Discover the joyful, funny love story everyone is falling for - perfect for fans of BRIDGET JONES, ONE DAY, and NORMAL PEOPLE. A NATALIE PORTMAN'S BOOK CLUB PICK 'A MUST-READ . . . LIKE ONE DAY AND NORMAL PEOPLE' THE TIMES 'FUNNY, SMART AND MEMORABLE . . . A DELIGHTFUL NOVEL' NEW YORK TIMES 'AS WARM AS A DAVID NICHOLLS NOVEL' STYLIST 'A BRILLIANT BOOK THAT HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, BOOK OF THE MONTH 'THIS BOOK IS PERFECTION' SUNDAY TIMES STYLE 'A DELIGHTFULLY GROUNDED ROMANCE AND A TREASURE . . . VERY HUMAN' GUARDIAN 'CHARMING . . . WITH QUIET INGENUITY AND COMPASSION' OBSERVER 'A DEEPLY ENJOYABLE MIX OF ROMANCE, SOCIAL COMEDY AND POLITICAL SATIRE' SUNDAY TIMES 'I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END' LIANE MORIARTY, internationally bestselling author of BIG LITTLE LIES 'CLEVER, JOYFUL AND SO FUNNY' NINA STIBBE, author of LOVE, NINA 'DEEPLY APPEALING AND WINNING' MEG WOLITZER, New York Times bestselling author of THE INTERESTINGS What happens when you find love, but life keeps getting in the way? When she first meets Adam, Coralie is new to London and feeling adrift. But Adam is clever, witty, and - he insists - half an inch taller than the average British male. His charming four-year-old daughter, Zora, only adds to his appeal. And yet ten years on, something important is missing from the life Coralie and Adam (though let's face it, mostly Coralie) have built. Or maybe, having gained everything she dreamed of, Coralie has lost something she once had: herself. Set against an eventful decade that included the soap opera of five Prime Ministers plus Brexit and Covid, Consider Yourself Kissed puts the subjects of love and family on a grand stage, bringing to life how the intimate drama in our homes inescapably competes for energy and attention with the shared drama of our times. Consider Yourself Kissed is a captivating portrait of a woman in love which effortlessly balances sweetness with bite, the public with the personal, and humour with heart. *** ' Sweet and tender ' PANDORA SYKES 'Ringingly original and just absurdly good' CATHERINE NEWMAN, New York Times bestselling author of WE ALL WANT IMPOSSIBLE THINGS 'I'm annoyed I didn't write this book myself' MADELEINE GRAY, author of GREEN DOT 'So astonishingly clever, but with a core of love. I adored it' DAISY BUCHANAN, author of INSATIABLE 'Oh, how I loved and empathised with Coralie!' JENNIE GODFREY, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS 'So well-drawn it was like peering through someone's kitchen window' CLAIRE DAVERLEY, author of TALKING AT NIGHT READERS LOVE CONSIDER YOURSELF KISSED . . . 'I predict this will be the book of the summer' ? ? ? ? ? 'So much more than a romance. Delightful, refreshing and thoughtful' ? ? ? ? ? 'Funny, insightful and thoroughly enjoyable' ? ? ? ? ? 'Exceeded my expectations and lifted me out of a real reading rut' ? ? ? ? ? 'The kind of book you want to share with everyone' ? ? ? ? ? 'An engaging and thought-provoking book about the messiness of love, the complications of family life, and the quiet losses that often go unnoticed until it's too late' ? ? ? ? ?

