He was the piece to her puzzle and the perfect match in her eyes. However; the perfect relationship came with problems stemming from Kruz’s past. They moved forward after the storm Zahra brought but is it over? Kruz has a lot to deal with now that his relationship seems to be on track. Unfortunately, things go terribly wrong, and Sasha is caught in the middle. His mother is still on board with his ex for some reason. Will the truth ever come out on why she’s riding hard for Zahra or will it remain hidden? Kalila and Jamaica are riding high in their relationship, or so they thought. Kandy doesn’t want to see him happy and has done any and everything to make him fail. When nothing works, she goes about it a different way, and all hell breaks loose in the last place anyone expects. Someone gets caught in the crossfire and not sure if the person will survive Jamaica and Kruz go harder than ever to find the person in charge.

    But by whom? Plus too, finds himself growing tired of the back and forth with him and Perri. He simply wants nothing more than to love her as he moves on to the next phase in his life. But he quickly learns that things aren’t quite so simple when you play for the NBA. While Tez fully commits himself to Myesha and their son, Jorell does the complete opposite with Nika. Consistently, he plays on her heart and gets her hopes up high only to let her down in the end. After entering the league he finds himself spiraling out of control, with only Nika there to pick up the pieces. However, after keeping secrets of her own, she doesn’t know if they’ll ever be more than just friends. Find out how all it all ends with the suspenseful finale of Love and the Game.

     The stories in this collection, because they all happen in Upper Nettlefold, have things which happen, that influence the other stories. So the order in which they are presented here aligns with the timeline in which events in the stories happen. Read through this collection in order, and you will find that each story builds on the ones before, weaving the magic of community and interconnection between characters. There is also a map of Upper Nettlefold to help you visualise everything as you read. Although each story can stand alone, we’re sure that you’ll love finding the linkages as you go. This is our first visit to Upper Nettlefold, but it won’t be our last. You may see other collections based here, or you may see individual books from the various authors, but we will keep expanding the stories about the people you’ll first meet in this collection. The Viscount’s Summer Love A new Viscount with old secrets, a baker’s daughter, love thwarted, the threat of murder, a dramatic revelation, a long-held love finally returned. The Duke and the Spinster A Duke who needs to marry, a Lady who expects to never marry, a summer house party, a nefarious plot, gossip designed to harm, a desperate adventure, a love that redeems. Stitched in Love A seamstress who struggles to sew, a blacksmith beset by admirers, an accident with a dress, a runaway horse, a situation saved – barely, an unexpected love. Love Finds the Earl An unmarried Earl, a reserved widow, a clever sister, a social occasion, an accidental meeting, shady business dealings thwarted, a second chance for love. Doubting the Marquess An unrepentant rake, a woman more interested in business than men, a meeting, jealousy, an accident, a revelation that leads to love. The Degenerate Baron A fearless schoolteacher, a Baron lost in grief and despair, a collection of degenerate friends, a near accident that leads to a meeting, a reminder of past pain, a love beyond fear. Escaping the Scurrilous Earl A merchant’s daughter, a lonely physician, a thoroughly unscrupulous Earl, a debt called in, an impossible choice, an escape, a threat, a rescue, and a new love found. Esther, the Earl’s Hellion An orphaned young woman, a gentleman working undercover, a boarding school with a new owner, a despicable scheme, a rescue, a trap set to save, a dramatic conclusion, a fated love found. A Gentle Heart A spinster employed as a companion, a gentleman of means, a social opportunity, an act of kindness, a misunderstanding, a long hoped for love.

    Popping up at her crib uninvited, beating up on her little brother, and driving a car through her house were just a few of the things she experienced since their breakup. Life was miserable before Apollo came out of nowhere and rescued her. He's everything she ever wanted in a partner, and she loves him for building up her self-esteem and providing for her family. Life is perfect, but things suddenly take a turn for the worse after he's arrested for the murder of Trip. Further tension arises once Liberty discovers that Apollo is a contract killer. After he's released, she somehow finds herself trying to convince him not to kill his next target--who's ironically her little cousin's boyfriend. Shayla never thought she'd fall in love and marry the outlaw her mama warned her about. Regardless of their past differences, she's determined to make it work with Romeo. Can they overcome their many obstacles in spite of enemies lurking in the shadows? Kendall Rivers is a 23-year old good girl from the suburbs, who's always lived her life on the straight and narrow. However, everything changes the moment she meets head of a ruthless gang known worldwide as The Heartless Felons. Sexy, charming, and swag on a thousand, Quay is every female's dream and every father's worst nightmare. Despite his bad boy reputation, Kendall still finds herself falling head over heels in love. But there's only one problem... Quay is hiding a deep, dark secret that could potentially put their lives in jeopardy. Will this unlikely couple triumph? Or will Quay's reckless ways and dangerous lifestyle lead to their demise? SCROLL UP TO GRAB YOUR COPY OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FLAWLESS SPIN-OFF!

