But for the baseball cognoscenti, there are just a few "must-have" classics: BALL FOUR by Jim Bouton. THE LONG SEASON by Jim Brosnan. WILLIE'S TIME by Charles Einstein. And SEASONS IN HELL by Mike Shropshire, which was a hilarous first-person account of Mike's travails serving as a daily beat writer covering the hapless 1972 Texas Rangers. Now, in The Last Real Season, Shropshire captures the essence of a different time and different place in baseball, when the average salary for major leaguers was only $27,600...when the ballplayers' drug of choice was alcohol, not steroids...when major leaguers sported tight doubleknit uniforms over their long-hair and Afros...and on July 28th, 1975, the day that famed Detroit resident Jimmy Hoffa went missing, the Detroit Tigers started a losing streak of 19 games in a row. On the day that the Tigers blew a 4-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Shropshire recalls: "I drank three bottles of Stroh's beer in less than a minute and wrote that 'Jimmy Hoffa will show up in the left field stands with Amelia Earhart as his date before the Tigers will win another game.'"And so it goes. Filled with just the kind of wonderful baseball stories that real fans crave, this is the funniest baseball book of the year.

    Even though the past two years have witnessed the Red Sox' finally putting an end to the Curse of the Bambino and the White Sox' bringing a championship to the South Side of Chicago for the first time in eighty-seven years, the sad truth is that the 2005 and 2006 seasons may be remembered as much for the league's scandals and blockbuster free-agent signings as they are for historic accomplishments on the field. Something has gone horribly wrong with the game, and according to Schmidt, it's time to do something about it.Clearing the Bases is a much-needed call to arms by one of baseball's most respected players. Drawing on his experiences as a third baseman, a manager, and, most recently, a fan, Schmidt takes on everything from skyrocketing payrolls, callous owners, and unapproachable players to inflated statistics, and, of course, ersatz home run kings. With bold and spirited counsel, Schmidt offers his own prescription for restoring integrity to the game and bringing baseball back, once and for all, to its rightful place.More than just an old-timer's screed against the modern game, however, Clearing the Bases goes beyond the BALCO investigation and never-ending free-agent bonanzas that dominate the back pages. It also examines all that's right -- and what still needs work -- with our national pastime, including interleague play, expansion, and, most surprisingly, better all-around hitters.Riveting, wise, and illuminating, Clearing the Bases is a Hall of Famer's look at how Major League Baseball has lost its way and how it can head back home.

    As paranoia takes its ugly hold, it’s clear some things just can’t be forgotten…or forgiven.

    All that she thought she knew…destroyed. All because Dr. Kaitlin Mulroney trusted the wrong man…a traitor. Now there’s just one thing to do...die—before another assassin is sent to kill her.Major Steve Granger had a solitary mission: protect the genius. He hadn’t meant to get involved with the gorgeous woman hidden beneath clunky glasses and an oversized lab coat. Now, unless he regains her trust fast, she could end up dead for real.*Previously published in the Mammoth Book of Special Ops Romance anthology. This version of The Traitor contains expanded scenes.

    They’ll stand up to danger and protect their loved ones, no matter the cost. Rodeo men put it all on the line whether they are fighting a bull or staying on a bronc, but also tenderly love you all night long. Cowboy Wrecked There’s nothing Rayanne Whitfield wants more than a family to call her own. Top bull rider Luke Greer is badly injured in a riding accident, leaving him unable to sire children. Can these two find a way to build a life together? A Cowboy’s Code After her mother’s sudden death, Daisy Zamora is determined to find her infant sister’s daddy to make him take responsibility for the baby. Because she remembers all-too-well what it’s like to grow up without one, Daisy’s going to be sure her sister knows her own father. Nothing and nobody ties down bull rider Clay Norwood—and that’s the way he likes it. When a woman he’s never met, shows up claiming he’s fathered a child, he does the only thing he can—take responsibility. Cowboy Two-Step Injured ballerina Olivia DeMille reluctantly agrees to accompany her brother to his bull riding school, even though she has no interest in boot scootin’ cowboys. The only dancing she wants to do is ballet, but a ruined knee has sidelined her for good. As a professional bull fighter, it’s Tucker Wallace’s job to make sure rodeo cowboys don’t get hurt. Outside the arena, he’s a crackup, never taking anything too seriously, especially girls. Can a ballerina twirl her way into his heart? Heeling Her Cowboy Rodeo doctor Fallon Mulvaney has just been dumped by a cowboy. The last thing she wants is another rodeo Romeo. Can she keep her heart safe from sexy team roper Gabe Bowie? Watching his parents break up and reconcile dozens of times made Gabe Bowie leery of commitment. When he’s in an accident that puts him under the care of Dr. Mulvaney can Gabe overcome his urge to bolt? Roped By a Cowboy Nora Reed will do anything to save her son. Even if it means taking him to the man he’s never met. Because she realized the man she fell in love with sixteen years ago wasn’t in a place to be tied down, she let him go. Tie-down Roper Bellamy Bowie never forgot the woman he spent a week with at the National Finals Rodeo more than a decade ago. When she shows up with their drug-addicted son, he knows he must try to help. What Nora and Bellamy don’t count on is getting roped back into love. I Do, Cowboy Scarred by domestic abuse, Beck Bowie is scared to trust men again. A chance encounter with a stranger in a Las Vegas bar tests her ability to love again. Left standing at the altar by a rodeo queen, Sean Brogan is willing to take on a woman carrying another man’s baby to protect her and the child. Will this marriage of convenience turn into the real thing? Pick up this set of sexy novellas featuring three new ones by the Best-Selling Western Romance author- D'Ann Lindun

