Collection: Adult

Join Chet the dog, "the most lovable narrator in all of fiction" (Boston Globe), and his human partner Bernie as they scramble to solve a case exposing the dark side of internet fame.

Chet the dog is less than enthusiastic about the Little Detective Agency's next case. Chet and his human partner, PI Bernie Little, have been hired to find a missing person--only the missing person is a cat. Miss Kitty, an internet sensation, has disappeared, and Chet and Bernie have been hired to find her before her many followers realize something is wrong.

Miss Kitty belongs to Bitty, a sweet teenage girl who lives with her mom. Bitty and her mother are struggling financially, but the arrival of Miss Kitty and the chance discovery of her social media appeal has changed everything. Bitty now has sponsors, a high-powered agent, and all the tools needed to thrive online, and real money is flowing in. At least, it was. With Miss Kitty gone, the family's income is on the line.

The case presents a slew of challenges for Chet and Bernie. For one thing, a potential witness is a pig named Senor Piggy who may be in possession of an important piece of evidence. For another, it seems like a possible perp has been killed twice--and there's evidence implicating Bernie in the crime.

He promised to help reclaim her memories.

Until she remembered another man.

Cornwall, 1913

For three years, Merryn has lived without a past. When she faces being locked away for her own "protection," she takes a daring chance on a hasty marriage to AJ Winthrop-a kind, whimsical new acquaintance who offers a chance to recover the truth. Along the windswept Cornish coast, fragments begin to return:

Another man.

Another wedding.

Then a hidden painting reveals her own face, and its secrets threaten the fragile love she's found-and the future she longs for.

Cornwall, 1947

Haunted by the war and estranged from the wife he still loves, William Crawford is determined to save her family home-even if it means selling the mysterious portrait of Merryn Dunn hidden in his cottage. But Merryn's secrets could upend everything-or offer a redemption he never expected.

A sweeping dual-timeline tale of identity, memory, and enduring love, perfect for readers of Mimi Matthews, Susanna Kearsley, and Kate Morton.

NUNES OF SAVANNAHA Saga of Survival, from Lisbon to Savannah

One family. Three generations.

In 1733, the ship William and Sara arrives at the edge of a raw and fever-stricken Georgia colony. Among the weary passengers is Dr. Samuel Nunes, a man fleeing the terrors of the Portuguese Inquisition with nothing but his medical skill and a hidden heritage. When General James Oglethorpe bars the ship from the plague-ravaged docks of Savannah, it is Nunes who steps forward, trading his expertise for a sanctuary where his people can finally breathe.

But survival in the New World requires more than medicine. As the colony grows, the family must navigate the treacherous currents of the American frontier. From Moses Nunes, the legendary "Language Master" who brokers peace between the British Crown and the Creek Nation, to the brave men and women who carved a life out of the untamed Ogeechee, Altamaha, and Satilla rivers, the Nunes lineage becomes a bridge between two worlds.

From best selling author Cali Melle comes a new hockey romance filled with scorching tension, witty banter and a deal for the season between a hockey player with a reputation and a romance author who needs the story of a lifetime.

She writes love stories for a living. He doesn't believe in love.

When a terrible case of writer's block has her career on the line, bestselling romance author Jade Wilson needs inspiration-and fast. If she can't find a new muse soon, the publishing deal she's about to secure is off the table. With her deadline approaching, Jade thinks she's out of options, until she runs into him.

The only thing Matteo "Matty" Ford commits to is being the best player on the ice. He's the type of guy to visit your bedroom, but never your family. He dates, but not for love, and with his team on a losing streak, he knows he can't afford any distractions.

Until his teammates suggest that maybe he's the reason behind their dry spell. Since he's sworn off romance, he hasn't scored a single goal.

And now, he'll do anything to turn that around.

Enter The Plot Pact. Matty offers to help Jade with research for her new book while she becomes his carefully controlled distraction. It's temporary, strategic, and it comes with one ironclad rule: no falling in love.

But as the season unfolds, the lines between research and reality blur. She's writing the best story of her career, his team is on fire, and the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore.

What began as a calculated decision becomes dangerously real. Now they have to decide: was it all just for the plot or are they ready to risk everything for a chance at something real?

