The Kira Brightwell Starter Collection


Book Description

Kira Brightwell enjoys two things—outsmarting bad guys and kicking ass. Well, that and listening to Nine Inch Nails. (Bonus, if she can manage all three at once.) She never expected anyone to call her a hero... But when life throws a punch, Kira always finds a way to hit back. This fast-paced starter collection includes the first three novels from the Kira Brightwell mystery series by the author of the Mackenzie Quinn mysteries, Jacquelyn Smith. (Originally published under the pen name Kat Irwin.): Split Decision (Kira Brightwell Book 1) Black and Blue (Kira Brightwell Book 2) Low Blow (Kira Brightwell Book 3) Split Decision (Kira Brightwell Book 1) Kira Brightwell never planned to become a private detective. Or a local hero, for that matter. She only wants to hone her MMA skills. And focus on her own personal need for vengeance and closure. While listening to Nine Inch Nails. But people call Kira a hero for a reason. She never walks away from trouble. And between her wits and her fists, she can take down just about anything that gets thrown her way. Meet Kira in action in this first novel in the Kira Brightwell mystery series. If you love a clever heroine who kicks ass, grab this book. Black and Blue (Kira Brightwell Book 2) Kira Brightwell hates to lose—in the MMA cage or outside of it. But her failure to capture the serial abductor known as the Procurer rankles most of all. Four months. Four months spent obsessing over the last time he slipped through her fingers with nothing to show for it. Time to move on—at least for the moment. (For her own sanity, if nothing else.) ...Easier said than done. This fast-paced, suspenseful novel pushes Kira deeper into uncharted territory as a problem solver for hire, with dangerous consequences. Follow the path of a clever heroine’s obsession in this second book from the Kira Brightwell mystery series. Low Blow (Kira Brightwell Book 3) Kira Brightwell knows how to take a punch. (Actually, she prefers throwing them.) Abduction, theft, murder… She faces all these crimes and more on her own terms as a private detective for hire. She also searches for any clues that might fulfill her quest for vengeance against the man known only as the Procurer. ...But a recent twist in circumstances leaves her rocked. The growing legend of abduction survivor and local hero Kira Brightwell takes an unexpected turn in this third novel in the Kira Brightwell mystery series.




The Kira Brightwell Quick Cases Starter Collection


Book Description

Kira Brightwell just wants to mind her own business. Maybe go for a run, or hone her MMA skills while blasting some Nine Inch Nails. She never goes looking for trouble. But somehow, trouble always seems to find her. Usually the missing woman or dead body kind. ...Good thing she knows how to use her wits, as well as her fists. Dive into the ongoing cases of a clever detective who kicks ass in this starter collection of early, stand-alone Kira Brightwell shorts by the author of the Mackenzie Quinn mysteries, Jacquelyn Smith. (These adventures complement the novels of the Kira Brightwell mystery series, and all take place before the first novel, Split Decision.) This collection includes: Tale of the Tape: A Kira Brightwell Short Novel Striking Distance: A Kira Brightwell Short Story Under Wraps: A Kira Brightwell Short Novel Tale of the Tape: A Kira Brightwell Short Novel A bootleg Nine Inch Nails cassette tape. Weird thing for Kira to find abandoned by a sewer grate on her way to school. The hand-drawn NIN logo in marker catches Kira’s eye. Who tossed the tape? And why? Kira pockets it, of course. Seems a shame to leave it in the gutter. Who knows what kind of extra tracks she might find on it? ...Now she only needs to figure out a way to play the thing. A twisting, short novel of Kira’s high school past from the Kira Brightwell Quick Cases mystery series. Striking Distance: A Kira Brightwell Short Story Kira Brightwell stands at a crossroads. Her college days lie behind her, but her future remains a mystery, waiting to be solved. A job already awaits her at her father’s office—the easy, parent-approved option. But Kira wants something different. Something more. She needs to get away to figure out what. Except Kira’s future hangs in the balance in more ways than one… In the crime-filled adventures of the Kira Brightwell Quick Cases mystery series, “Striking Distance” focuses on the event that changes Kira’s life forever, and sets her on the path to becoming an infamous problem solver for hire. (Originally published under the pen name Kat Irwin.) Under Wraps: A Kira Brightwell Short Novel Halloween. A time for costumes and crime. Neither hold interest for Kira Brightwell. She only wants to find a way to move on with her life after the trauma she endured three months ago. (That, and track down the man responsible.) But the local police receive an anonymous tip with a growing list of decrypted names—a list that threatens to shake the suburban, California town to its core. ...And just like that, Kira’s world gets turned upside down. A stand-alone short novel of Kira’s recent past in the Kira Brightwell Quick Cases mystery series. If you love murder, mystery, and mayhem, grab this book. (Originally published under the pen name Kat Irwin.)