    But some crabby bureaucrat is standing between him and the permits he needs. He's surprised to discover the culprit is actually beautiful, young Shannon Morgan, and even more shocked when fireworks ignite between them. Unmasking Love: Sparks fly when Julie Payne meets Trace Watkins at a costume party, and they end the night beneath the sheets while literally hiding behind their masks. When the holiday hook-up ends, their real identities present a serious snag: Trace manages the bank Julie happens to be suing. But will they turn this nasty trick of fate into a treat? Lights, Latkes, and Love: Non-profit CEO David Shay can't get enough of the December festivities. As manager of a large retail store, Hannah Jenkins, on the other hand, turns into a jaded Scrooge every year on Black Friday. Can a nice Jewish boy - with the help of some Christmas lights, a little girl, and a latke party - teach Hannah the true meaning of the season and guarantee them both a New Year's Eve kiss to remember? Ringing in Love: When entrepreneur and single mother Catherine Bennett leases office space in Dominic Russo's building, she can't keep her mind - or her eyes - off her new landlord. Only problem is, he happens to be a known womanizer . . . and her professional rival. Then he offers her an irresistible chance at winning a huge contract if she partners with his company. Catherine must decide whether mixing business with pleasure might not be such a bad idea this New Year's Eve. The Gift of Love: Isabella Rodriguez received the worst birthday gift ever - an eviction notice from her family home. Adrift, she accepts an unexpected promotion and transfers to Seattle where she meets Taylor Jordan at a business mixer. They're drawn to each other like candles to a cake. But when Taylor discovers Bella was behind one of the most humiliating experiences of his life, will they be able to find a future together? Thankful for Love: Rancher Jack Richardson needs someone to wrangle his two sons, and Quanna Morales needs a steady job to fund her education and help support her disabled brother. But despite a working relationship, the two can't fight their attraction, even though Quanna worries his family and friends won't accept her Indian heritage. When her worst fears come true and a feud erupts at the Thanksgiving table, will Jack be able to convince her that their love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle? Sensuality Level: Sensual

    Warren I was doing a favor for my sister, but that led her into my club. This was no place for a woman like her, but I wasn't a man that would turn her away. No, I'd teach her and mold her for myself. Fatima One favor turned into another. One apology turned into Warren seeing how much I enjoyed things I knew not of. I told him I could handle it, but he knew better. His response to me only led me deeper down the rabbit hole. One that I did not want to come out from. Please note, Warren is a short novella and will only take up a percentage of this book. Never before chapters from three yet-to-be-released books, Always Right, Love at All Costs: Stetson Series and Dream Ride: Legion of Guardians are also included at the back of the short novella. Along with a preview of Take A Knee and Cole.

    Every day for three years, she’s mourned the loss of her parents, tried to find the people responsible for their murders. Holding tight to her only living family – her sister and her aunt - this brave young Witch searches for answers in the most unlikely of places.When assigned the murder case of two powerful Witches very close to his hometown, Agent Ranger Evans never expected to find his Mate in the process. Unfortunately, three years have passed, he’s recovering from a life-threatening fight with the people responsible, and he’s no closer to claiming the sweet Ellie MacLeish as his own.Why is it danger is always lurking in the most unlikely places? Who could be orchestrating the murder of innocent Witches? Why leave their bodies out in the open to be found so easily? Can the answers truly lie at the exclusive Crimson Moon Resort?Only Destiny knows the answers and She’s not talking. But, one thing’s for sure Fate Will Not Be Denied, and neither will the sexy Agent Evans.