     Everyone has their secrets and the brothers have more than a few, and dark pasts to boot. Combined with the drama in the girls’ lives - Davia’s hung-up stalker ex, Raven’s unfortunate infatuation with Terron, and Zya’s run-in with Kross’ manic ex – things can only get more complicated. With the secrets and lies between the three friends threatening to be the end of their sisterhood, can they rise above it all? “Beauty and the Boss” is an African American standalone that will transport you into a fast paced world of crime, cartels, drama, and romance.

    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?

    After her parents kicked her out, Semaj promised to love, support, and send her to college. Semaj was holding up his end of the deal, until he moved up a rank in the streets and started receiving more attention than he was used to. That attention led to Semaj having an affair with a woman who was willing to do anything to get a spot in Semaj’s life, including trying to plot a murder. Scorpion: small, quiet but deadly; injecting you with its deadly venom when you least expect it. That’s what the streets were saying about Phalec Grant, also known as Scorpion. Scorpion was a certified personal trainer during the day, and a ruthless street king by night. Scorpion crosses paths with Zolar, and Scorpion, being the charming ladies’ man that he was, is instantly attracted to Zolar, but nothing or no one could make her break her vows to Semaj; that is… until she catches him in a compromising position. Scorpion, never hearing the word ‘no,’ makes him prey on Zolar even harder. After finding out a piece of information that Scorpion has happened to leave out about his life, Zolar cuts him and his venomous claws off, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to get what he believes belongs to him. Loyalty is tested. Lines are crossed. Backs are against the wall. People will win. People will die. In this novel, you will find out how far people will go for love.

    Fans of Young Adult Fiction will devour this latest work by Rice and beg for more.”--The Wanderer, A Literary Journal (regarding Rise of the Dragons)A bundle of books #4 (A FORGE OF VALOR) and #5 (A REALM OF SHADOWS) in Morgan Rice’s #1 Bestselling fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS, comprising 6 books. The series begins with RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Book #1), a free download on Amazon with over 500 five star reviews!In A FORGE OF VALOR, Kyra slowly returns from the verge of death, healed by Kyle’s love and mysterious power. As he sacrifices for her, she regains her strength—yet not without a price. She presses Alva for the secret of her lineage, and he finally reveals all about her mother. Aidan, Motley at his side, strives to rescue his father, trapped in the perilous capital, while in the far corner of the kingdom, Merk, amazed by what he discovers in the Tower of Ur, braces himself against a massive troll invasion. Dierdre finds herself facing a full-fledged Pandesian invasion in her embattled city of Ur.In A REALM OF SHADOWS, Kyra finds herself in the midst of a burning capital, attacked by a host of dragons, clinging for life. With her beloved homeland destroyed, The Flames down and the trolls pouring in, Kyra must urgently quest to Marda to retrieve the magic weapon before it is too late—even if it takes her into the very heart of darkness. Duncan finds himself trapped, with the others, in the burning capital, and he uses all his wits to find his men, attempt escape, and rally his forces to regroup and attack Pandesia. Across the kingdom, Merk sails with King Tarnis’ daughter through the Bay of Death as they abandon the Tower of Kos and sail for the warrior isle of Knossos.With its strong atmosphere and complex characters, KINGS AND SORCERERS is a sweeping saga of knights and warriors, of kings and lords, of honor and valor, of magic, destiny, monsters and dragons. It is fantasy at its finest, inviting us into a world that will live with us forever, one that appeals to all ages and genders.

    Duc Vuong returns with his latest weight loss surgery guide, this time for Gastric Sleeve patients. Written in an easy-to-understand manner, he explains some of the anatomical and surgical aspects of this newer surgical procedure, while providing practical strategies on how to be successful long-term. Anatomical drawings are provided for reference. He delves into some of the most elusive topics that plague weight loss surgery patients, such as weight loss plateaus, social eating, and long-term follow-up testing requirements. Maintaining the quiz and answer format of his previous books, this book is a must read for all weight loss surgery patients who are looking to maximize their weight loss surgery tool. See also www.ultimategastricsleeve.com