Cornered: A Kira Brightwell Novel


Book Description

Kira Brightwell knows where to find the Procurer. Finally, after four long years, a level playing field. But the serial abductor knows how to cover his tracks. And any animal can become even more dangerous when cornered. Kira’s hard-won window of opportunity to capture the Procurer remains narrow in a race against the clock. Kira’s other problem? Someone else wants to find him first. The ongoing battle of wits between Kira and the Procurer comes to a head in this tense sixth novel in the Kira Brightwell mystery series by the author of the Mackenzie Quinn mysteries, Jacquelyn Smith.




Split Decision: A Kira Brightwell Novel


Book Description

Kira Brightwell never planned to become a private detective. Or a local hero, for that matter. She only wants to hone her MMA skills. And focus on her own personal need for vengeance and closure. While listening to Nine Inch Nails. But people call Kira a hero for a reason. She never walks away from trouble. And between her wits and her fists, she can take down just about anything that gets thrown her way. Meet Kira in action in this first novel in the Kira Brightwell mystery series by the author of the Mackenzie Quinn mysteries, Jacquelyn Smith. If you love a clever heroine who kicks ass, grab this book. (Originally published under the pen name Kat Irwin.)




The World of Lasniniar Starter Collection


Book Description

A sweeping, epic fantasy series of magic, war, and friendship, spanning thousands of years... Immerse yourself in a realm of elves, dwarves, vampires, and dragons in this starter collection of novels from the World of Lasniniar series by the author of the Fatal Empire series, Jacquelyn Smith: Light Chasers (The World of Lasniniar Book 1) Kinslayer (The World of Lasniniar Book 2) Soul Seeker (The World of Lasniniar Book 3) Light Chasers (The World of Lasniniar Book 1) Valanandir’s throat spasms as he tries not to choke. He spits out a salty mouthful of seawater and grips some nearby rigging one-handed as the ship rocks beneath him. Under skies devoid of moon or sun, Valanandir fights for his life alongside his Sea Elf crew. But his ship already burns like a funeral pyre in the middle of the storm-tossed ocean. ...And far more than he realizes depends on his survival. Lose yourself in the thoroughly imagined World of Lasniniar with this first novel in the series. Kinslayer (The World of Lasniniar Book 2) Lasniniar. A new continent the elves can call home after the fall of Ralvaniar. They hope to finally find peace under the leadership of Iadrawyn and Valanandir—far from the dark creatures they left behind in the magical cataclysm. A simple enough wish. But darkness comes in many forms. And not even Iadrawyn and Valanandir know the hidden enemy that lurks within the elves’ midst. ...Or how far they must go to stop him. The elves’ epic struggle evolves to a new level, drawing enemies and allies alike in this sweeping, second novel from the World of Lasniniar fantasy series. Soul Seeker (The World of Lasniniar Book 3) Midnight. The world of Lasniniar lies in silence, except for the patter of the falling rain. Iarion walks alone on Traitor’s Road. His elven eyes pierce the darkness. The Jagged Mountains loom over him. Their oppressive shadow adds to his unease. ...That, and the goblin arrow wound burning his shoulder. Goblins. In the heart of the continent, in friendly territory. In Lasniniar, that can only mean one thing. A warning of dark days to come. Meet a new generation of heroes in this third novel in the World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series.




