★ “A thoroughly absorbing and inherently fascinating account of a most unusual life lived out in a series of equally unusual circumstances.”—Midwest Book Review ★

Everyone has dreams of what they want to accomplish in life. Marty Essen’s childhood dream of becoming a herpetologist gave way to his dream of becoming a popular DJ, which led to his dream of becoming a big-time talent manager, which morphed into the dream of becoming an in-demand author and college speaker. While he achieved most of his dreams at various levels, he also realized that he didn’t necessarily have to reach the top to find success or happiness. Sometimes “almost” is close enough.

Hits, Heathens, and Hippos: Stories from an Agent, Activist, and Adventurer is a humorous and inspirational memoir that explores relationships and careers and how seemingly minor events can lead to life-changing results. Compelling stories have filled Marty’s life, and he tells those stories in a conversational style that combines his talents as an award-winning author with his talents as the creator of a one-man stage show that he has performed at hundreds of colleges across the United States.

This is a must-read for anyone faced with an unexpected career change, worried about finding and keeping the partner of their dreams, forced to take on bullies (whether individual, political, or corporate), eager for ideas to make life more satisfying, or just in search of a fun-filled adventure.

Marty’s stories include:

◆ Growing up with an over-the-top, born-again Christian father, who prayed aloud in restaurants, thought Satan possessed his Masonic lodge watch, and attempted to faith-heal his old Toyota.

◆ Becoming the youngest disc jockey in Minnesota history, where he survived an on-air attack from a jealous DJ and learned that rock ’n’ roll and country radio stations have vastly different groupies.

◆ Running multiple music talent agencies and becoming one of the top young talent managers in America.

◆ Telling the best lie ever to reel in and marry an amazing woman that the media would later dub as his “intrepid wife.”

◆ Moving to Montana, where he founded one of the state’s fastest growing independent telephone companies and an unusual baseball league with pro-prospects and out-of-control players.

◆ Surviving as an outspoken liberal in the most conservative region of Montana and dealing with the death threats and dirty tricks that came with it.

◆ Heartwarming and humorous stories from his relationships with musicians, governors, senators, and a very special Democratic nominee for President of the United States.

◆ Traveling to all seven continents in search of rare and interesting wildlife, backpacking with a tribe known for headhunting, and surviving a vicious hippo attack.

Be inspired, intrigued, and entertained!

The best word for Jasmine Renard’s past year is a four-letter word. After years of concerts and increasing recognition, a rogue group of vampire hunters forced her into hiding. When the offer of a lifetime to perform again comes from the arrogant vampire she’s dreamed of shoving off a cliff, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything. Including, Luca Martens.

Luca has waited long enough to be onstage with Jasmine again. Their electrifying musical chemistry damn near blew his mind the last time they performed. To the point he mishandled what happened backstage after their last concert. He’d do anything to feel the spark again while playing, the one only she can ignite. But she hates him.

*Enemies to lovers vampire romance*

I’ll just admit it right up front—I don’t love the holidays.

In fact, Christmas makes me downright cranky.

Call me the Grinch if you must, but if your dad chose that day to decide he was wrong about that whole wanting a family thing, you’d grow up miffed about mistletoe too. Every candy cane, ugly sweater, and falalalala reminds me of the worst day of my life.

So when my uncle—a bigwig network executive—gives me one last shot to salvage my disastrous TV production career on a show called Holiday Homes, I’ve got no choice but to suck it up, head to the small town of Singletree, and fake festive.

The problem? 

Callan Whitewood. The sexy, sullen former pro-soccer player might be the one person on earth who hates the holidays more than I do. After a devastating injury ended his career, he’s left with a limp, no idea what to do with his future, and a cheerless attitude worthy of Ebenezer Scrooge. But I’ve got a TIME LIMIT to convince the gorgeous grump to allow his home to be featured as the pinnacle of the Christmas episode of the show that’s going to save my career.

That is, if I can keep my hands off him… but I’m having a bit of trouble sticking to the task. 

SHAKING THE SLEIGH is a standalone holiday romantic comedy with a satisfying happily ever after, plenty of festive chuckles, some sexy times and a few chinchillas. Maybe a cat. (And there might be a wombat because wombats really do fit into almost any story.)

