2020 American Fiction Awards Finalist - Women's Fiction

"This witty Roman a Clef makes for can't put it down reading. Melhado's fully formed characters bring to mind a more modern contemporary version of 'The Women.'" –Jeffrey Banks, Author and Coty-Award Winning Fashion Designer

From her elegant atelier office, Nadia Demidova discreetly monitors the arrival of her latest guests. Legendary doyenne of the fabled Palm Springs getaway, she can always tell from the moment the women arrive, which ones will be problems.

This group will not disappoint: a burned-out Fifth Avenue retail executive...a striking former model and Chicago socialite... an overweight Texas housewife on the brink of her second divorce and her beautiful, teenage daughter...and a CEO who, unhappy with recent plastic surgery, is secluded in her room.

Fortunately, Madame Demidova can rely on her Assistant Director to help manage the herd, not knowing that this valued employee is poised to make an audacious move.

Old secrets, new friends, second chances - and a chance to snag the divine man who unexpectedly arrives on the scene - are all on the menu at The Spa At Lavender Lane.

Her Navy SEAL Bodyguard Must Save Her.

Doctor Lori Waters grieves over the death of her father. She lost her mother not long before. While struggling with the loss, she must face a broken engagement.

Suspicious circumstances surround her father’s death. Alone and emotionally shattered, Lori investigates to determine if he was murdered. But an enemy has much to gain by getting her out of the way, too.

With few allies, and surrounded by danger, Lori chases down a killer. But she isn’t alone. A Navy SEAL heartthrob vows to be her protector, and she falls in love at the worst possible time.

Gunner Cantrell protects the innocent. That is his passion, his life. Then he meets Lori and can’t forget the sadness in her eyes. He is drawn to help her and will give his life to save her. No sacrifice is too much for the woman he loves.

Meeting your new billionaire boss sounds exciting…
Until he turns out to be your unforgettable one-night stand from yesterday.

Next day he summons me to his office and tells me that he wants me…
…he wants me to be his fake girlfriend to prove that no one can tell fake love from the real thing.

I don't even have to sleep with him… but I kind of want to.

I need the money to help my parents, but I feel that the price is too high.

He is the ultimate bosshole playboy and I really hate the day I met Stan, the Billionaire.

No cheating, no cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed! Can be read as a standalone.

When LA social worker Anabel Medina sees a heavily armed gunman open fire at a shopping mall in Malibu, she almost snickers at the cruelly ironic fact that, after everything she’s managed to survive throughout her violent childhood in El Salvador, she's now about to die. Here. In Malibu.

Soon thereafter, while being interviewed on live TV—and asked how she was able to subdue the shooter with such unfazed bravery, as has been seen by millions on a viral video—Anabel demurs. She doesn’t want to talk about how she had spent her adolescence fleeing from marauding death squads in the Salvadoran hinterlands, and how a childhood in such constant close proximity to death begets a kind of callousness that’s difficult to grasp for people from the North. The hero worship fluff piece she’s expected to partake in comes entirely undone when Anabel—instead of giving some redundant play-by-play of the ordeal, or leaving it at yet another feckless argument for stricter gun control—opts to speak about the deeper reasons for the ceaseless stream of violence in, and from, America while giving an articulate assessment of a western system rife with corporate greed, extreme iniquity, perpetual wars, and smoldering rage.

Days later, Chris Heller, a disenchanted war photographer who’s visiting his hometown of Los Angeles, meets a woman by the name of Anabel who, as it turns out, has recently made waves in Malibu. Two damaged souls begin to bond and for the first time in god-knows-how-long, feel close to someone else.

When Anabel faces calls to use the platform she's unwittingly achieved, Chris, afire with a newfound sense of purpose in her wake, encourages her to run for office as an independent candidate. What follows is an unrelenting media smear campaign against the former ‘Heroine of Malibu’ who, through her enormous popularity, rises to become a threat to the establishment.

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

"One of the best damn bounty hunters. Period." James Brownstone

Johnny Walker was a good bounty hunter in his day. James Brownstone good.

But everybody has a line, including Johnny, and he retreated from the world to lick his wounds. But now the bad guys are back and he's not going to let another young woman be murdered.

Get the first six books in the bestselling Dwarf Bounty Hunter series to start his adventures today!

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When Johnny's teenage daughter was murdered, everybody’s favorite Dwarf retreated to his cabin in the swamp with his two hound dogs by his side, and retired with his guns, his whiskey and his memories. Who was the killer? Even Johnny couldn’t figure it out. At least not yet.

