Louis Auchincloss has been called "our most astute observer of moral paradox among the affluent" (Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.), his fiction described as that which "has always examined what makes life worth living" (Washington Post Book World). Now he brings us the rollicking tale of an unforgettable woman of mid-twentieth century America: the devilish, forever plotting, yet wholly beguiling Clara Hoyt. A romantic early in life, Clara gets engaged -- much to her mother's horror -- to the lackluster Bobbie Lester. Soon after her Vassar graduation, however, Clara sees the error of her ways, spurns Bobbie, and slyly enthralls the well-bred and fabulously wealthy Trevor Hoyt, the first of her husbands. Soon she lands a job at a tony magazine, and so begins her wildly entertaining course to the inner sanctum of New York's aristocracy and into the boardrooms of the publishing world.In a world where women still had to wield the weapons of allure and charm, above all else, to secure positions of power, Clara, one of the last of her kind, succeeds marvelously. Auchincloss gives us, in Clara, an irresistible Cleopatra, lovely, wily, and mercurial. As Shakespeare wrote of that feminine creation, "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale / Her infinite variety."

    Now, his ex-wife has returned to his desert and Zahir plans to banish her from his mind once and for all, beginning with reclaiming his wedding night!In The Billionaire's Trophy, when Bastian Christou sees his intern's photo on an escort website, he's stunned by both her double life and her stunning photo. Since Bastian has an ex-fiancée to keep at bay, Emmie Marshall might just be the best armor money can buy!In Challenging Dante, Dante Leonetti is convinced Topaz Marshall is after his family's money, and he's determined to seduce the truth from her lips. After experiencing Leonetti's ferocious reputation firsthand, will she be able to resist his legendary charms?

    But will their fairy tale survive the headlines threatening to rip everything apart? Kholodov's Last Mistress An innocent in Moscow Cold-hearted Sergei Kholodov was shocked by Hannah Pearl's wide-eyed approach to the world. Fearing her effect on him, Sergei obliterated all traces of her from his life.One year later, he returns. Unable to escape her memory, could one more night allow him to forget her forever...?

    But to prevent corporate mutiny, she needs the help of his business partner, Valerio Marchesi.Little does Daniela know that Valerio has already sworn to keep her safe. And when the tycoon discovers she's in grave danger, he insists she become his bride! He'll risk the unavoidable chemistry that sparks every time they lock eyes. Because this engagement of convenience is anything but... It's a red-hot fire burning out of control!

    And if his clashes with Spider-Man 2099, the Black Cat and Blackout are any indication, he just might be! But as "Peter" earns his doctorate and starts his own company, dark forces gather. Flash Thompson is back in town, and he's brought the Venom symbiote with him! Both know Spidey very well, so will they sense something off about the Superior Spider-Man? And when the Green Goblin takes control of New York's Underworld, Otto faces his final battle. The Superior Spider-Man must bring down the Goblin Nation - even if it means his own defeat, and the rebirth of an amazing hero!COLLECTING: SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN 17-31, ANNUAL 1-2

    James…but love is the last thing on Jennifer's mind. Weighed down with sadness and regret, she's certain happiness is out of reach. Only patience, faith and everlasting love can make their marriage wishes come true. God's Gift Mission work in Africa is James Graham's life.So when an injury exiles him home, he's left adrift. Can he find new purpose with Rachel Ashcroft? The lovely volunteer's care packages always cheered him while he was in Africa. Now it's James's turn to make her happy…for the rest of his life.

    As the action unfolds, the residents, ranging from young to old, from the defiant to the resigned, meet and talk and interact with each other during the course of one day. The drama is of passing events in their lives, of everyday encounters and of the human comedy, with conversations often overlapping into a contrapuntal musical flow. In the resulting mosaic each character emerges clearly and perceptively defined, and the sum total of what they are-or wish they were-becomes a poignant, powerful call to America to recover lost values and to restore itself in its own and the world's eyes.