Ideal for independent travellers, this guidebook to Rome, written by Italy experts, goes beyond the basics. It blends must-see sights with hidden gems and offers unmatched practical guidance for seamless planning and on-the-go exploration. Packed with in-depth advice often missing from other guides, it helps you navigate with ease. From using public transport to discovering the best dining, accommodations, and local experiences, this guide covers it all. Every detail you need for a smooth and enriching journey.

Inside this Rome travel book, you'll find:

• Regional deep dive - in-depth coverage of key areas with curated experiences and honest reviews


• Itinerary samples - tailored plans for different trip lengths and travel styles


• Practical information - essential tips on getting there, using public transport, avoiding crowds, saving time and money, and traveling responsibly


• Expert recommendations - insider advice on the best places to eat, drink, stay, and enjoy nightlife or outdoor activities


• Seasonal tips - when to go to Rome, climate details, and festival highlights to plan your perfect trip


• Must-see pick - unmissable sights handpicked by our authors - Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, pizza, Museo Nazionale Romano, Galleria Borghese, gelato, Roman Forum and Palatine, Vatican Museums, Basilica of San Clemente, Domus Aurea, Piazza Navona, Ostia Antica, Cripta dei Cappuccini, Villa Borghese, Campo de'Fiori


• Easy-to-use maps - colour-coded maps highlighting essential spots for dining, accommodation, shopping and entertainment


• Cultural insights - engaging stories on local history, arts, and traditions for a deeper understanding of Rome


• Language essentials - Italian phrases and vocabulary to help you connect with locals


• Inspiring travel photography - stunning full-color images capturing the essence of Rome, and fueling your wanderlust


• Designed for comfort and sustainability - a velvet soft-touch cover for a secure grip and premium uncoated paper from responsibly sourced materials


• Bonus eBook - free download with purchase for added convenience


• Coverage includes: Centro Storico, Camp de'Fiori and the Ghetto, Piazza Venezla, Capitoline Hill, Ancient Rome, The Tridente and Trevi, The Quirinale and Via Veneto, Monte, Termini and the Esquiline, Cellan Hill and San Giovanni, Aventine Hill, Trastevere and the Janiculum Hill, Villa Borghese, The Vatican

Travel smart and experience Rome with confidence. Let this guide to Rome be your trusted companion to must-see sights, hidden gems, and local secrets for an unforgettable adventure.

In early twentieth century Japan, women have few rights. Yet one precocious poet--a brooding daughter, locked in her room at night by protective parents--runs away from home to live a life of her choosing.

She falls in love with a fellow poet and follows him across Siberia to Paris, where they witness the last days of the Belle Epoque. She perseveres through poverty, back-to-back pregnancies, infidelity, earthquake and fire, to become a name every Japanese schoolchild knows today as a pioneering feminist poet and the first person to translate the classical Tale of Genji into modern Japanese. In her single-minded dedication to her art, she inflicts wounds on a daughter that echo from her own childhood. She sets out to make amends, knowing it may be too late.

Based on the life of poet Yosano Akiko (1878-1942) and filled with original translations of her poetry, Girl in a Box will ignite the discussion about the female artist's challenge to create while juggling family, career, and personal freedom. Historical fiction at its best.

A spicy Fake Dating, Grumpy x Sunshine, hockey romance from bestselling author, Carly Robyn

One fake relationship, a delicious dash of chemistry, and a recipe that's bound to get messy.

Kennedy Caplan bakes the best cakes in town, but taking her business to the next level requires more than butter and grit. She's determined to turn her dreams into something bigger, even if the odds-and her bank account-are stacked against her.

Cameron Davies, NHL goalie and resident grump, has perfected the art of shutting people out. He's content with his small circle, until life throws him off balance: a toxic ex back in town, teammates who won't stop hovering, and a spotlight that refuses to dim.

His solution is as practical as it is risky: a fake relationship with Kennedy-his sister's friend and the one person he can't seem to ignore. The arrangement gives her business the financial investment it desperately needs, and provides Cameron a buffer from his ex and overprotective teammates.