But magical monsters weren’t done with him… yet.

Years have passed and a young female shifter has gone missing and her parents are dead. The Feds know that Johnny is her only hope and the clock is ticking.

Johnny can’t say no this time.

He’s off to New York City with Light Elf Fed Lisa Breyer to get her back.

Dwarf the Bounty Hunter is back to kick ass and take names. Or maybe just kick ass.

What will he do when the clues connect to the fifteen-year-old cold case of his daughter’s murder?

Included in this boxed set:

1. Go Dwarf Yourself
2. Don't Give A Dwarf
3. All Dwarf'ed Up
4. Zero Dwarfs Given
5. What The Dwarf
6. Dwarf It All

Click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE to find out. Join Johnny, Lisa, and the hounds on their adventures today!

Heal yourself the natural way with the preventative properties of plant-based remedies!
Alternative medicine has been the standard of many cultures for thousands of years, providing people with safe and organic protection from common ailments. I grew up in a family that traditionally used herbs, and I inherited the passion. I have been regularly using herbs for myself and my family, and herbalism continues to amaze me to no end.

The recent resurgence of interest in herbalism has led to widespread misinformation regarding the practice, resulting in the misuse of certain plants and herbs that can disrupt the healing process.

Whether you are just beginning your herbal journey or looking to deepen your understanding of nature’s medicine, this book is the perfect starting point.

Herbal Medicine for Beginners is a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing alternative healing practices right in your own garden.
Ensure lasting relief from your stubborn pains as this book teaches you how to:

• Crucial Herbs to alleviate your stress or anxiety and promote relaxed sleep


• 19 different effective herbal preparation methods at your fingertips


• Making your own herbal first-aid kits


• 37 vital herbs easy to grow, harvest, and use


• How these fabulous healing herbs are functioning and their active constitutions


• Appreciate the oldest form of medicine in the world by learning the history of herbalism from different regions across the globe


• 73 common ailments with their natural remedies


• Discover the quintessential dried mixed herb recipes to maximize your health benefits


• Follow the proper herbal dosage guidelines to ensure your methods of this alternative practice are safe and healthy


• Manage your home apothecary with tips on how to trim, store, and handle fresh herbs




 
•  

Strengthen the connection between your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being with the historically proven practice of herbalism.

Take your herbal health to the next level with Herbal Medicines for Beginners!

Seeing the future is dangerous...especially when I see things that people don’t want me to know.

I am THE Nostra, a title, but the name has been so lost to history that I am just called Nostra. I see the future, but only bits and pieces, so when I am asked to help the Queen decide who her son should marry, my head feels very much in danger.

As accusations of witchcraft, betrayals, and love fill the court and cloud my visions, I uncover more about my powers and my past, but will it be in time to save the boy I love?

The investment industry wants you to believe in stock market wizards who can predict the future and make a killing. But there’s a simpler way to invest that offers better returns and less stress—no crystal ball needed.

We all know from experience that rational thoughts often lose out to primal cravings: if someone handed you a plate of chocolate cake and a plate of broccoli right now, which would you instinctively reach for?

When investing, you face this same tension between the part of your brain that longs for the sweet, satisfying allure of beating the market versus the rational and wise part that chooses the boring solution offering better results. You also face an uphill battle against an industry that makes more money selling you the finance equivalent of chocolate cake.

This is the truth the investment industry doesn’t want you to know: a low-cost passive portfolio not only earns you higher returns on average than active investing (the kind that makes them the most money) but is also shockingly simple to build and manage.

Transparent Investing will help you achieve your financial goals and become a more empowered and confident consumer. No matter your level of wealth or experience, this plain-English, no-nonsense guide gives you the knowledge you need to:

• Keep your brain from becoming hazardous to your wealth
• Decide whether you should hire a trustworthy advisor or DIY
• Spot the hidden fees that enrich advisors but drag down returns
• Create a simple, tax-efficient portfolio without fear
• Plan for a worry-free retirement and get rich carefully

Smart investing doesn’t have to be intimidating or as complicated as the faux wizards behind the curtain want you to believe. With Transparent Investing, you’ll learn how the game works and how to achieve your investment goals with far less study, time, and anxiety than you might think.

A female Wolf in danger. Four Possessive Dragons determined to protect her. A paranormal romance. Series is complete.