    Now fans can relive the story of the Diamond family in this second deluxe edition, containing books four and five.The Diamond family has survived murder, deceit, and betrayal. Through it all, they're still standing tall, and a new era has begun. After a failed attempt on her life, Breeze has moved into the queen's position by Zyir's side. Zyir has taken over the empire and locked down Miami's streets. He has the world in his palms, but there is always new blood ready to overthrow the throne. Young Carter has retired and moved away from the madness--that is, until he gets an unexpected visitor at his home. This person shakes up the whole family, causing chaos that threatens to bring down the Cartel for good. When a Boeing 747 drops out of the sky with the men of The Cartel aboard, the women of the family have to step into their own. With the federal government on their heels and the family on the brink of destruction, a female dynasty is born. After the government's case is thwarted, the ladies plan to take the family legit. They head west to establish a new endeavor, but with new territory comes new problems. The Carter family name doesn't ring as loud as it did in Miami. It's a new set of gangsters, a new set of rules, as the Cartel finds problems with an Arabic millionaire. Even as the new Cartel struggles to go legit, trouble always finds a way into the family's circle. Larceny, deceit, and murder are all in the cards.

    It seems like she’s always been attracted to the kind of man who’s bad for her. In fact, it’s been one textbook bad-boy after the next, and it’d left her feeling so defeated that she decided quit dating altogether…for a whole year!Until she met Eric. Good, stable, boring and dependable Eric. He loves her way more than she loves him and it feels good to be on the other side of the equation for once, even though the sex is not the best…but that’s not all relationships are about are they?She’s finally getting her life together and things are going great…but then the universe decides to throw her a curve ball when her teaching assistant quits and is replaced by James Sumner. He’s tall, dark and handsome…covered in tattoos, listens to punk rock and wears a leather jacket. He’s everything Hayley’s been avoiding…so why can’t she stop thinking about him? She wants to put him out of her mind because she knows that Eric is the right man for her…...or is he?The feeling is definitely mutual because James can’t seem to stop thinking about Hayley either. Their attraction is undeniable. When a friendship starts to blossom between them, Hayley begins to doubt everything she knows. Is James really the kind of bad-boy who’ll break Hayley’s heart? Is she meant to be with Eric? Is she meant to be alone?

    When Wise is locked up and sentenced to fifteen years, he tells Emery to go on with her life if it’s meant to be they would get back together. Now years later Emery is happy with a career and family of her own, when Wise is released earlier than expected he sets off to do what he said he was going to do, find Emery. Emery’s heart belongs to Wise but it also belongs to her husband. Now she is forced with the hard decision to choose between the man who was there with her from the start through everything and the man who picked her up when she didn’t have anything or anybody. Who will Emery choose? Filled with sex, betrayal and drama

    

    Hephaestus Books represents a new publishing paradigm, allowing disparate content sources to be curated into cohesive, relevant, and informative books. To date, this content has been curated from Wikipedia articles and images under Creative Commons licensing, although as Hephaestus Books continues to increase in scope and dimension, more licensed and public domain content is being added. We believe books such as this represent a new and exciting lexicon in the sharing of human knowledge. This particular book contains chapters focused on Vorkosigan Saga, and Vorkosigan saga planets. More info: The Vorkosigan Saga is a series of science fiction novels and short stories by American author Lois McMaster Bujold. Most of them concern Miles Vorkosigan, a physically disabled aristocrat from the planet Barrayar whose life (from before birth), military career, and post-military career is a challenge to his native planet's prejudices against "mutants."

    All of these philosophies are true and need to be applied daily in this era of instant friends, besties, sisters, and boos. Meet Kaia Moore, a beautiful, young teen mom who heard those daily doses of wisdom from her mother and tried her best to apply them to her life. However, like most young girls her need to have someone close and on her level, led her right into the trap of the worst kind of chick you can know...A BITTER BEST FRIEND. You know, that chick who relies on her friends more than the man she lays with each night. Or that chick who always tries to one-up your accomplishments or downplay your good news with made up shit of her own. That's exactly who Monique Smith aka Mo is to Kaia. She's that bitter chick who just won't let her be great. Over the years she shows more and more of her bitter side as Kaia aka Kai advances in life while Mo finds herself trapped in the gutter, behind. Soon Mo can't hide the jealousy within her and her dirty deeds start to bring out the beast in Kai. After realizing she has no friends, Kai and Mo go lick for lick on some payback sh*t until Mo's hate escalates and Kai finds herself lost in a real-life drama filled with betrayal, hate, lies, cover-ups and even murder. Will Kai make it out alive or will she have to slay the beast she once called a best friend? Come on this messy, thrill ride and find out what happens when you let a bitter best friend in. Sometimes it teaches you a valuable lesson...then again, SOMETIMES JEALOUSY KILLS!