Perfect summer reading for fans of Jessica Redland, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft.It's summer in Heritage Cove, the picturesque village by the sea. Join some of your favourite characters and welcome new faces in this uplifting, romantic read brimming with character, community and friendship... The Heritage Bakery is finally getting the makeover it deserves, with sisters Jade and Celeste modernising the place and putting their own stamp on it while retaining all the charm of days gone by. But Jade has far more planned than a brand-new kitchen and fancy cake designs. She's ready for an even bigger change in her life. It's almost time to take the next step and she knows just what to do to make that happen. Etna owns the village tea rooms and when she hears that local man Harvey is looking for a labourer to help him renovate the bakery after being let down at the last minute, she suggests to her nephew Linc that it may just be the change he needs to get his head straight. Linc arrives in the Cove willing to give it a go and he works hard, but what he hadn't envisaged was anything bordering on a romance - not with his track record or what he's involved in right now. When a tall, dark, handsome stranger appears in the village and turns Jade's world upside down, will it be enough to make her abandon her plan before she even sets the wheels in motion? And has Linc missed his chance to tell her how he really feels? It's almost time for the wedding of the year for one of the village favourites and the annual Wedding Dress Ball. But when the sun begins to set, will anyone else be lucky in love?*Please note this is a re-release of Summer Serendipity at the Twist and Turn Bakery, previously published by Helen J Rolfe*Praise for Helen Rolfe's heartwarming stories:'I really loved this book. I fully intended to save it for the long bank holiday weekend, to be enjoyed leisurely over a few days, but I ended up devouring it all in just two sittings...' Jo Bartlett'One to curl up with after a long hard day, and know you are just going to be treated to a cosy atmosphere, realistic characters that you will come to care for' Rachel's Random Reads'Such a perfect gift of a book!' Reader Review'Helen Rolfe is an absolute specialist at building cosy communities and making me want to live there. I want the characters as my friends!' Sue Moorcroft'Heritage Cove has this wonderful community spirit that I so want to be part of...the balance between the emotional moments, tough relatable topics against the light-hearted fun was done ever so well' Love Books Actually'What a beautiful story filled with happiness, comedy and lovely characters' Reader Review'I was gripped by the story from start to finish and the end of the book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside' Ginger Book Geek

THE ALHPA SEEKER'S GUIDE TO VALUE STOCKS When to buy them. How long to hold them. When to sell them. "This book will be welcomed by anyone looking to break free from their financial advisor and manage their own savings." -DAVID JACKSON, founder and CEO, Seeking Alpha® "The world is an uncertain place. This uncertainty impacts the financial markets as much, if not more, than any other space. But don't be afraid! Brian Nichols provides a personal, experience-based, and highly accessible framework for taking your investment portfolio into your own hands. There's nothing pretentious or complicated about Brian's approach. It's straightforward common sense on how to invest in the stock market." -ROCCO PENDOLA, Director of Social Media at TheStreet.com and cofounder of the Options Investing Newsletter "For investors who want discipline, or who want to escape the addiction of day trading, this book is for you." -GARY ANDERSON, author of Will Rogers and "Business Insider" Contributor "I am pleased and honored to publish Brian Nichols' articles on Market Playground and interview him on my radio program. With his new book, Brian brings his vast array of investing knowledge to the masses!" -DEMIAN RUSSIAN, Editor-in-Chief, Market Playground There's more to investing than "Buy low, sell high." DISCOVER THE ALPHA SECRET TO VALUE INVESTING Every financial quarter, more than 1.5 mil¬lion investors turn to Brian Nichols' acclaimed "Seeking Alpha" columns for his insider tips on value investing. No matter what's going on in the market, he's got an uncanny knack for spotting the hottest stocks, the latest trends, and the greatest opportunities. Now-due to popular demand-he's distilled his best-kept secrets into one comprehensive, easy-to-use guide for "seeking alpha" and maximizing profits in any market. You'll learn how to: Take charge of your financial future Understand how hedge funds really work Determine if a company is a good investment Make smarter decisions based on value Use psychology to outthink the market Avoid the pitfalls of emotional investors Build a killer portfolio for long-term success Filled with step-by-step strategies for choosing stocks, how-to tips for maximizing investments, and first-hand stories of high risks and higher rewards, this is a must-have guide for any investor who appreciates the value of "value." You'll learn what the industry insiders really think about the recession, stock bubbles, balance sheets, cash flow, stock metrics, and other fundamentals of investing. You'll discover the surprising effects of human psychology on the rise and fall of the market-and learn how to keep your head and your money intact during times of extreme behavioral selling. You'll see how companies like Netflix and Apple weathered the storms of our ever-changing economy-and what it ultimately means for shareholders. Most important, you'll discover the most valuable lessons an investor can learn from taking a loss-without losing anything yourself. When you're seeking alpha, you're looking for value. In companies. In stocks. In your own financial future. That's value investing at its building for a lifetime.