Elizabeth is certain she’s not meant to rule the Southeastern White Tooth Pack. Since birth, she’s been told she was the wolf pack’s fated leader. She is, after all, the first-born of the pack Alpha. But how can she lead them if she’s never shifted? She doubts herself, but her fate is tied to the moon and Elizabeth is honor-bound to fulfill her destiny. To help Elizabeth, her mother presents her with a secret diamond necklace, magical jewels that have adorned the neck of every female in her family for hundreds of years.

But evil forces lurk in the shadows.
Not every wolf shifter in the pack wants Elizabeth to take power. When the Wolf Council sanctions Elizabeth as the official Fated Alpha, enemies attack her family, killing her parents. When they discover that Elizabeth survived, she must flee for her life. With nowhere to go, help comes in the form of four sexy and powerful Dragon shifters.

The fierce warriors offer her their protection in their secluded mountain home.
As Elizabeth mends, it’s clear the four Dragon shifters crave more from her. All four men desire her. Each wants to claim her body and heart and soul.
As her enemies close in, can the men keep Elizabeth safe by their side and help her reclaim her place as leader of her pack?


***Elizabeth and the Clan of Dragons is Book One of the Fated Alpha Series. Each book features a paranormal romance with one woman and four demanding, protective shifters. ***

Buy now to dive into this paranormal romance world!

How to make the most of your tax breaks and reap the financial rewards, even if you struggle with filing…

What do you think when you hear the word "taxes"?

Odds are, you don't associate them with anything good. In fact, it's been said that the only two things that are certain in life are death and taxes -- and nobody looks forward to either of them.

But why is that? What is it about tax season that creates a sense of dread and unnecessary stress?

The fear of taxes often comes from misunderstanding.

Many people believe that the goal of taxes is to take from the people, when in fact the tax code is written to benefit the people who contribute back to the economy.

As an entrepreneur, you know the value you bring to the table. You help create jobs, provide services, and give back with your time and effort.

So it can feel like a punishment when you file your tax return and get hit with high taxation rates and minimal returns.

The truth is, by changing the way you approach your taxes, you can transform the way they impact your life.

Through strategic planning, you can take advantage of the hundreds of deductions and credits that were designed to save you money, just for running your business in a smart way.

In Tax Planning for Women Entrepreneurs, here is just a fraction of what you will discover:

• How to make the most of your tax opportunities to minimize expenses and take advantage of what’s available to you as a business owner
• What the cashflow quadrant is -- and where you fall within it
• The 4 essential asset classes you must be investing in if you want a truly balanced portfolio
• The difference between tax deductions and tax credits, and why understanding how they differ is crucial to maximizing your tax savings
• 6 simple steps to lower your tax bracket, potentially saving you thousands of dollars
• Small business tax deductions you might be overlooking that are costing you money each year
• How to make the most of your real estate investments and choose the right niche for your needs
• How to avoid double taxation by creating flow-through entities using the business that you already have
• The easy-to-claim tax credits that you might qualify for without even realizing it

And much more.

Maybe you've already tried to take a strategic look at your taxes in the past, finding yourself overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there. You're not alone.

Millions of people each year lose out on money they are rightfully owed, all because they don't know how to use the system to their benefit.

This guide will take you through all the steps to take advantage of the opportunities the government gives you, all through completely legal means.

You'll be able to confidently save for the future knowing that you're paying the lowest possible tax rates, supporting your business, and planning for success.

If you're ready to take the fear and stress out of taxes and make the most of your money, then scroll up and click the “Add to Cart” button right now.

A terrorist plotting an attack on Washington DC, staying one step ahead by hiding in plain sight, always there, but never seen.

In the classic government way, a tiger team is built to look into the intelligence surrounding a terror threat. They didn't count on Rick Banik to break down walls and get the job done, no matter what. He takes it personal.

Rick Banik - the right patriot for a new age. A race against time. A fight against bureaucracy. A maze of red tape and dots that don't want to be connected. How many people must die for the plot to be uncovered? How many will die if it isn't?

People Raged will give you hope that such people exist where you can't see them, doing things that need to be done to protect us all. Rick Banik is your next best intelligence professional. Read People Raged today.

The USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestseller!

Lily’s gone.
Someone took her.
Unless she was she never there…

A little girl has gone missing.

Lily was last seen being tucked into bed by her adoring mother, Nova. But the next morning, the bed is empty except for a creepy toy rabbit.

Has Nova’s abusive ex stolen his “little bunny” back for good?

At first, Officer Ellie James assumes this is a clear custody battle. Until she discovers that there are no pictures of the girl and her drawers are full of unused toys and brand new clothes that have never been worn…

Is Ellie searching for a missing child who doesn’t actually exist?

