Book picks similar to
Cobalt-Chrome by Al Hess
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Orientation
Al K. Line - 2014
Then it got a name: The Lethargy. Everyone just gave up, all interest in life relentlessly gnawed away.Marcus was different - he became the most powerful man alive. A man able to bend reality to his will and peel back the layers of the complex world he found himself alone in.His only true desire was to help safeguard mankind's future, so The Commorancy was constructed, a fabled safe haven for those lucky enough to get an invitation after passing his strict and convoluted entry requirements. But there are those out to ensure humanity is wiped from the planet entirely, led by a tattooed red man that will stop at nothing.Three hundred years living a life that was never meant to be means that Marcus' grip on reality is becoming severely warped. When fifteen year old Letje finally gets her invitation she finds herself completely out of her depth. Haughty goats, an almost mythical man obsessed with changing his clothes at every available opportunity, and doors that go whoosh don't help her situation as the very future of mankind hangs in the balance.
The Whip Master
Breanna Hayse - 2015
Its rolling, manicured grounds echoed with the sharp sounds of a whip striking human flesh and shrill cries filled with both pain and pleasure followed, bringing excited smiles and eager anticipation to the faces and hearts of the listeners. The time of the Cirque de Sade Festival had finally arrived and, with it, the final magnificent display of skills, beauty, and selfless service that would end at the auction block. Guests would be arriving from all over the globe to be served, and entertained, by the staff of this unique establishment. The outside world knew nothing about its purpose, or the real history behind the cold stone walls, and Dorian Graye intended it to remain that way. Things happened in the Manor—things that the real world would never embrace... Pride, Integrity, Loyalty and Love, the acronym of PILL, is a hard one for many to swallow in the eyes in today’s society. In honor of his mentor’s vision for a rich alternative to the old world ideas of domestic service, Graye Manor was founded. Select applicants, known as Graye’s Maids, are trained in the classic skills of a domestic - with one major difference. Each is drawn to the darker side of service and flourishes under the command of a hard palm upon a bare backside- or even, in more hardcore cases, the slash of a whip. Dorian Graye is a master of the Florentine long- tail whip, and has made an art form of throwing the braided snakes to paint a human canvas. Like his namesake, he plays hard, but he loves even harder. Under the slightly sadistic exterior is a man whose greatest desire is for each of his beloved maids to find happiness. He allows nothing to stand in their way, and is willing to sacrifice anything to grant them their heart's desire... even if the journey to that desire means suffering as the door to previously unspoken taboos are opened and explored. The Whip Master is a story about power, surrender, difficult choices and sacrifice during the decadent Cirque de Sade Festival, where anything is possible, and everything is probable. 50 Maids of Graye contains explicit scenes of whipping, severe spanking/caning, branding and other sexual training. If this offends you, please do not read this book.
Gateway
Christina Garner - 2011
Ember's want her dead.Ember has always known she doesn't belong in this world, but when she takes matters into her own hands, she winds up in a mental institution. There she draws the attention of Taren, a mysterious boy with a dangerous secret. When demons attack and they are forced to flee together, Ember learns her secret might be the deadliest of all. With a gateway to hell about to open in Los Angeles, Ember must choose--will she save the world... or end it?
Shadow Days
Andrea Cremer - 2010
Shadow Days, told from Shay's perspective, chronicles the days before the start of the New York Times bestselling Nightshade, when Shay is taken away from the friends he loves and forced to live in his uncle Bosqu Mar's mansion, where the gargoyles seem to move, magic seems real, and nothing is as it should be.
Altdorf
J.K. Swift - 2011
A Duke of the Holy Roman Empire, his cunning overshadowed only by his ambition. A young Priestess of the Old Religion, together with a charismatic outlaw, sparking a rebellion from deep within the forests... and an ex-Hospitaller caught between them all.At the end of the thirteenth century, five hundred orphans and second sons are rounded up from villages in the Alpine countryside and sold to the Hospitaller Knights of St John. Trained to serve as Soldiers of Christ, they fight in eastern lands they know nothing about, for a cause they do not understand.Thomas Schwyzer, released from his vows by the Grandmaster of the Hospitallers, returns to the land of his birth a stranger. Once a leader of men, and captain of the Order's most famous war galley, he now settles into the simple life of a ferryman. He believes this new role to be God's reward for years of faithful service fighting the Infidel in Outremer.Seraina, considered a witch by most, a healer by some, is a young woman with a purpose. A Priestess of the Old Religion, and the last Druid disciple of the Helvetii Celts, she has been gifted by the Great Weave to see what others cannot. Her people need her guidance and protection now more than ever. For Duke Leopold of Habsburg, in his efforts to control the St. Gotthard Pass, builds a great Austrian fortress in Altdorf. Once finished, the Habsburg occupation will be complete, but the atrocities visited upon her people will have just begun.
Swim
Jennifer Weiner - 2006
When she’s not working, she’s swimming—lap after lap at the local indoor pool, in a desperate attempt to wash away the sting of professional failure and heartbreak that she can’t seem to shake. It takes an unexpected client to show her that appearances can be deceiving, and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply dive back in.