But what begins as a strategic arrangement soon blurs into late-night calls and sparks neither of them can deny. And the more they lean into the lie, they're forced to face the question they've both been avoiding: what if this isn't fake anymore?

Fire and Ice is a spicy hockey romance with heart, heat, humor, and a guaranteed HEA. This is the second book in the Boston Bobcats series and can be read as a standalone, although reading in order is recommended for the best experience!

Tropes include:

• hockey romance
• fake dating
• grumpy x sunshine
• nhl goalie & baker
• he falls first
• dual POV
• slow burn with spice

Is African American music relegated to Negro spirituals and field songs, or is there more?

And how well can Black gospel, hip-hop, and other genres actually represent our

present-day struggle for racial justice and equity?

In this in-depth look at America and its music, Dr. John Ware has the reader reflect

on our values as citizens and our expression through music. Ware describes and dissects

the nation's American, Christian, and Black nationalism and the music that defines each.

Ware provides readers with a fresh, concise, timely idea for a unified and diverse

American people through a new song.

This is no one's dusty history essay. The Mississippi native uses poetry, biblical

references, and more to bring home some controversial ideas about what it means to be

American for all Americans.

Written with the experiences of a musician, performer, and teacher, Ware opens our

eyes to some new truths and provides a stepping-off point for discussion and exploration

from all walks of life.

Ware hopes to promote a spirit of nationalism in our country while sharing his

perspective on racial justice and equity in the field of choral music.

According to Ware, "Art and music impact the emotion, psyche, and yes, the very

soul of humans. It is what unifies us."

He recognizes that choral directors and musicians are also our community's culture

bearers and deserve a place at the table.

Faith is easy-until life isn't.

With warmth, honesty, and a little humor, Even If invites you to explore a faith that doesn't flinch when life gets hard. It's not about having all the answers-it's about trusting that God does, even if the ending doesn't go the way you planned.

If you've been wrestling with the why, begging for the when, or doubting the how, this book will remind you that faith isn't about everything making sense-it's about standing firm in who God is, even if things around you are crumbling.

What do you do when the miracle doesn't come, the door doesn't open, and the happily ever after isn't yours? Even If is for every person who's ever whispered, "I trust You, God...but this hurts"-which, if we're honest, is most of us.

Life rarely sticks to the script. Just when you think things are going smoothly, boom-change, loss, heartbreak, or something else you didn't pencil into your calendar.

Even If is a heartfelt look at how to hold onto faith when life feels upside down, saying, "I trust You, God...even if I don't get the answer I want, even if the wait is long, and even if I feel like a mess."

Heather Sorenson shows that unwavering faith doesn't mean having it all together. It just means clinging to the One who does.

The Vorkosigan Saga: Two Tales

"Winterfair Gifts"

In the elaborate preparations for Lord Miles Vorkosigan and his fiancée Ekaterin's Winterfair wedding on their home planet Barrayar, not just Miles's friends but also his enemies are at work. Miles's newest Armsman, the shy Roic, and Miles's old comrade, the genetically engineered Sergeant Taura, confront the sinister plot, and may just find a romance of their own.

"The Flowers of Vashnoi"

Still new to her duties as Lady Vorkosigan, Ekaterin is working together with expatriate scientist Enrique Borgos on a radical scheme to recover the lands of the Vashnoi exclusion zone, lingering radioactive legacy of the Cetagandan invasion of the planet Barrayar. When Enrique's experimental bioengineered creatures go missing, the pair discover that the zone still conceals deadly old secrets.

- A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR -

"Bujold is one of the best writers of SF adventures to come along in years." - Locus

"Bujold is not just a master of plot, she is a master of emotion." - SF Site

"A superb craftsman and stylist, Ms. Bujold is well on her way to becoming one of the great voices of speculative fiction." - Rave Reviews

"Bujold has a gift, nearly unique in science fiction, for the comedy of manners." - Chicago Sun Times "

"Superb far-future saga." - Publishers Weekly on the 'Vorkosigan' series Bujold's "work remains among the most enjoyable and rewarding in contemporary SF." - Publishers Weekly

Lois McMaster Bujold was born in 1949, the daughter of an engineering professor at Ohio State University, from whom she picked up her early interest in science fiction. She now lives in Minneapolis, and has two grown children. She began writing with the aim of professional publication in 1982. She wrote three novels in three years; in October of 1985, all three sold to Baen Books, launching her career. Bujold went on to write many other books for Baen, mostly featuring her popular character Miles Naismith Vorkosigan, his family, friends, and enemies. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages. Her fantasy from Eos includes the award-winning Chalion series and the Sharing Knife series.

