Dead Girls


Book Description

A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2018 An Edgar Award nominee for best critical / biographical Best of 2018 according to Kirkus, The Boston Globe,The New York Times, The Portland Mercury, Bustle, Thrillist, and Electric Lit A New York Times Editor's Choice, a best of summer 2018 according to Bitch Magazine, Harpers Bazaar, The Millions, Esquire, Refinery29, Nylon, PopSugar, The Chicago Tribune, Book Riot, and CrimeReads In this poignant collection, Alice Bolin examines iconic American works from the essays of Joan Didion and James Baldwin to Twin Peaks, Britney Spears, and Serial, illuminating the widespread obsession with women who are abused, killed, and disenfranchised, and whose bodies (dead and alive) are used as props to bolster men’s stories. Smart and accessible, thoughtful and heartfelt, Bolin investigates the implications of our cultural fixations, and her own role as a consumer and creator. Bolin chronicles her life in Los Angeles, dissects the Noir, revisits her own coming of age, and analyzes stories of witches and werewolves, both appreciating and challenging the narratives we construct and absorb every day. Dead Girls begins by exploring the trope of dead women in fiction, and ends by interrogating the more complex dilemma of living women – both the persistent injustices they suffer and the oppression that white women help perpetrate. Reminiscent of the piercing insight of Rebecca Solnit and the critical skill of Hilton Als, Bolin constructs a sharp, perceptive, and revelatory dialogue on the portrayal of women in media and their roles in our culture.




Crossing Back


Book Description

From the award-winning author of Crossing Ocean Parkway, a personal memoir about adjusting to loss through books, meditation, and the process of memory itself Marianna De Marco Torgovnick experienced the rupture of two of her life’s most intimate relations when her mother and brother died in close proximity. Mourning rocked her life, but it also led to the solace and insight offered by classic books and the practice of meditation. Her resulting journey into the past imagines a viable future and raises questions acute for Italian Americans but pertinent to everyone, about the nature of memory and the meanings of home at a time, like ours, marked by cultural disruption and wartime. Crossing Back: Books, Family, and Memory without Pain presents a personal perspective on death, mourning, loss, and renewal. A sequel to her award-winning and much-anthologized Crossing Ocean Parkway, Crossing Back is about close familial ties and personal loss, written after the death of her remaining birth family, who had always been there, and now were not. After their loss, she entered a spiritual and psychological state of “transcendental homelessness”: the feeling of being truly at home nowhere, of being spiritually adrift. In a grand act of symbolic reenactment, she found herself moving apartments repeatedly, not realizing she did so subconsciously to keep busy, to stave off grief. By reading and studying great books, she opened up to mourning, a process she constitutionally resisted as somehow shameful. Over time, she discovered that a third death colored and prolonged her feelings of grief: her first child’s death in infancy, which, in the course of a happier lifetime, had never been adequately acknowledged. Her new losses led her finally to take stock of her son’s death too. Reading and meditating, followed by writing, became daily her healing rituals. A warm and intimate user’s guide to books, family, and memory in the mourning process, the end-point being memory without pain, Crossing Back is a wide-ranging memoir about growing older and learning to ride the waves of change. Lively and conversational, Torgovnick is masterful at tracking the moment-to moment, day-to-day challenges of sudden or protracted grief and the ways in which the mind and the body seem to search for—and sometimes find—solutions.




The Duke


Book Description

In this dazzling first novel featuring the Knight family, bestselling author Gaelen Foley writes an elegant, emotional story that touches the heart and soul. Driven to uncover the truth about the mysterious death of his ladylove, the Duke of Hawkscliffe will go to any lengths to unmask a murderer. Even if it means jeopardizing his reputation by engaging in a scandalous affair with London's most provocative courtesan—the desirable but aloof Belinda Hamilton. Bel has used her intelligence and wit to charm the city's titled gentlemen, while struggling to put the pieces of her life back together. She needs a protector, so she accepts Hawk's invitation to become his mistress in name only. He asks nothing of her body, but seeks her help in snaring the same man who shattered her virtue. Together they tempt the unforgiving wrath of society—until their risky charade turns into a dangerous attraction, and Bel must make a devastating decision that could ruin her last chance at love. . . .