Six's Legacy
Pittacus Lore - 2011
But who is she? Where has she been living? How has she been training? When did she develop her legacies? And how does she know so much about the Mogadorians?In I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Six’s Legacy, discover the story behind Six. Before Paradise, Ohio, before John Smith, Six was traveling through West Texas with her cêpan, Katarina. What happened there would change Six forever
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Protecting Haley
Lily London - 2020
Sexy, battle-scarred and knows how to ride. I can’t stop thinking about what it would be like for him to ride me instead of his horses. With my clock quickly ticking down, I’m about to scoop me up a cowboy and show him how I ride."HALEYI never thought I would feel safe again…I had gotten used to hiding and moving from one small town to the next. Living out of my car or small studio apartments, always ready to leave when he found me again. Working at Tranquility Bay Ranch was only supposed to be another temporary stop. But a horse ranch with military veterans working there gave me a sense of security. But when I’m discovered, I know my time is limited so I plan on making the most of it.DEREKI know she’s hiding something…Haley is a woman of mystery. She never reveals anything personal to anyone and it’s driving me crazy. All I needed was some time alone with her outside of the office and dinner at my place is the perfect opportunity. When she offers herself up for dessert, how could I say no? With her smooth skin and curves all mine for the taking, I’m not about to let her slip away. Only her past has come calling and the only thing standing in the way of her dying is me and my men. I finally got a taste of her and I’m not about to let her go now.
Letters to an English Professor
Joely Sue Burkhart - 2009
I knew I had to be in your class. I knew I had to be… Yours. As an Accounting student, Rae Jackson has never cared much for poetry, but that all changes when she hears Dr. Connagher’s distinctive voice quoting some dead dude in the hallway. One look at his face, and she falls. Hard. Piercing blue eyes. Craggy face she could study for hours. And the forearms of a warrior. She can’t sign up for his infamous class fast enough. At least he doesn’t teach Calculus. But an unknown student can’t hide for long in an upper-graduate English class. He calls her to his office, and all she can think about is that gorgeous cherry desk while his rumbling voice rolls her deeper into her fantasies. Oh yes, Dr. Connagher. I’ve been a very naughty student indeed.
Seeking Catherine
Josie Riviera - 2012
Can she trust her heart to him again?During an age of chivalry they were sweethearts, planning a future together in England.Headstrong and proud, Catherine Sudfield remembers everything about Stefan Boswell. And she loved him in spite of his poverty and lack of nobility. The restless Gypsy rogue’s powerful good looks and promises of love were more than enough to satisfy her youthful dreams.But then Stefan left without a word, and Catherine's uncle bargained her off to a brothel.Sometimes, bonds between a man and a woman, however young, are meant to last a lifetime. But will it take more than a dose of Gypsy magic to chase away the doubts between two guarded lovers?SEEKING CATHERINE is a short novella (12,000 words)The story is a sweet romance. (no sex), but with sensual content.
The God Engines
John Scalzi - 2009
The Bishopry Militant knows this -- and so, when it needs a ship and crew to undertake a secret, sacred mission to a hidden land, Tephe is the captain to whom the task is given. Tephe knows from the start that his mission will be a test of his skill as a leader of men and as a devout follower of his god. It's what he doesn't know that matters: to what ends his faith and his ship will ultimately be put -- and that the tests he will face will come not only from his god and the Bishopry Militant, but from another, more malevolent source entirely....
Twixt Firelight and Water
Juliet Marillier - 2011
Now a druid, an ill-tempered raven and an adventurous young woman are drawn together as the time approaches for the evil magic to be undone. Fans of the Sevenwaters series will love this new episode, which fleshes out the history of druid Ciaran and his constant companion Fiacha.
Cupid on the Loose!: A Valentine's Day Anthology of Short Stories
Lisa BambrickCeCe Osgood - 2015
Will they find love or wave it goodbye? If their man goes down on one knee, will they say yes or no? If an old flame suddenly appears, will it start a fire or fizzle out? Read on and find out...Stories included:* All the World's a Page by Jennifer Gilby Roberts* Miss Understanding in the Ballroom with the Wrench by Geralyn Corcillo* The Wonder of India by Julie Farrell* Vodka and Chocolate Hearts by Jean Oram* Cupid, with a Eucalyptus Tree, in the Teachers’ Workroom by Amy Gettinger* Sugar, It’s Cold Outside by Celia Kennedy* Fly, Robin, Fly by Kathryn R. Biel* Not Just for Valentine’s Day by Karen E. Martin* Cupid’s Second Chance by Lisa Bambrick* And The Winner Is… by CeCe OsgoodThese short reads are perfect for a bit of me-time. So, pour a glass of wine, open a box of chocolates, put your feet up and indulge.
A Different Kind Of Fairy Tale
Morgan Rayne - 2012
Alex reminded himself time and again Stella was just one of the guys. Until she needs an immediate boyfriend, when her ex shows up engaged to the woman he cheated on her with. He gladly steps in and hopes Stella will feel the sparks between them. Can their friendship survive their roles.Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.
Murder Feels Awful
Bill Alive - 2017
The cops call it an accident. But Mark felt murder.In this cozy town in the Virginia mountains, Mark just wants to be left alone. He's an “empath”… so whatever you're feeling, he feels too. Which usually hurts.Plus, he's a total amateur who knows nothing about police work. A near-hermit who can't even go out for lunch without vibing the waiter's back pain. Should he really try to catch this killer?YES. Obviously! He's a freaking empath!So says Pete, his new best buddy. Pete's eager to play Watson to Mark's reluctant Holmes. And he knows just how to make it all work…But the cops aren't amused. Sergeant Gwen is less Southern sweet, more Viking goddess. She wants them both in jail…… and the killer wants far worse.You'll love this twisty mystery, because everyone loves a fast-paced funny cozy with characters you'll love and an amazing surprise ending.Get it now.