Los cuentos de Siete Horizontal lo llevarán a un espacio donde el tiempo no se mide con reloj, sino con la obsesión de los recuerdos y el peso de las decisiones. En esta colección de relatos fantásticos, inquietantes y profundamente humanos, los personajes enfrentan destinos ineludibles, horrores inexplicables y misteriosas fuerzas que los condenan a enfrentarse con la sombra de su propia existencia.

Un niño aprende que la ciencia no siempre tiene todas las respuestas.
¿Qué secreto descubre una anciana al resolver un crucigrama?
Un viajero atrapado en su travesía de un mes de abril sin fin.
Un pródigo cineasta vive su propia historia de terror cuando asiste a su reunión de secundaria...y cuatro historias más que trazan una nueva frontera entre lo cotidiano y lo imposible, entre la duda y la certeza, y que lo obligaran a explorar las grietas de la realidad.

Siguiendo la tradición de los grandes narradores del realismo mágico, la literatura fantástica y la ficción especulativa, este libro nos sumerge en relatos donde lo cotidiano se tuerce hasta volverse irreal, y donde cada elección, cada segundo y cada error cobran un peso insoportable.
¿Es el tiempo el que nos atrapa, o somos nosotros quienes nos condenamos?

In a forgotten age, the old gods fell.

Zeus crushed the ancient Titans in a war that shook the heavens, then hurled the vanquished into Tartarus: an abyss of ice and torment buried far beneath the underworld itself, sealed forever. Or so he believed.

Now, high in Crete's mountains, archaeologists have unearthed a crumbling manuscript that promises whoever opens the gates to Tartarus will command the Titans: unstoppable beings capable of bringing the modern world to its knees.

Linguist Matt Kearns discovers irrefutable evidence that a reclusive billionaire believes the myth is real and plans to free the Titans.

Only one man can stop him: Alex Hunter, the legendary Arcadian, leading the elite HAWC commandos into the depths of the Earth to confront horrors never faced before. But victory demands the impossible - Alex must find and recruit Zeus himself.

In this thunderous collision of ancient myth and cutting-edge military fury, Greig Beck unleashes a relentless, blood-soaked epic tale that races from buried Tartarean ruins to the marble arenas of Olympus itself, leaving you breathless until the final, cataclysmic page is turned.

Hiring outcomes shouldn't "scatter evenly." Yet too many leaders are stuck on a revolving hamster wheel of recruiting, onboarding, and replacing, while trying to hit bigger goals with an unstable team.

The math ain't mathing.

In Hire Right. Keep Great People, Dr. Quendrida Whitmore, known as Coach Quen(R), gives overwhelmed people managers, directors, and HR leaders a practical, repeatable talent lifecycle model that transforms talent management from a yearly event into a daily operating system. Built for modern strategic human capital management, this end-to-end employee lifecycle playbook helps you stop "chemistry hires," reduce bias, improve retention, and build a leadership bench that lasts.

This isn't theory. It's a start-anywhere framework you can run immediately:

Attract → Select → Belong → Develop → Advance (with Reflection wrapping the whole process so you can fix what's broken right now and build a Culture of Development(TM) over time).

Inside, you'll learn how to:

• Turn culture into a recruiting advantage with talent acquisition best practices that attract the right people (not just more applicants)
• Use a structured interview process with competency based interviewing and probe questions so you can make better hiring decisions and reduce costly misfires
• Reduce bias with "structure over subjectivity," including guidance on interviewing for culture fit vs skill and selection criteria you can defend
• Increase retention by building psychological safety at work and fostering a real culture of belonging, because onboarding isn't orientation
• Implement a strategic 30-60-90 day onboarding plan that accelerates contribution and helps you reduce employee turnover
• Develop people without becoming the bottleneck: coaching vs managing, feedback that lands, and individual development plans leaders actually use
• Handle performance slips with clarity and dignity using a manager-friendly performance improvement plan guide
• Build a leadership pipeline with succession planning, the 9 box grid talent assessment, sponsorship, and talent visibility so advancement is faster and fairer

Readers consistently describe this as a book you work with, not just read, a one-on-one coaching session in print, packed with vivid "Storytime" moments and tools you can apply immediately.