*Note to readers: This book has been re-edited since initial release.

Sometimes a real hero lets you save yourself . . .

Sayer Cole and Zeb Fuller couldn’t be more different. She’s country club and fine-dining, he’s cell-block and sawdust. Sayer spends her days in litigation while Zeb spends his working with his hands. But none of that has stopped Zeb from wanting the stunning blonde since the moment he laid eyes on her—even if the reserved lawyer seems determinedly oblivious to his interest.

Sayer is certain the rough, hard, hot-as-hell Zeb could never want someone as closed off and restrained as she is, which is a shame because something tells her he might be the guy to finally melt her icy exterior. When he shows up at Sayer’s door needing her professional help, she’s both disappointed and relieved that she won’t get the chance to find out just how good he could be.

But as they team up to right a wrong and save a family, the steam created when fire and ice collide cannot be ignored.

“Crownover weaves a tale that touches every emotion and keeps the pages turning.” —Liliana Hart, New York Times bestselling author

★★★  The story of Christmas like you’ve never heard before  ★★★

The Bible teaches us the real story of Christmas. The problem is people have taken this story and added on to it. Cultures have added on to it. It’s passed through countries, and they’ve tacked on their little spin.

We have thousands of years of a Christmas that is built around legends and myths. The Christmas we know is, in places, more a fairytale. It’s an inspiring one for sure. But a fairytale, nonetheless.

When you begin to unwrap the many layers of the first Christmas, you begin to see that there’s more to Christmas than meets the eye. God is giving us a message—a gift to unwrap. This book helps us slow down and unpack the layers so we can see just how beautiful this gift really is.

This is the story of Christmas. Christmas: God’s gift to us.

This book is a stand-alone title of the Organic Faith series.

This former all-star never knew Christmas could be so competitive.

Former baseball star Trey Prentice is happily adjusting to life as a bookstore owner in his hometown of Sweet Ridge, Texas. While he loved his competitive and elite lifestyle in New York, he craved a quiet life with friends and family more. As Christmas approaches, Trey is excited to decorate his newest venture and participate in the town’s holiday traditions. He never expected to find himself battling Sweet Ridge’s very own Miss Christmas. Game on.

The only thing librarian Maggie Watson loves more than books is Christmas. She’s even earned the nickname of Miss Christmas because she decorates shop windows and spreads Christmas cheer around town. But this year she’s got some competition. No way is she going to let the cocky Trey Prentice take away her Christmas crown, even though he makes her heart flutter.

When their verbal sparring turns to flirting, Maggie finds there’s more to life than books and Christmas. But will her past insecurities steal her newfound happiness?

The fearsome Dark King of Bounten, with a magical creature known as a Valomere by his side, is on a quest to find the rare metal tarilium. His brutal ways incite the powerful psychic Allani. But when news of his plans to invade the kingdom of Attaveer spread, a new opponent emerges---Sarana, the daughter of a farmer...or is she?

At birth, Sarana was sentenced to death for her "cursed" white hair. The delivery nurse, Meriden, whisked the fair-haired babe to a loving home across the waters from Bounten. Her entire life she hid her appearance to avoid prejudice. Things changed when she discovered she too had a Valomere. She strived to learn the creature's magic and master fighting skills with the hope of becoming a warrior. Her dreams came true when she was allowed to join the Attaveerian king's network of spies--a group poised to help defend the kingdom from an invasion by the Dark King and his powerful army.

When word of the white-haired messenger reached the Dark King he vowed to stop at nothing to capture or kill his opponent. The time for hiding is over. Can Sarana save herself and her kingdom? Follow Sarana from death to destiny as she joins forces with psychics, Valomeres, and the power of inner strength, to defeat an evil king.

Can A Woman’s Fire Melt A Navy SEAL’s Icy Heart?

Navy SEAL Thaddeus Jonsson is the strong, silent type. He’s assigned as bodyguard to Jana, a fiercely independent and outspoken woman with a secret worth a lot of money. And she’s not pleased that her overprotective grandmother hired protection for her. Even if he is the image of a Viking, all six feet three of him. She fights against his intrusion into her life.

