The Serpent's Egg


J.J. Toner - 2016
    But this is Germany, 1938. Their union is against Nazi laws, as Anna is part-Jewish. A Gestapo officer agrees to authorize the marriage, but only if Max infiltrates and betrays a Marxist resistance cell, the Red Orchestra. This is not an assignment that Max can refuse. If he succeeds, Anna will get the wedding she longs for, but many brave resistance fighters will die… What early reviewers are saying about the book: JJ Toner does a fabulous job of lacing fact and fiction together. I do not often give a five-star rating, but this story surprised me, educated me, and entertained me. There was never a dull moment. Well done. JJ Toner captures perfectly the sense of paranoia and fear that prevailed in Berlin during the Third Reich, especially in the years 1938 to 1945. The convoluted intermingling of different agencies, organizations and ministries, and over all the terror of the SS and its departments, is well set out. It was really a matter of who you knew, not what you knew, if you wanted to progress. The fact that the novel is based on the actual story of the Rote Kapelle only adds to the tension

Deep State: Inside the Government Secrecy Industry


Marc Ambinder - 2013
    It was formed from the astonishing number of secrets held by the government and the growing ranks of secret-keepers given charge over them. The government secrecy industry speaks in a private language of codes and acronyms, and follows an arcane set of rules and customs designed to perpetuate itself, repel penetration, and deflect oversight. It justifies itself with the assertion that the American values worth preserving are often best sustained by subterfuge and deception.There are indications that this deep state is crumbling. Necessary secrets are often impossible to keep, while frivolous secrets are kept forever. The entire system has fallen prey to political manipulation, with leaks carefully timed to advance agendas, and over-classification given to indefensible government activities.DEEP STATE: INSIDE THE GOVERNMENT SECRECY INDUSTRY, written by two of the country’s most respected national security journalists, disassembles the secrecy apparatus of the United States and examines real-world trends that ought to trouble everyone from the most aggressive hawk to the fiercest civil libertarian. The book:- Provides the fullest account to date of the National Security Agency’s controversial surveillance program first spun up in the dark days after 9/11.- Examines President Obama’s attempt to reconcile his instincts as a liberal with the realities of executive power, and his use of the state secrets doctrine.- Exposes how the public’s ubiquitous access to information has been the secrecy industry’s toughest opponent to date, and provides a full account of how WikiLeaks and other “sunlight” organizations are changing the government’s approach to handling sensitive information, for better and worse.- Explains how the increased exposure of secrets affects everything from Congressional budgets to Area 51, from SEAL Team Six and Delta Force to the FBI, CIA, and NSA.- Assesses whether the formal and informal mechanisms put in place to protect citizens from abuses by the American deep state work, and how they might be reformed.DEEP STATE: INSIDE THE GOVERNMENT SECRECY INDUSTRY IS based on the authors’ insatiable curiosity for the ground truth and layered on a foundation of original and historical research as well as unprecedented access to lawmakers, intelligence agency heads, White House officials, and secret program managers. It draws on thousands of recently declassified documents and candid interviews with more than 100 military, industry, and government officials.By the bestselling authors of THE COMMAND: DEEP INSIDE THE PRESIDENT’S SECRET ARMY: Marc Ambinder, editor at large at The Week, contributing editor at GQ and The Atlantic, who has covered Washington for CBS News and ABC News; and D.B. Grady, a correspondent for The Atlantic, national security columnist for The Week, and former U.S. Army paratrooper and Afghanistan veteran.