There's a new strike team in Salem.

Three hot guys… and me. I’m Max: part-time demon hunter, brand new witch, and all-around tough girl.

I’m on a mission to save Father Gabriel, the only person in my life that ever cared. When an exorcism goes bad, demons drag him down to the fiery pits of Hades. I’m going to get him back, but I can’t do it alone.

The Protectors of Salem add me to their elite hit squad with three hardcore warriors who are supposed to help me come into my powers and pull off this rescue mission. It’s going to take a miracle for us to all get along.

Erik: Salem Academy’s lethal killer. He’s way too overprotective and his muscles distract me from my training. Just because he was my brother’s best friend in the Special Forces doesn’t give him the right to hold me back—or to claim a piece of my heart.

Noah: cocky warlock. That irritating smirk comes out whenever I mess up, but I can tell I get under his skin. I’m not sure either of us are ready for the explosion that’ll happen if we find a way to work together and combine our powers.

Tristan: he’s a Fae…need I say more? He sticks out in Salem Academy like a sore thumb—well, a hot one, anyway. I’m keeping an eye on him. The underbelly of demon politics is riddled with Fae influence and his connections can either help us… or betray us.

Muscle, magic, and deviance: that’s my team. Maybe Salem Academy knew what they were doing when they recruited me. Or maybe Father Gabriel will have answers about my past that I never saw coming.

But first? We’ve got some demons to destroy.

Please note: This book was previously published with the same title, with the series name "Salem Academy."

This collection of small town and big city romances and romantic comedies will keep you glued to the page, with stories including…
* A Rockstar who broke his promise to resurrect his fiancée’s languishing ranch, but took five years to return. Will she grant him a second chance, or has their love played its last tune?
* A young woman who fled the big city to escape her politician father's cheating scandal…only to fall for a struggling small town bike builder waiting for his big break. Is he a cheat like her father, or could the sexy single dad be custom made for her?
* A rundown single mom looking for a break and a kind-hearted entrepreneur in love with the wrong woman. Will their chemistry bring them love…or will the ghosts of her past come back to haunt them?
* A divorced, big time city baker forced to return to her family’s ranch. Falling for the younger and all too charming ranch hand was never part of the plan…
* A scandal that made Mitch and Olivia enemies. Can they now claim their joint inheritance without starting World War III?
* A haunted vet with nowhere else to go and a determined woman with no place to call home. Can they heal the hurricane-ravaged town of Patriot Bay…or with their broken hearts get in the way?
* And many more stories full of surprise, heartache, humor, and ALL the feels!

Fans of small town romances, romantic comedies, friends to lovers, second chances, military veterans, and happily ever afters will devour this boxed set of more than 15 standalone romances.

Each unique story in the Finally Got It Right Boxset guarantees a swoon-worthy book boyfriend and a happily ever after that fans of Melanie Harlow, Corinne Michaels, and Nicole Ellis are sure to enjoy!

Authors included in the box set are C.K. O'Connor, Heather Silvio, Cricket Rohman, Alexi Ferreira, Susanne Ash, Ginger Ring, Jade Royal & Amy Cecil, J.L. Campbell, Carmen Cook, Mel Walker, CA Miconi, Maci Dillon, J.C. Layne, Toni Denise, Lorah Jaiyn & Tiffany Carby, Jewel Walters, Macie Collins

Discover 37 species of edible wild plants as you identify, forage, and preserve nature’s nutritious bounty.

Are you tired of paying rising grocery prices for food that always looks and feels processed?

Are you looking for an alternative yet natural way to source food?

Then it’s time to look towards nature!

That’s right. Open the door to your backyard, and take a good hard look. Take a walk in the forest. Explore the fields.

Nature is exploding all around you.

And something special lurks within this verdant paradise -- tasty edibles just waiting to be foraged.

Experts estimate that there are more than 20,000 species of edible plants in the world... yet 90% of our food comes from only 20 of them.

There are thousands of edible plants out in the wild which are both delicious and nutritious… So why aren’t we eating them?

The Pacific Northwest, with its lush forests and rich habitats, provides the perfect backdrop for numerous species of edible wild plants.

Accessing all this wealth simply requires you to forage.

You must be wondering:

• How do I forage for edible plants -- and where exactly do I look?
• How do I know which part of a plant is edible?
• What if I encounter poisonous plants?

The solution to all your questions can be found here.