    Includes:BABY PROOFClaudia Parr has everything going for her. A successful editor at a publishing house in Manhattan, she's also a devoted sister, aunt, and friend. Yet she's never wanted to become a mother—which she discovers is a major hurdle to marriage, something she desperately wants. Then she meets her soul mate Ben who, miraculously, feels the same way about parenthood. The two fall in love and marry, committed to one another and their life of adventure and discovery. All's well until one of them has a change of heart. Someone wants a baby after all.This is the witty, heartfelt story about what happens to the perfect couple when they suddenly want different things and there is no compromise. It's about deciding what is most important in life and wagering everything to get it. And most of all, it's about the things we will—and won't—do for love.WHERE WE BELONGMarian Caldwell is a thirty-six-year-old television producer living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and picture-perfect relationship, she has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door . . . only to find Kirby Rose, an eighteen-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had locked away forever. As Marian and Kirby embark on a quest to find the one thing missing in their lives, each will come to recognize that where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves. A place that we may have willed ourselves to forget, but that the heart remembers forever.HEART OF THE MATTERTessa Russo is a stay-at-home mother of two young children and the wife of a renowned pediatric surgeon. Valerie Anderson is an attorney and single mother to six-year-old Charlie—a boy who has never known his father. Although both women live in the same Boston suburb, they are strangers to one another and have little in common, aside from a fierce love for their children. But one night, a tragic accident causes their lives to converge in ways no one could have imagined. This is the moving, luminous story of good people caught in untenable circumstances. Each being tested in ways they never thought possible. Each questioning everything they once believed. And each ultimately discovering what truly matters most.

    Pete Van Wieren’s legacy began in 1976, when he and a young Skip Caray were hired to call Atlanta Braves games. During the next three decades, "the Professor" and Caray became the voices of a team known nationwide as America's Team courtesy of Ted Turner's SuperStation TBS. In this heartfelt autobiography, Van Wieren shares his memories of thrilling moments in Braves history, such as the 1995 season when the Braves won the world championship; the pitching mastery of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz; the heartbreak of the 1996 World Series loss to the Yankees; and Atlanta's unprecedented run of 14 consecutive division titles.

    This book revisits the main performers of this illustrious team and weaves their stories into a cohesive narrative that captures all the drama and color of Detroit's 1968 season.

    Her parents were murdered on Christmas day, and she’s been running from the killers ever since. Now they’ve found her living next door to a sexy man in love with Christmas who has her thinking about naughty and nice. Zane Cutler never loses. That includes winning the prize for the best decorated street in the Christmas Light Competition. His new, pretty neighbor refuses to participate and jeopardizes the win, which he can’t allow. But when he learns her life is in jeopardy with no one else to help her, he does what he’s trained to do. Protect her. Amidst the backdrop of the holidays, Faith and Zane must learn to trust each other in order to stop the killers or this will be their last days of Christmas.

    There’s Moss, living in his father’s shadow; Jessica, the doomed mother; Moss and Billie’s children, trying to live up to insurmountable expectations; and the grandchildren, heirs to a tarnished empire. Most of all this is the triumphant story of Billie Ames Coleman, who holds them all together.Texas Heat: The magnificent Austin empire now belongs to Moss and Billie’s daughter Maggie. She has invited the whole family to a Fourth of July barbecue in celebration of a renewed sense of family pride. But as loved ones gather, they bring along old resentments and new temptations destined to generate more than a little heat.Texas Fury: For Amelia Coleman Assante, the last surviving child of a legendary tycoon, it is a time of transition. As her family’s kingdom faces new challenges on the horizon, she starts a fateful journey that recalls a troubled past controlled by a father’s iron will.Texas Sunrise: Billie Coleman Kingsley, beloved matriarch of the clan, is dying. As her family gathers together, the indomitable Billie offers new hope to heal the rifts that separate them. Even as her own strength fails, Billie instills courage, fortitude, and her conviction that life goes on after tragedy.

    This book is a huge treat."---Jeffery Deaver, author of The Cold Moon: A Lincoln Rhyme NovelFrom Barry and Anthony Award-winning author Jason Starr comes a story of two friends divided by chance and reunited during a long Brooklyn weekend that will change both of their lives forever. Ryan Rossetti and Jake Thomas were the two Major League-bound rivals on their high school baseball team, heading straight into history as the first two of Canarsie's favorite sons to make it out and make it big. Until Ryan hurt his pitching arm and landed a ten-dollar-an-hour life as a house painter. Lucky Jake made it all the way, and he and his ten-million-dollar signing bonus are heading back for a publicity-motivated homecoming weekend that has all of Brooklyn waiting to explode in celebration.But he's got a nasty surprise in store: Ryan is involved in an intense, addictive relationship with Jake's fiancée Christina, who now faces a choice between love in a Brooklyn tenement or a heartless marriage on Easy Street. Neither man, nor the woman who now stands between them, has any idea what's about to play out in the streets they once all called home. Lights Out is vintage Jason Starr, a razor-sharp crime novel that brilliantly combines biting social satire, explosive suspense, and honest, revealing human drama.

    Wall Street wizard Melody Mason holds the key to both. All she has to do is accept his job offer. Trouble is, she flat out refuses. With his coveted promotion on the line, Grant's game plan is to do whatever it takes to change her mind. Melody has abandoned big business and her old pressure-cooker lifestyle in exchange for the serenity of small town living. There's no way she's accepting Grant's proposal. But their instant attraction and off the charts chemistry can't be denied. And soon Grant's wondering if he is really offering the sexy recluse a job or his heart.