Take It Off: KISS Truly Unmasked


Greg Prato - 2019
    This is untrue. In fact, this period helped resuscitate KISS’s career, as they reestablished themselves in arenas, on the charts, and via MTV, and yielded some of their most popular songs – including Lick It Up, Heaven’s On Fire, Tears Are Falling, Crazy Crazy Nights, Hide Your Heart, Forever, Unholy, and more – many of which consistently found their way into the band’s set lists. While the majority of KISS books are focused on the glitz and glamour of the iconic makeup era, the non-makeup years are ripe to be explored in book form, and Take It Off does just that, zeroing in on the eleven albums KISS issued during this period – including such gold- and platinum-certified hits as Lick It Up, Animalize, Revenge, and Alive III – as well the resulting tours, videos, and other escapades.Take It Off draws on all-new interviews with KISS experts and associates, including the band’s lead guitarist throughout most of this period, Bruce Kulick, plus Crazy Nights producer Ron Nevison and video director Paul Rachman (Unholy/I Just Wanna/Domino). Among the other contributors are Charlie Benante (Anthrax), K.K. Downing (ex-Judas Priest), Derek Sherinan (ex-Dream Theater), and rock music experts Eddie Trunk, Katherine Turman, and Lonn Friend. The book also includes a foreword by Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho and an afterword by acclaimed producer Andreas Carlsson, as well as rare photographs and memorabilia from the period. With KISS currently in the midst of their last ever tour, now is the time to get Truly Unmasked.

One Hell of a War: General Patton's 317th Infantry Regiment in WWII


Dean Dominique - 2014
     “One Hell of a War” is a fascinating blend of first-hand accounts and the strategic decisions that led to them based on the history of the 317th Infantry Regiment from its initial activation in World War II through the end of the war. This book has all the elements everyone loved in “Band of Brothers” with the added integration of the strategic leadership decisions of Patton, Bradley and Eisenhower. Most interestingly, it contains well written and thought-provoking excerpts of the late Colonel James Hayes, who served with the regiment during its entire wartime service. The history books do not say a great deal about the 317th Infantry Regiment of the 80th Infantry Division in WWII. However, it was a regiment that accomplished rather startling results: first bridgehead across the Moselle, cleared out La Grande Couronne de Nancy, participated in the capture of Metz -- the first time in history that the fort had ever fallen to an assault, and, of course, participated in the Battle of the Bulge as one of the first regiments to arrive in the area after the German assault had broken the line. It suffered extremely severe casualties and contained some of the best men ever known. Praise for One Hell of a War... "One Hell of a War" is one of those books you simply can’t put down. It should come with a carrying handle and a sign warning "Do Not Disturb"…one of the most enjoyable WW2 books to date. -Phil Hodges for War History Online I love to read WWII history, and One Hell of a War takes the reader into the foxhole and onto the battlefield like no other book I have read … this is a must read book. -Jim Ravella, President, Folds of Honor Foundation It would be wonderful if every unit who fought during the war had a book like this portraying what was accomplished and how terrible war is for the men who actually fight it. -Gayalyn Wojtowicz, daughter of S/Sgt. Guyowen H. Howard, Sr. 317/B OUTSTANDING! “One Hell of a War” is a magnificent and masterfully told story that effortlessly weaves together the historical operations of one of Patton’s infantry regiments and first-hand accounts like no other book that I have read. A book this excellent is a rarity and should be on every professional reading list. -Colonel Frank Athanason, USA (Ret), Past National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Dean Dominique's careful research and editing of Colonel James Hayes' combat memoirs rings true in a book that is both a scholarly work and an exciting read. Trust me, when you reach the section about the fighting and cold weather during the Battle of the Bulge, you'll want to put on a coat; it's that good. -Alexander Barnes; Author of "In a Strange land; The American Occupation of Germany 1918-1923." A remarkable story about an infantry regiment during WWII that played a key role in operations in Europe. Dean does a masterful job of weaving the personal accounts into the historical context of the major operations. With so few WWII veterans left, books like these are valuable resources. -Rich Killblane, Author of "The Filthy Thirteen; From the Dustbowl to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest: The 101st Airborne’s Most Legendary Squad of Combat Paratroopers." Dean Dominique's new book, “One Hell of a War," knocks it out of the ballpark and is one of the best books I've read…You won't be able to put it down. -Andrew Z.