˃˃˃ WHEN SHOTS ARE FIRED, JANA REALIZES SHE NEEDS THADDEUS MORE THAN SHE THOUGHT.

Thaddeus was trained to be alone, and after years of deployment can’t envision losing his heart to a woman. He’s clear on one thing: he’s not marriage material. But Jana affects him as no woman has. He’s bound to protect her, but will he stay when the danger is over?

˃˃˃ THE FIRE AND ICE OF JANA AND THADDEUS EXPLODE IN THIS THRILLING ROMANCE!

Like the Land of Fire and Ice, their Icelandic homeland, their personalities clash. Will destiny give love a chance?

Deadly Peril is a military romance with no cliffhanger.

Immortal Souls is the fast-paced first book in an epic new fantasy series that blends unexpected mythology and faerie lore, romance and intrigue into an unforgettable read.

A fallen Empire. A forbidden royal romance. An ancient treaty with the Fae.

In a world tainted by greed and rebellion, death prowls the shadows of the once glorious Sun Empire, waiting to devour those who dare fight back.

Corvus, heir to the most powerful House, is a threat to the Emperor, despite being the dearest friend of Crown Princess Saphyr. When the Emperor forbids their friendship, Corvus forms an Alliance to overthrow him, until betrayal forces Corvus into exile.

After the lethal Queen of the Sirens emerges from the secret realm of Sirenibus, Corvus is tempted by an irresistible deal at a dangerous price. Caught up in a conspiracy and a war between light and darkness, can he and Saphyr save the people from a terrible destiny and restore the Empire to its former glory? Or will Corvus have to sacrifice more than he is willing to give? Will his life be enough, or will it also demand his soul?

She wasn’t supposed to be his Fated Mate.

She is the human destined to destroy his world.
He is the Fae king sent to kill her.
He wasn’t supposed to fall in love with her.
She wasn’t supposed to be his Fated Mate.

Everyone’s twenty-first birthday is supposed to be something to remember. A milestone, a step into real adulthood.
My birthday was when everything changed.
That’s the day the men showed up.
Everywhere I went, they watched me, creeping closer, trying to find a second when I was alone.
They all wanted the same thing; to capture me and bring me back to their world.

One was different. Dark, mysterious, and sexy, he stood out from the rest. He had come for my blood.

King of the Fae is the first novella in the Blood Court series, which features a paranormal romance between one human girl and one strong, protective fae king.
Each book also has a full arc and then a cliffhanger ending, with each novella building on the other to complete a full series arc.
Buy now to dive into this sexy paranormal romance!

Danger, Secrets, Murder, Passion… Love.

Lose yourself in the world of cops and criminals, witnesses and fugitives, old loves and new flames, where the stories turn scandals into romance and secrets into passion. With all levels of law enforcement included in the intrigue, you'll find unintended romance, passionate secrets, and forbidden love.

Your favorite contemporary romance authors invite you to join them for scintillating stories of law and order. Which of these arresting stories will have you cuffed?

These romances will take you deep into the fire.

Who will get burned when the case is cracked wide open?

Including Stories from:
Stephanie Morris - USA Today bestselling author
Krista Ames - USA Today bestselling author
Celeste Granger - USA Today Bestselling Author
K.M. Taylor - USA Today Bestselling Author
Simone Leigh
B.A. Erickson
Jordan Elizabeth
Amber Daulton
Lisa Wood
Jasmine Bell

Seven brutal murders. A cursed Inca burial mask. A lost treasure. One deadly game.

Drawn into a web of hidden clues pointing to an ancient mystery, celebrated author Jack Rogan decides to investigate.
When convicted killer Maurice Landru reaches out from a Paris prison and asks for help to prove his innocence, Jack cannot resist. Joining forces with Francesca Bartolli, a glamorous criminal profiler, Mademoiselle Darrieux, an eccentric Paris socialite, and Claude Dupree, a retired French police officer, Jack enters a dangerous world of depraved cyber-gambling where the stakes are high, and the players will stop at nothing to satisfy their dark desires.

Following his ‘breadcrumbs of destiny’, Jack soon comes up against an evil genius who terminates his enemies without mercy and is prepared to risk all to win.