A totally gorgeous, brand new romance from million-copy bestselling author, Kate Hewitt!Welcome to the town of Starr's Fall, where Autumn can feel like it goes on forever, and two people have a chance to fall in love...The leaves are falling, with a crispness to the air, along with the scents of coffee and pumpkin spice, past a half-empty street of shuttered storefronts and a bandstand that has seen better days...Just like the whole town of Starr's Fall, thinks Laurie Ellis - as she and her beloved dog Max head to collect the store keys. Maybe she has seen better days, too, but she's certainly ready for a new start-and to leave her past behind. Still Laurie wonders whether she made a terrible mistake in coming to lovable but shabby Starr's Fall. Will she even find customers for her pet store and bakery, never mind a community to welcome and accept her?Not according to Joshua Reilly, the handsome but grumpy manager of the bookstore across the road, who claims he's never heard of anything so ridiculous as a bakery for dogs.But Laurie remains stubbornly undeterred. She's starting over, right here. Not least because she has another secret reason for being here... one she isn't telling anybody, at least not yet, as it involves her own tragic past.What she doesn't yet know is that a clue to the mystery is hidden deep in Joshua's bookstore. And he doesn't yet realize that Laurie herself might be the key to mending his own battered heart... for Laurie and Joshua and the whole town, it's going to be a fall to remember.Readers LOVE Kate Hewitt:"I loved this book... Very romantic... the perfect feel-good romance." Goodreads reviewer "I literally fell in love with this book. I loved everything about it." Goodreads reviewer "Absolutely perfect... You feel as if you are there... Full of romance... You will want to keep reading for sure and not want it to end. Worth far more than five stars." Goodreads reviewer "Read this in just a couple of hours and couldn't put it down... It's perfect if you just want to get away for a few hours... Highly recommend." Goodreads reviewer "An absolutely blissful setting... It really sets the scene for a wonderfully cozy read. Romance is in the air but will the secrets in the past be overcome to provide a happy ever after?" Goodreads reviewer "Thoroughly excellent from the first page. Has you in tears at times and laughing at others it's so well written. The characters are brilliant... Heartbreaking, heartwarming and romantic... A brilliant read... Worth more than five stars." Goodreads reviewer "This was my first time reading a Kate Hewitt novel and I'm certain it won't be the last. This book brought me to tears with its perfect balance of sweetness, happiness, sadness and loss... A touching love story I can believe in." Goodreads reviewer "Pure bliss!" Goodreads reviewer "I fell in love... The place is magical... I absolutely loved it." Goodreads reviewer "I could not put the book down... A real feel good romance!" Goodreads reviewer "What a lovely book! I was hooked from page 1 and read the entire story in one sitting!... Don't miss this sweet, emotional read!!" Goodreads reviewer

Fall under the spell of Erin Sterling's witchy romances! ¿¿ The New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Hex and The Kiss Curse brightens up the Winter Solstice with another delightfully spooky novel following Bowen Penhallow and the girl he feels strangely drawn to - especially when she becomes his only hope of salvation after a strong spell sends them to a Yuletide celebration . . . more than 50 years in the past. 'A spooky romantic comedy treat that had me sighing at one page, laughing out loud at the next' TESSA BAILEY ' Sterling casts a spell on her readers with this romantic comedy' USA Today ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ A wedding to witness. A brooch to poach. And a house that's haunted as f**k . . . Bowen Penhallow has always been a loner, but when his friend - who happens to be a ghost - invites him to a Yuletide wedding at a grand Welsh countryside estate, Bowen reluctantly agrees. Tamsyn Bligh is not a witch, but she has managed to finagle an invite to the Witchy Wedding of the Century in the hopes of making the score of the century - just one priceless magical artifact from Tywyll House would set her up for life! But Tamsyn isn't the only one sneaking about in Tywyll House, and the combination of a very strong spell and a classic wedding mishap transports Bowen and Tamsyn back to Tywyll House's 1958 Yuletide celebrations. Bowen and Tamsyn must work together to get back to the present, but they first must reckon with the origins of Tywyll House's haunting . . . and the fact that somewhere between the mistletoe and the bonfire, they might be falling in love. _________________________________ ¿¿ Praise for The Ex Hex, an unmissable treat! ¿¿ 'Filled with delightful witchiness and humor' Publishers Weekly 'A fun, sexy romantic comedy' Library Journal 'A pitch-perfect paranormal romantic comedy' Shelf Awareness 'A wickedly funny rom-com about the power of second chances, family, and love' Kirkus 'A delightful and witty take on witchy mayhem' Popsugar 'Diverting, magic-infused romance' Booklist 'Hocus Pocus vibes, but with a lot more heat' Bookriot 'Humorous, magical, and sexy' Girly Book Club 'This festive rom-com has it all!' Woman's World 'It's cozy and cute and Halloween appropriate, and Rhys is extremely attractive. The Ex Hex was, in short, a blast' Jezebel READERS ARE LOVING THE WEDDING WITCH! 