Espionage - London


John Day - 2017
    A simple idea became the miracle Hitler needed, to bring Britain to its knees over night. Not only that, but it would save both German and British lives and leave the infrastructure of the English towns and cities intact. This character driven story of intrigue and guile will transport you back in time to Alderney and the back streets of London, on a suicide mission. Discover the details of Germany's plan and it’s execution, exposing the best kept secret of WW2. Timing is everything, and a cruel twist of fate changes history. A super-intense John Day Thriller.

Tasha's Story


Lakelia "BlackByrd" DeLoach - 2016
    The ones who drink and smoke while carrying a new life, the ones who take them to court every chance they get to raise their child support? What about the ones who don’t let them see their children, who turn their children against them or who hate their children because daddy doesn’t want or love her? Yeah, you know them and you wonder just like we all do. Having a messy baby momma has got to be the worst thing in the world if you ask many. But then again, some men are just as messy. In this five book series you will meet some very messy baby mommas’; each book telling one of their stories. The stories of the ones who are not happy to be a baby momma and want more and the ones who shouldn't have been a mother in the first place. These five women like to keep up as much drama as humanly possible. There is nothing they won’t do, no where they won’t go and no measures they won’t take to make their baby daddies and the people in their circle lives a living hell. Some feel they are entitled to what they want, some just don’t want to see their baby daddies happy and others just want what’s fair. This five-part series will give you the trials, tribulation, drama, and mess of each woman. These are the stories of Tasha, Brit, Armani, Q and Salena.

Gangsta's Paradise


Latoya Nicole - 2017
    So I bring you Gangsta's Paradise. A tale of murder, sex, lies, and deceit. Murder has always come easy to Gangsta and it never took much to set him off.  Utilizing his strengths and urges to kill, he become the enforcer in his brother's up and coming empire. Killing people for sport was satisfactory for him, until he met Paradise. The daughter and heiress to the Garzon Cartel, she takes Gangsta under her wings.  Teaching him everything she knows, Gangsta is now one of the most feared men in the game. Now a contract killer that most people compares to Lucifer because of his signature ways for killing, he has become a God in the streets.  Until someone decided they wanted to take his spot. Capitalizing on his weakness, Gangsta has now found hisself trapped in a world of lies, deceit, and betrayal. The clock is ticking and the pressure is on for him to save someone that he loves. A Kingpin and a God must reunite and come together before everything he worked for comes crashing down.

Something About The Hood In Him


Porschea Jade - 2017
    But like the old saying goes, “there’s more than meets the eye.” While she tries to balance school and the relationship she has with her controlling boyfriend Donnie, she meets a stranger that causes more problems in her life than he knows, and she doesn’t even know his name. Ishmael is an up and coming rapper, with his main focus on his career and raising his daughter. When problems arise within his brother’s camp, he has to decide whether or not to leave the street life to his older brother, or be his brother’s keeper. Aries is learning to adapt to her newly single life after a breakup with her boyfriend of seven years, Darrion. All is well in her life until she meets the arrogant and cocky Jaiyceon, and he shows her that every good girl needs a little hood love. Everything is good with the couple until scorned exes come into play and turn their lives upside down. Battling with lies and deception, they learn that no one is who they seem to be, and everyone is left thinking who can you trust. When emotions are high and tension runs deep, the end result in all of the mayhem can be deadly. Take a ride with the crew as they try to make it through their test of loyalty and the constant battle for their love.

Hellyer's Trip


Philip Prowse - 2018
    Not as a diplomat – that takes years to perfect – but as someone undercover, someone who’s not what they seem.’ ‘You don’t work for us and never have worked for us. This is what we would put out if you were rumbled. A rogue, a loose cannon — choose your cliché.’ Nick Hellyer is an accidental spy. Expelled in disgrace from Cambridge, he’s hurled into the contradictory and vibrant city of Alexandria as Egypt heads towards the 1967 Arab–Israeli War. His double life as a secret agent mirrors the duplicities of his relationships. But when he stumbles on a war-changing secret, who can he trust not to betray or abandon him? For fans of Charles Cumming and Philip Kerr