In Pacific Northwest Edible Plant Foraging, you will discover:

• 37 edible plant profiles of the Pacific Northwest -- identify, harvest, preserve, and consume nature’s finest offerings
• A beginner-friendly guide to all things foraging, including all the benefits (hint: it will help you slash your grocery bills!)
• A complete plant identification guide -- discover the essential parts of a plant and how you can identify them
• The universal edibility test -- an 8-step process for finding out whether a plant is consumable or not
• Ethical and responsible foraging guidelines -- safety considerations, urban foraging, and nature conservation
• Exactly how to forage for edible plants -- a look at locations, tools, harvesting techniques, and more
• Seasonal information on edible species... so that you can plan ahead (plus: a handy year-round foraging chart)
• How to identify poisonous plants -- and how to treat the symptoms associated with them (for ultimate peace of mind when you’re foraging)
• A companion mini-guide filled with colored images of plants – scan the QR code at the back of your paperback to get premium access!

And much more.

Foraging is a great way to connect with nature in a responsible way: by becoming a part of the ecosystem.

It makes you aware of the nurturing quality of nature, and how you can preserve it for every living being.

Plus, you get nutritious and delicious rewards too – included in this guide are 10 creative but simple recipes for the whole family!

So what are you waiting for?

If you’re eager to start foraging for edible plants of the Pacific Northwest in a safe and responsible way, then scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now.

New York playwright Noah Miller had it all–a supportive wife, a precocious daughter, a promising career. Then, suddenly, all is lost.

Still mourning his family, Noah reluctantly agrees to oversee the summer production of his play on Cape Cod. There he befriends a woman who sympathizes with his grief. But her true objectives run deeper–into his very soul–and Noah becomes an unwitting victim of her deception.

Immersed in his production, he begins an affair with one of his actors but the guilt from their relationship leads to tragic consequences. Then, on the anniversary of his wife's passing, Noah discovers the harrowing mystery behind her unexpected death and the part he played in it.

Harboring this devastating secret, his show about to open without one of its lead actors, and a dubious figure harassing him, Behind the Fourth Wall is a story of hope and redemption, forgiveness and second chances, and ultimately, the courage to face one's darkest fears.

Zero point zero. He was officially dead.

To Them, he was worth nothing.

But he had everything to lose.

Jason has earned enough rewards to secure a beautiful girlfriend and lavish lifestyle.

Until his unforgivable mistake.

Now they’re trying to kill him.

In a world where a person’s worth is measured by points and evil lurks around every corner, who will win the game of survival?

“If life must not be taken too seriously--then so neither must death.” The Victorian author Samuel Butler surely had it right. Why should there be any shame or hesitation in recalling the humorous moments provided by aging parents during the final miles of a life’s journey, especially when the humor in no way diminishes the affection and respect felt for a loved one? This book is about the author’s mother Nan and the moments, events, and utterances that made her simply unforgettable to those who knew and loved her. In this memoir, which speaks to all of us who have experienced the challenges posed by aging parents, laughter serves not only as an antidote to depressing reality but also reminds us that the deceased has lived, has amused, has warmed our hearts, and will remain alive through the memories of words said and actions taken during the final period of life.

Everything in nature evolves by trial and error. We cannot avoid this fundamental method of natural evolution, but our human advantage is that we can think about and learn from the errors before trying again.

Trial, Error, and Success helps boost that advantage with 10 insights into realistic knowledge, thinking, and emotional intelligence.

You will see throughout the book how successful thinking combines sharp analyses of new information with broad analogies to existing knowledge. The authors use real-life examples to show

• How thinking can avoid overgeneralization traps.
• How to create new knowledge by trial-and-error thinking.
• How to reduce personal risk and maximize benefits by collective application of the trial-and-error process.

It becomes obvious why machine learning and automatic actions cannot replace human intelligence and decision making!

Table of Contents

Author's Note
Introduction: Why Switch from Proven Science to Trial and Error? 

A.   The Knowledge Level
1. Laws of Science and Math Are Overgeneralization Traps
2. No Process Can Avoid Unpredictable Events
3. More of the Same Works in Stable Conditions
4. Differences Are the Key When the Conditions Change

B. The Intelligence Level
5. Think by Analyzing Differences before Generalizing Similarities
6. Learn from Others but Use the Knowledge Prudently
7. Think about Risk and Benefit to Make Free-Will Decisions
 
C. The Emotional-Intelligence Level
8. Minimize Risk and Maximize Opportunities by Working in Holistic Teams
9. Build Teams on the Platform of Emotions
10. Utilize Brain Plasticity to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence
 
Endnotes
Acknowledgements
Author Bios