'The perfect balance of sweet, spice, and mystery , I devoured this book in three evenings and am already missing the beardy grump and his Girl Friday' 5¿ reader review 'The story felt like the comforting warm fuzzies of a Hallmark movie , mixed with the magical witchy vibes of Halloween ' 5¿ reader review 'Easily my favorite of the series , THE WEDDING WITCH takes us to a different place both physically and emotionally, while at the same time maintaining the things I loved about the previous books-- a lot of humor, a lot of chemistry, and the friction two people who really wanna f*ck but don't want to confront their feelings ' 5¿ reader review 'I love the banter and the time travel and the off the charts chemistry . I can't wait to see what Erin Sterling writes next!' 5¿ reader review

PRE-ORDER THE HEART-POUNDING YORUBA INSPIRED FANTASY NOVEL SET IN AN EPIC WORLD OF COURTLY INTRIGUE AND FORBIDDEN POWER . . . 'Rich worldbuilding inspired by Yoruba mythology and a strong cast of characters. This debut fantasy shines as bright as the sun' L. R. LAM 'Absolutely Radiant' BEA FITZGERALD 'Wildly Imaginative' HANNAH KANER 'A Dazzling Debut' ANDREA STEWART 'Enthralling and epic' ANNA DAY 'Gorgeously, powerfully written' INDIA HOLTON 'Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK!' ANGELA MONTOYA In the Kingdom of Oru, power lies in agbára: the ability to harness the sun . . . Only young L'ore has no agbára. A fact she must conceal from everyone - including best friend Alawani - on pain of death. When the gods declare Alawani a High Priest - the Gods' servant - he faces a terrible trial likely to kill him. Unwilling to lose her friend, L'ore vows to save him. But as she does, a forbidden shadow magic pours from her hands. Pursued, L'ore and Alawani seek sanctuary in a forbidden land beyond Oru. Here lies the home of L'ore's secret shadow magic. But great powers are gathering. And L'ore and Alawani cannot help be at the centre of this conflict. A war that would split them apart and bring down their world . . . _____________ Early Readers are fanning the flames of Firstborn of the Sun! 'I was completely hooked. The tale delves deeply into African mythology, with storytelling that feels timeless' ***** 5 star reader review 'This book is a breath of fresh, fiery air . . . the plot? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I'm talking "mouth open, phone slipping from my hands" levels of shock' ***** 5 star reader review 'Wowowow this book was incredible . . . a completely new vibe of its own - a richly layered magic system, stunning worldbuilding, and characters so compellingly complex you'll root for all of them at some point (even when they're at odds)' ***** 5 star reader review 'Both magical and meaningful ... a stunning tribute to Yoruba heritage, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves culturally rich fantasy' ***** 5 star reader review 'Absolutely radiant. Anson has created a captivating, intricate world with characters who will stay with me for a long time. A perfect balance of political machinations and aching romance, wrapped up in a fast-paced action packed adventure. I loved it!' BEA FITZGERALD, author of Girl Goddess Queen 'A searing tale of ambition, love and survival . . . This is a wildly imaginative debut which begins an epic story' HANNAH KANER, author of Godkiller 'A dazzling debut, with characters that leap off the page and burrow into your heart. Filled with love, betrayal, and questions of loyalty, the twists and turns this story takes will keep you reading late into the night' ANDREA STEWART, author of The Gods Below 'Fierce, exciting and utterly original, Firstborn of the Sun is an enthralling and epic fantasy, with a beautiful and tender romance at its center' ANNA DAY, author of The Girl who Grew Wings 'Epic and gorgeous, Firstborn of the Sun, enraptures readers in the rich, complex Kingdom of Oru with intricate magic, fascinating politics, swoony romance, and gasp-worthy twists. A radiant debut, not to miss!' DHONIELLE CLAYTON, author of The Conjurverse series 'Gorgeously, powerfully written, with wonderful characters and intricate, luxuriant worldbuilding - altogether really quite exceptional. I foresee it becoming a beloved classic amongst fantasy readers.' INDIA HOLTON, author of the Dangerous Damsels series 'A rich and confident fantasy with expansive world building and a magic system as vicious as it is unique. Filled with intricately woven twists and action from beginning to end, readers will have a hard time putting this book down. Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK!' - ANGELA MONTOYA, author of Sinner's Isle and A Cruel Thirst