Addicted to the Duke


Book Description

A lovestruck lady charms the duke of her dreams during an expedition on the high seas in this sexy, swashbuckling novel from USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans. Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford, has a mission: sail to the Mediterranean and track down Lady Hestia Cary’s missing father. It is a straightforward task, but for two rather vexing complications. First, the sea holds painful memories; second, for her own safety, Hestia is to accompany him. As Alex battles the demons of his past, he must also resist Hestia’s surprisingly skillful attempts at seduction. After all, Alex has sworn to leave her untouched, and he intends to honor that vow—until he can properly ask the Earl’s blessing. Ever since His Grace rescued Hestia from the arms of a Turkish pirate six long years ago, her heart has belonged to Alex. So when he agrees to help find her father, Hestia is thrilled. Although Alex tries to hide it, there’s passion in his eyes—and a frisson of desire in the air—whenever they meet. On board ship, miles from home, Alex won’t be able to deny her any longer. But with scoundrels lying in wait, she may not live to tell the tale of her conquest. Look for the enchanting Disgraced Lords series from Bronwen Evans: A KISS OF LIES | A PROMISE OF MORE | A TOUCH OF PASSION | A WHISPER OF DESIRE | A TASTE OF SEDUCTION | A NIGHT OF FOREVER And don’t miss her novels in the Imperfect Lords series: ADDICTED TO THE DUKE | DRAWN TO THE MARQUESS | ATTRACTED TO THE EARL Praise for Addicted to the Duke “Regency romance fans looking for something just a bit different will adore this one from [Bronwen] Evans.”—Library Journal “I would happily recommend this book and am looking forward to the next installment!”—Flippin’ Pages Book Review Blog “No stranger to adventure, Ms. Evans knows how to thrill readers with her courageous heroes and tempting heroines. This time around she steps up her game and sets the action on the high seas. A wounded warrior battles his inner demons while fighting against the advances of a sexy siren on the quest for answers. As the mystery unfolds the seduction begins. Bronwen Evans doesn’t do dull and Addicted to the Duke explains why.”—I Love Romance “Ms. Evans combines high seas adventure with sizzling romance that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Her books just keep getting better and better.”—Ashlyn Macnamara, author of What a Lady Requires “I was glued to the pages of Alex and Hestia’s story, from the first page to the last.”—My Book Addiction and More Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.




The Duke


Book Description

Imogen Pritchard is thrown back together with Cole Talmage, the Duke of Trenwyth, who seduced her years earlier when she was a maid in a brothel, first as his nurse and later as his neighbor after she becomes a wealthy widow.




Taken by the Duke


Book Description

The steamy first book in The Pleasure Wars series by USA Today Bestselling Historical Romance Author Jess Michaels Amid all the lies and scandals that fuel Society’s gossip mill, one truth has stood out: House Rothcastle and House Windbury have always hated each other. Lady Ava Windbury prays the feud will someday end, to no avail. One dreadful night, her brother accidentally causes the death of Christian Rothcastle’s sister, a tragedy that leaves both men maimed. Consumed by grief, Christian makes a grim decision. He will kidnap Lady Ava so that her family will feel the pain of loss as keenly as he feels the loss of his own sister. But once he has Ava in his clutches, desire takes unexpected hold. Even more surprising, she willingly surrenders to his every sexual whim—after haggling over the terms of giving up her virginity. Too late, he realizes she is using her body for peace, not war. But just as their affair of revenge turns into an affair of the heart, the past rears its ugly head to take matters into its own hands… Length: Full Length Novel Heat Level: Naughty, naughty CW: Violent accident (on page), abuse (described) This book is the first book in The Pleasure Wars series.




The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Steamy Historical Romance and Mystery)