If you're ready to stop leading by accident and start leading with intention, this is your human-centered, ROI-smart talent management strategy for building a high-performing team and a leadership legacy you're proud of.

Click "Buy now" to start building your Talent Lifecycle, one high-impact decision at a time.

Want marketing that works? Stop selling and start connecting.

Forget the buzzwords and the hot new tactics. Good marketing is choosing the message and channel that actually land with audiences. So what do you say, and how do you know it will work? The marketing that wins is rooted in simple principles: Be authentic, speak to a real audience, and make it resonate. The challenge is turning those principles into a narrative strategy that performs in the real world. Because marketing shifts. People shift. Platforms shift. You need a framework that's built to adapt.

Enter the O.D.D.S. Method: a fail-safe four-part framework from marketing consultant and entrepreneur Shanise Ling, EMBA, that will dramatically simplify and fundamentally change how you go about creating a marketing strategy that works. The O.D.D.S. Method teaches you how to:

• Observe: Start with analysis, then use insights to make meaningful connections.
• Distill: Define a clear point of view from which to build a brand that resonates.
• Differentiate: Determine and fine-tune the channels and tools that best fit your market.
• Scale: Amplify your message strategically.

Blending real-world stories with actionable marketing strategy, Odds Are It's Marketing is an exploration of what it means to build visibility, credibility, and impact-especially for those who've been underestimated, overlooked, or undervalued. To build brands that can't be ignored, you need clarity, confidence, and purpose. But most of all, you need a great story. What will yours be?

REAL STORIES OF MEN REFLECTING ON IDENTITY, PURPOSE, AND TRUTH

What It Is Like Being a Man offers a powerful and honest collection of stories by men from all walks of life. Through

heartfelt and authentic narratives, these men explore their journeys and experiences, delving into topics of self-identity, purpose,

healing, resilience, and the quest for truth. This anthology is an invitation to peek into the hearts and minds of men who have walked through and triumphed over some of life's greatest challenges, from healing to finding one's truth.

It's that most hectic time of the year, and all a certain married dad wants for Christmas is to rekindle the very hot spark he once shared with his wife in this heartwarmingly spicy, holiday-themed romantic dramedy from the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Ravenhood--perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn, Julie Murphy, and Tessa Bailey!

**DELUXE LIMITED EDITION FEATURING GLITTER GLOSS, STENCILED EDGES, DESIGNED INTERIOR, AND BONUS CONTENT**

My kids are a**holes.

Yeah, I said it. I said the thing no father is supposed to say about their children, and I'll say it again because I miss my wife.

Serena's checked out and now resides in 'yes dear' robot mode, complete with a new eye twitch. Reason being, the impish elves we spawned are currently sucking the life out of her--daily. Thanks to Gracie and Peyton, my patience is hanging by the last orange bulb on a very thin green wire. Thank God we're headed to Triple Falls. A week of Ruby's eggnog and a little change of scenery could be just what the woman I love needs to find her way back to herself--and to me.

But the closer we get to packing up, the shorter my fuse becomes . . . and the more I'm starting to get ideas of taking drastic measures. And by drastic, I mean our little goblins won't be the only ones making Rudolph's naughty list. I've had enough. I'm not giving in this time. No amount of alligator tears or fake apologies are going to cut it.

Ironically, the more I man up and take charge, the more Serena and I are starting to reminisce about the good old days, which is quickly adding up to some heated nights. Come hell or high water, this Christmas, our kids are going to learn to appreciate the parents they've got because I'm getting my girl back . . . even if the two little hellions we created have to pay to bring her back to me--little f*ckers.

The Sleight Before Christmas is packed with adult shenanigans, laugh-out-loud outrageous content, colorful language, adults behaving badly, as well as hefty doses of spice.