The Legends of Lasniniar Starter Collection


Book Description

Origin stories, first meetings... No hero or legendary friendship is ever born on page one. Visit Lasniniar’s sprawling past, filled with elves, dwarves, mermaids, dragons, and vampires in three early, short story adventures from the Legends of Lasniniar fantasy series by the author of the Fatal Empire series, Jacquelyn Smith: Possession The Vow Legacy Hunter Possession No one in the entire Wood Elf tribe understands Golvanyar, aside from his mother. Until he meets Iadrawyn. Golvanyar knows the moment he first spies her from the shadows that they share some kind of connection. He can feel it in his bones as he watches her, unseen. Does Iadrawyn feel it too? Only one answer can satisfy Golvanyar. In the richly-imagined Legends of Lasniniar, this stand-alone short story focuses on an event from the elves’ sprawling past—an event that forever changes Golvanyar, and starts Iadrawyn on the path to becoming a woman of legend. (Previously published as “Legends of Lasniniar: Possession.” This adventure takes place before the World of Lasniniar novel Light Chasers.) The Vow Nimrilwyn swims the seas of Ralvaniar—a respected member of the Folk. ...One of the few who takes an interest in the land-dwelling elves. None of the Folk understand her friendship with them. Why bother to form a bond with those who can never know life beneath the waves? But Nimrilwyn values her unusual friendships. She prides herself on her loyalty. Even to those not of her own kind. ...No matter the cost. Visit the sprawling past of the Legends of Lasniniar series in this stand-alone fantasy story. (Previously published as “Legends of Lasniniar: The Vow.” This adventure takes place before the World of Lasniniar novel Light Chasers.) Legacy Hunter Barlo stares at the limp, elven form on his couch. A poisoned goblin arrow protrudes from the creature’s shoulder. A long knife hangs from its belt. How could his wife think to tend the elf stranger and leave her patient armed? Elves do not belong in Dwarvenhome. Especially not ones with weapons. But the elf’s presence presents another problem to the dwarven clan chief. ...What brings goblins so close to Dwarvenhome? A stand-alone story from the Legends of Lasniniar fantasy series, “Legacy Hunter” tells the tale of Barlo and Iarion’s first meeting. If you love a fun, action-filled adventure, grab this book. (Previously published as “Legends of Lasniniar: Legacy Hunter.” This story takes place between the World of Lasniniar novels Kinslayer and Soul Seeker.)




The Big Leap


Book Description

Most of us believe that we will finally feel satisfied and content with our lives when we get the good news we have been waiting for, find a healthy relationship, or achieve one of our personal goals. However, this rarely happens. Good fortune is often followed by negative emotions that overtake us and result in destructive behaviors. "I don't deserve this," "this is too good to be true," or any number of harmful thought patterns prevent us from experiencing the joy and satisfaction we have earned. Sound familiar? This is what New York Times bestselling author Gay Hendricks calls the Upper Limit Problem, a negative emotional reaction that occurs when anything positive enters our lives. The Upper Limit Problem not only prevents happiness, but it actually stops us from achieving our goals. It is the ultimate life roadblock. In The Big Leap, Hendricks reveals a simple yet comprehensive program for overcoming this barrier to happiness and fulfillment, presented in a way that engages both the mind and heart. Working closely with more than one thousand extraordinary achievers in business and the arts—from rock stars to Fortune 500 executives—whose stories are featured in these pages, the book describes the four hidden fears that are at the root of the Upper Limit Problem. The Big Leap delivers a proven method for first identifying which of these four fears prevents us from reaching our personal upper limit, and then breaking through that limitation to achieve what Hendricks refers to as our Zone of Genius. Hendricks provides a clear path for achieving our true potential and attaining not only financial success but also success in love and life.




The Tibetan Yoga of Breath


Book Description

Heal the body, quiet the mind, and find emotional balance with simple practices from Yantra Yoga Modern science and classic spiritual traditions agree: regulating the breath leads to radiance and wellness of body, mind, and spirit. With the simple teachings and cutting-edge research offered in The Tibetan Yoga of Breath, you can start thriving just by integrating breathwork into your daily practice. Basic Yantra Yoga techniques—also called wind energy training—are the key to achieving this kind of vitality, down to the cellular level. Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo skillfully examine the teachings of Yantra Yoga and Buddhism through the lens of Western medical science. Their wise and accessible instruction reveals practices that are nourishing and transformative, delivering dramatic results—no experience with yoga or Buddhist meditation necessary.




The Swimmers


Book Description

NATIONAL BEST SELLER • From the best-selling, award-winning author of The Buddha in the Attic and When the Emperor Was Divine comes a novel about what happens to a group of obsessed recreational swimmers when a crack appears at the bottom of their local pool. This searing, intimate story of mothers and daughters—and the sorrows of implacable loss—is the most commanding and unforgettable work yet from a modern master. The swimmers are unknown to one another except through their private routines (slow lane, medium lane, fast lane) and the solace each takes in their morning or afternoon laps. But when a crack appears at the bottom of the pool, they are cast out into an unforgiving world without comfort or relief. One of these swimmers is Alice, who is slowly losing her memory. For Alice, the pool was a final stand against the darkness of her encroaching dementia. Without the fellowship of other swimmers and the routine of her daily laps she is plunged into dislocation and chaos, swept into memories of her childhood and the Japanese American incarceration camp in which she spent the war. Alice's estranged daughter, reentering her mother's life too late, witnesses her stark and devastating decline.




Captains' Logs Supplemental


Book Description

A behind-the-scenes chronicle of the three spinoff Star Trek series includes commentary by the actors, writers, producers, and directors; presents an inside scoop on the forthcoming movie; and includes a show-by-show guide. Original.