On a perilous journey littered with violence and death, Jack uncovers dark secrets of a murky past of ruthless conquistadors, bloodthirsty pirates and shipwrecked priests, all pointing to a fabulous Inca treasure, waiting to be discovered.

Can Jack expose the mastermind behind the horrific murders and retrieve the legendary burial mask before it falls into the wrong hands, or will the forces of darkness overwhelm him and destroy everything he believes in?

The Death Mask Murders is Book 7 in the Jack Rogan Mysteries Series for the thinking reader and culturally curious, and can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

The exciting end to The Poppy War trilogy, R. F. Kuang’s acclaimed, award-winning epic fantasy that combines the history of twentieth-century China with a gripping world of gods and monsters, to devastating, enthralling effect.

After saving her nation of Nikan from foreign invaders and battling the evil Empress Su Daji in a brutal civil war, Fang Runin was betrayed by allies and left for dead. 

Despite her losses, Rin hasn’t given up on those for whom she has sacrificed so much—the people of the southern provinces and especially Tikany, the village that is her home. Returning to her roots, Rin meets difficult challenges—and unexpected opportunities. While her new allies in the Southern Coalition leadership are sly and untrustworthy, Rin quickly realizes that the real power in Nikan lies with the millions of common people who thirst for vengeance and revere her as a goddess of salvation. 

Backed by the masses and her Southern Army, Rin will use every weapon to defeat the Dragon Republic, the colonizing Hesperians, and all who threaten the shamanic arts and their practitioners. As her power and influence grows, though, will she be strong enough to resist the Phoenix’s intoxicating voice urging her to burn the world and everything in it? 

The Billionaire’s Intern is a classic virgin-meets-billionaire romance - if your idea of classic is scorching hot angst with a plot twist that’ll leave you begging for more...

No one’s ever called me friendly.

You don’t get to where I am by being approachable.

I’m used to seas of people parting for me. Especially in the lobby of the building I own, filled with people who work for me.

Guess no one told the new marketing intern:

She spills her coffee all over me and then offers to replace my custom couture with Kathy Ireland.
Emery is a sweet little blinky-eyed Kansas girl. A kitten in the middle of our shark tank. It’s just common decency to protect her. Take her to lunch and get to know her. Wonder why she looks at me like she wants me to eat her alive, but pulls back every time I’m ready to bite.
Okay, so that last one isn’t decent at all. In fact, every fantasy I have about her is downright filthy.
Discovering I’m her first?

Well, it gives me even more wicked thoughts about the big... city I can show her.

I’ve been burned before. Fool me once, right? I built a billion-dollar company by planning for every possibility. Making sure nothing gets past me again.

But I sure didn’t see this one coming.

Book one of three in The Intern Trilogy.

When the daughter of the US Ambassador to Argentina is kidnapped in broad daylight on Christmas Eve, the FBI sends one of its best negotiators to investigate.

Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne arrives at an embassy thrown into chaos as US and local law enforcement hustle to track the young woman. Is this a simple kidnap for ransom, or part of a political agenda? Could it be something more sinister?

Lucy Aston has something to hide. Preferring to stay in the shadows, the lowly, fashion-challenged office assistant resents being assigned to help Max. But Max can’t resist a puzzle…he’s starting to suspect Lucy Aston is not what she seems.

When rumors emerge of a suspected Russian spy operating out of the embassy, Lucy’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble. As she and Max race to rescue the ambassador’s daughter, Lucy has to do whatever it takes to keep her cover from being blown—even if that means betraying the man she’s falling for.

“Riveting…[A] tender, ferocious book.” -- New York Times

“Beautifully fantastical.” -- NPR

*An Indie Next Pick

*A LibraryReads Pick

*Named A Most Anticipated Book by Bustle, Buzzfeed, Forbes, GoodReads, Marie Claire, The Millions, and Tor.com


“Turnbull delves into the complexities of injustice and identity in this powerhouse contemporary fantasy…Fantasy fans won’t want to miss this.”-Publishers Weekly (starred review)
 

One October morning, Laina gets the news that her brother has been shot and killed by Boston cops. But what looks like a case of police brutality soon reveals something much stranger. Monsters are real. And they want everyone to know it.

