and is donating all her royalties to cancer causes and charities. Grab your copy now and see why everyone else loves Atomic Summer

    Jimmy Rabbitte hates jazz, always has. But his wife Aiofe loves it, and Jimmy loves Aiofe. So when, in attempt to convert him, she buys him two tickets for a Keith Jarrett concert he decides to take Outspan, former member of Jimmy's band The Commitments, who has come back into his life after a chance meeting in the cancer clinic. Jarrett is famous for being intolerant of any noise at all - a cough, a sneeze, a wheeze - from the audience, stopping playing and shaming the perpetrator. And Outspan's diagnosis is lung cancer, it's pretty bad, and he needs an oxygen cylinder to breathe properly.Will Outspan create havoc? Will Jimmy learn to love jazz at last?

    But the journey was not an easy one.Featuring narrow escapes, thrilling boat races and at least one deadly volcanic wasteland.

    

     The names in the updated story have been changed and it has been reedited. A beautiful Memorial Day weekend is shattered by the New Madrid Fault erupting. The massive eruption which exceeded the country's previous record of a 9.0 changed the landscape of the Midwest. The earthquake sent shock waves through the ground, these shock waves set off other faults resulting in the largest disaster to ever strike the country. The New Madrid Fault caused a new grand canyon where the Mississippi River flowed, the quake ruptured other faults which cared a large capital letter "C" from where the Mississippi River was, north to the ruins of Chicago and east to New York City. The West was dealing with their own quakes as the faults along the west coast erupted, the eruptions in America's faults was quickly followed by the "Ring of Fire" that runs from Australia north through SE Asia and across the Pacific to Alaska before moving south along America's West Coast. The newly elected American President died when a giant wave rushed up the Potomac  River, the new VP had been in the UK, he flew home where he decided to focus the rebuilding on the western half of the country, the more progressive side. He decided to leave the SE to die or become so needy they would quickly give up their guns and Bibles for his assistance. He guessed wrong, the SE rose to challenge the West. Earthquake, a story of what could be.

    Think Clark Gable with larceny in his heart and a price on his head. A price put there by the German Gestapo. But Blacky's always got an angle, and this time it s as audacious as they come. He'll hide in plain sight, impersonating the crowned head of a Balkan kingdom. He'll become The Iron Duke.Can he pull it off? Win the love of a country...and of a beautiful woman? All Blacky has to do is risk everything and, for once in his life, find a way to do the right thing. Get in on the deception as the audio version of The Iron Duke puts you in the middle of the royal con game. "Filled with realistic sound effects...and a classic film noir atmosphere, this inspired and well-polished entertainment will immerse listeners." —Publishers WeeklyHubbard and Gable were fast friends and fellow adventurers. While Hubbard was writing for Columbia Pictures in 1937, the studio often called upon him to doctor scripts for Gable—giving him a unique knowledge of the man and inspiration for characters like Blacky Lee.*An AudioFile Award Winner