Love Galore: When They Ask About Us


Juani - 2017
    Zayla has been in a relationship with Chauncey, the love of her life, for the last five years, and things couldn’t be better between the two. Or so she thinks. Chauncey, the perfect boyfriend. Hard-working, solid, stand-up guy. He runs one of eight of his family's car dealerships and has the perfect woman in Zayla. But is Chauncey hiding a few secrets that could shatter Zayla’s world and put her in the most dangerous situation leaving her fighting for her life? And then, there’s Chop - the leader of the Jacob’s clan. The businessman who only wants to expand his businesses and make sure his family is straight. Anything outside of that is considered a distraction to him. But what happens when these three lives intertwine in a way none of them could have ever imagined? Will Zayla live to see her dreams come true? Will Chauncey be able to get himself out the mess he’s made? And where does Chop fit into all of this chaos? More importantly, who is he?

GOD & SPIES: RECENTLY DECLASSIFIED TOP SECRET OPERATION


Garry Matheny - 2018
    Author GM Matheny was a US Navy saturation diver on the nuclear submarine USS Halibut. Involved in Operation Ivy Bells. America's most important (and most dangerous of the Cold War) clandestine operations. If you like good old fashioned American bravado, espionage and American history, you will enjoy this book. GOD & SPIES is a firsthand account of America's greatest intelligence coup! Operation Ivy Bells was not a onetime intercept of foreign intelligence but an ongoing operation of multiple Soviet military channels! Another reason for the high interest in our operation was the audacious nature in which it was done—with not one person risking his neck but the crews of two US Navy nuclear submarines which rendezvoused in Soviet territorial waters. “How did I end up as a navy diver, four hundred feet down in a frigid Russian sea? After making my dad totally disgusted with me, I set out to make him happy. ‘Honor thy father’ - I struggled with a decision to serve God. ‘Lord, I will give my life to you and serve you if you let me make this dive.’ But I had the impression He only wanted to know one thing: ‘What if I do not let you? Will you serve me anyway?’”

The Jedburghs: The Secret History of the Allied Special Forces, France 1944


Will Irwin - 2005
    Information about them began to be declassified only in the 1980s. Known as the Jedburghs, these Special Forces were selected from members of the British, American, and Free French armies to be dropped in teams of three deep behind German lines. There, in preparation for D-Day, they carried out what we now know as unconventional warfare: supporting the French Resistance in guerrilla attacks, supply-route disruption, and the harassment and obstruction of German reinforcements. Always, they operated against extraordinary odds. They had to be prepared to survive pitched battles with German troops and Gestapo manhunts for weeks and months while awaiting the arrival of Allied ground forces. They were, in short, heroes.The Jedburghs finally tells their story and offers a new perspective on D-Day itself. Will Irwin has selected seven of the Jedburgh teams and told their stories as gripping personal narratives. He has gathered archival documents, diaries and correspondence, and interviewed Jed veterans and family members in order to present this portrait of their crucial role -- a role recognized by Churchill and Eisenhower -- in the struggle to liberate Europe in 1944-45.This is narrative history at its most compelling; a vivid drama of the battle for France from deep behind enemy lines.

Hugh Glass, a Revenant: The "true" story of Hugh Glass and the Grizzly (Campfire Tales Book 1)


Robert Dwyer - 2015
    First in the Campfire Tales series that includes stories of western men like Hugh Glass and John Colter.

THOTiana


Colby Durden - 2017
    A dirty ass, no good, trifling ass female that will jump on any dude. This term, originating from the streets of Chicago, is derived from the term, "T.H.O.T" which means "THAT HOE OVER THERE". Tatiana "Tati" Perkins, a young, ambitious and goal-driven college student, is a psychotic side bitch with issues. And not just daddy issues. REAL ISSUES. She gets off on ruining homes, even her own. Self-destructive, sex addicted yet cunningly intelligent, Tati is in possession of a deadly secret that will have yo ass go woooooooooow - this bish cray cray fa real fa real. Read more in "THOTIANA" by Quan Millz.

Alaska Challenge: A Journey Through Uncharted Wilderness Leading to a New Life in a New Land


Ruth Albee - 2020