As creatures from myth and legend come out of the shadows, seeking safety through visibility, their emergence sets off a chain of seemingly unrelated events. Members of a local werewolf pack are threatened into silence. A professor follows a missing friend’s trail of bread crumbs to a mysterious secret society. And a young boy with unique abilities seeks refuge in a pro-monster organization with secrets of its own. Meanwhile, more people start disappearing, suicides and hate crimes increase, and protests erupt globally, both for and against the monsters.

At the center is a mystery no one thinks to ask: Why now? What has frightened the monsters out of the dark?

The world will soon find out.

“Go on a date,” she said. “You’ll love it,” she said. She was wrong!

It had been one year, two months and seventeen days since my last date. So my best friend Abby decided to sign me up for a dating app. She guaranteed that she could get me the best date of my life within one week. I didn’t really want to do it, but I figured what did I have to lose?

Turns out that I had:

1. $500

2. My dignity

3. My patience and

4. My innocence to lose

OK, so I didn’t really have my innocence to lose, but believe you me, Jack Morrison was my worst date ever. And I’ve been on a lot of bad dates. Trust me when I say that that was the longest ten hours and 33 minutes of my life. I never wanted to see or speak to him again.

But it turns out you don’t always get what you want in life, because Jack showed up the very next day at a family gathering I was attending as a fake plus one. As you can imagine that was a real pickle, Jack wanted to know why I went on a date with him when I’m dating someone else. But he can’t know the whole complicated truth of the matter. I’m in a fake relationship and now I’m being blackmailed by the worst date ever.

That’s not even the worst part. I decided to log onto this new app called “confession board” to seek some advice, but it turns out Jack Morrison is absolutely everywhere and he’s not going to leave me alone until I submit to his demands.

Award Winning Author of The Shattered Innocence Trilogy

"I could feel her heart beat 
even though we were miles away"

Rescued from the only life she had ever known; Alannah Jackson learns what it means to be loved and not controlled. Finally, able to let go of her past she begins a new life with the man who has shown her what love is. Faced with the truth, Alannah finds she can never escape her past or who she is. She will never love, only serve.

Roman’s love for Alannah is tested when he finds that she has been slaved by a man just as ruthless as Winston Nelson. Against his better judgement, he accepts Martin Holland’s offer to help retrain Alannah and he begins to question the love they shared.  After Martin Holland makes it clear of his intentions, Roman stops at nothing to get her back. There is no room for another man in her life.

Contains adult content 18+

It is suggested that you read Bought before reading this book.

Last chance Series

Bought

Slaved

Taken

Broken

Freed

Find more of A.L. Long's books at www.allongbooks.com

“An inventive plot and incisive character studies elevate MWA Grand Master Grafton’s twenty-fourth Kinsey Millhone novel...This superior outing will remind readers why this much-loved series will be missed as the end of the alphabet approaches.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

X:  The number ten. An unknown quantity. A mistake. A cross. A kiss...

Perhaps Sue Grafton’s darkest and most chilling novel, X features a remorseless serial killer who leaves no trace of his crimes. Once again breaking the rules and establishing new paths, Grafton wastes little time identifying this deadly sociopath. The test is whether private investigator Kinsey Millhone can prove her case against him—before she becomes his next victim.

Includes a brand new, never-before-published Club X Christmas Story!

Get FOUR contemporary romances FREE in this special boxed set today and fall in love with stories that are fan favorites around the world!

Notorious

The kids of the Club X couples are all grown up and getting their own stories beginning with Cade March, Stefan March's son. He's a player like his father, but a sweet baker named Hailey might change all of that. She just has to believe he's changed his ways.

If I Dream

Ryder is a guy from the wrong side of the tracks, and Serena lives the life her crime boss father dictates. Can they find a way to be together and get a happily ever after?

Crash Into Me

The USA Today bestseller that begins the Heart of Stone series! Fall in love with Tristan and Nina's story and see why readers around the world made this series their favorite.

Crave

Ian is a bestselling author with an obsession. Kristina is an actress who loves being idolized. Their love is intense and combustible, but it's definitely unforgettable.

A Club X Christmas

Join the couples from Club X and their children for a Christmas celebration and see the NeXt series heroes when they're little boys. This is an exclusive story to this boxed set and never published before!