Book Description

#1 National Bestselling Regency Romance! If you love the Bridgertons, you will love the Kents... He's a rake accused of murder. She's the spinster accusing him. Enemies make the hottest lovers. "Readers looking for a good historical mystery/romance or a historical with a little more kink will enjoy The Duke Who Knew Too Much." -Smart Bitches, Trashy Books "Amazing, spicy, entertaining, tense story, I loved every second." -Rady Reads A Stranger to Love Alaric McLeod, Duke of Strathaven, is known as the Devil Duke for his wicked ways. Tormented by his past, Alaric knows better than to trust a woman yet finds himself ensnared by a spirited, virtuous virgin—who accuses him of a crime he didn’t commit. Is she his worst nightmare ... or his salvation? A Novice to Desire Emma Kent is an independent country miss cast adrift in the ton. When a depraved encounter with an arrogant rake lands her in intrigue, Emma’s honor compels her to do the right thing. But desire challenges her quest for justice, and she must decide: can she trust her heart to discover the truth? Bound by Passion and Peril Alaric and Emma engage in a battle of wits and will. As their attraction flares, the true enemy stalks their every move. With danger looming, will they solve the mystery and find true love before it’s too late? "Has everything that makes a tale excellent; a headstrong lovely heroine, a damaged too serious hero, a rowdy bunch of loving family members that are living and close and then the amazing adventure to peel back like an onion to find the many layers of the plot. This writer to me is in the leagues of Johanna Lindsey, Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn and Amanda Quick.” -Kathie, Amazon Grace's books feature sizzling hot historical romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and intriguing mystery and adventure. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel and as a part of Grace's interconnected series all set in the same universe. Heart of Enquiry (The Kents) (steamy Regency romance series): Prequel Novella: The Widow Vanishes (Will & Annabel) #1: The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Alaric & Emma) #2: M is for Marquess (Gabriel & Thea) #3: The Lady Who Came in from the Cold (Marcus & Penny) #4: The Viscount Always Knocks Twice (Richard & Violet) #5: Never Say Never to an Earl (Sinjin & Polly) #6: The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Andrew & Primrose) Game of Dukes (steamy Victorian romance series): #1: The Duke Identity (Harry & Tessa) #2: Enter the Duke (Ransom & Maggie) #3: Regarding the Duke (Garrity & Gabby) #4: The Duke Redemption (Wickham & Beatrice) #5: The Return of the Duke (Knighton & Fancy) #6: Steamy Winter Wishes: A Hot Historical Romance Short Story (featuring characters from all of Grace's series) Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels (steamy Victorian romance series): #1: Olivia and the Masked Duke (Olivia & Ben) #2: PIppa and the Prince of Secrets (Pippa & Cull) #3: Fiona and the Engimatic Earl (Fiona & Thomas) #4 : Glory and the Master of Shadows (Glory & Wei) #5: Charlotte and the Seductive Spymaster (Preorder today!) Mayhem in Mayfair (steamy Regency romance series): #1: Her Husband's Harlot (Helena & Nicholas) #2: Her Wanton Wager (Percy & Gavin) #3: Her Protector's Pleasure (Marianne & Ambrose) #4: Her Prodigal Passion (Charity & Paul) Keywords: duke, rake, lord, aristocracy, virgin, heroine, spinster, wallflower, bluestocking, historical mystery, suspense, detective agency, female sleuth, Scottish, regency, Victorian, romance, family saga, series, tortured hero, romantic comedy, enemies to lovers




Undone by the Duke


Book Description

Victoria has a secret... Reclusive designer Victoria Andrews hasn't gone outside in five years, though she yearns to escape the prison of her house. She designs sensual lingerie for the most exclusive dressmaker in London, although she has never known a man's touch. A Duke in disguise... Wounded and stranded in Scotland, Jonathan Nottoway, the Duke of Worthingstone, is avoiding the murderous scandal that darkened his family name. As his wounds heal, he spends several sensual nights with the beautiful seamstress who knows nothing of his true identity. A passionate awakening... Can a woman trapped by her emotional scars be able to love a duke, when it means abandoning her safe world to embrace the life of a duchess?




The Raven Queen's Harem


Book Description

I never thought I'd move to New York. I certainly never expected to live in a mansion, rent free, with five super hot roommates. But none of those things surprised me as much as discovering the truth about my destiny, the revelation of the ancient power flowing through my veins and how it changes my life. I am the Raven Queen. Come meet my guardians. This is the complete Raven Queen's Harem a reverse harem paranormal romance series! No wait! It's all here! Dive in today! Raven's Mark Ebony Rising Black Magic Obsidian Fire Onyx Eclipse Midnight's End




The Duke of Pain


Book Description

The oldest and only remaining original member of The Rakes of St. Regent’s Park, Gideon Broyles, the Duke of Watford, has grown weary of his debauched escapades. Due to his wretched past, he often refers to himself as the Duke of Pain. He selfishly breezed through life with no thought for anything or anyone. All that changed when Gideon met Olivia Durham at an exclusive club. The passionate encounter has him reeling, as he never experienced these powerful emotions before. Olivia also has a dark past. Hiding behind a fictitious persona, she provides a particular service to her clients. One that doesn’t involve physical intimacy, for Olivia cannot stand to be touched. In all her years at the club, no man has sparked her interest—until Gideon. Despite trying to ignore the intense feelings swirling between them, Olivia finds the darkly handsome duke hard to resist. When secrets from her past come to light, the complications become insurmountable. There are multiple obstacles to overcome, including shared doubts about their capacity to feel—anything. For two emotionally closed-off people to find and accept enduring happiness? Gideon and Olivia must believe that love can conquer all.