🕯 Discover Rosie Clarke's next gritty instalment of her bestselling Blackberry Farm family saga series... Perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Fenella J Miller and Patricia McBride Nothing is ever easy on Blackberry Farm! Cambridgeshire - 1944 Pam Talbot dedicates her life to keeping those who live and work at Blackberry Farm fed, safe and sound as Artie holds the fort whilst brothers Tom and John are away on national service. Still reeling from the death of her beloved husband Arthur, Pam makes a rash decision in Arties's favour which backfires causing him to neglect his duty on the Farm. Now Artie is struggling to run two farms and to add to his woes a new land girl sets her sights on him and won't take no for an answer. John is transferred to convalesce in Sussex but is struggling to come to terms with his life changing injuries and new life. Can Sister Jane help him find peace and see a brighter future? Tom, still on active duty, is ordered undercover in his army unit to discover a traitor. Tom's life hangs in the balance if his secret mission is exposed. Can Tom find the traitor and be granted the honourable discharge he so craves? The Talbot's are never far from trouble and tragedy - maybe their luck is about to change - or maybe not... Have you tried Rosie Clarke's Harpers Emporium, Dressmakers Alley or Mulberry Lane series - you'll just love them! Praise for Rosie Clarke: 'From tears to smiles. This book in fact the whole series had it all even emotion known. I had to read them back to back as Rosie Clarke books don't read so well in bits. I love her books.' - Reader Review 'In totally in love with all the characters in BlackBerry farm, I can't wait for the third instalment, hope it's not too long to wait, I love the way you describe your characters. Thank you' - Reader Review 'Again Rosie Clarke has written another fabulous addition to this superb series. As like the previous books I came completely absorbed in the characters and the story from the first page. This is one of my absolute favourite war time saga series. It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the other two books in this delightful series. ' - Reader Review 'Speechless. Why am I surprised at another great book , with unpredictable storylines from Rosie CLARKE. Just as good as the Harpers and Mulberry Lane Series' - Reader Review 'What a brilliant book, I couldn't put it down.' - Reader Review 'Just as good and Mulberry Lane. Thankful that I have another Rosie Clarke boxset to read. Equally as good and a page turner. Can't wait to read the next one.' - Reader Review 'Gripping. Once I started reading this I found it hard to put down.' - Reader Review 'A fantastic read and cannot wait for the next instalment about BlackBerry Farm.' - Reader Review '5.0 out of 5 stars plenty of action and well drawn characters in this opening to a new series. I loved this opening book in a new historical saga series and was quickly interested in the different family members who are introduced' - Reader Review Full of people whose lives intertwine, love, loss, heartbreak and strong wills, highly recommend it' - Reader Review 'Great read. I was born during WW2 and it brings back a lot of memories. Can't wait for the next book Rosie Clarke is a great writer.'- Reader Review

Hello, I'm Daniela. I'm the proud mum of three energetic boys, and I have a passion for writing. At home, our primary language is English, a choice my husband and I made after our extensive travels. We believe it's an invaluable asset for our children's future. However, nestled in the heart of Austria, our native tongue is German. Our family is a melting pot of cultures and languages. With nieces who are half Italian and close friends from various backgrounds, our household is a vibrant blend of languages and traditions. It's this diversity that inspired me to create stories that embrace all three languages in one book. These chapters are brimming with adventures and aha moments, tailor-made for young readers aged 6 to 12. Each story not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about balance, family, and endurance. They're a reflection of the rich tapestry of our lives, where different languages and cultures intertwine seamlessly. Whether you prefer English, German, or Italian, there's a story waiting for you within these pages. So join us on a journey of discovery with Lolo, where language knows no boundaries and imagination knows no limits. Hallo, ich bin Daniela. Ich bin stolze Mutter von drei lebhaften Jungs und habe eine Leidenschaft für das Schreiben. Zuhause sprechen wir hauptsächlich Englisch, eine Entscheidung, die mein Mann und ich nach unseren umfangreichen Reisen getroffen haben. Wir glauben, dass es für die Zukunft unserer Kinder von unschätzbarem Wert ist. Dennoch ist unsere Muttersprache Deutsch, verwurzelt im Herzen von Österreich. Unsere Familie ist ein Schmelztiegel aus Kulturen und Sprachen. Mit Nichten, die zur Hälfte Italienerinnen sind, und engen Freunden verschiedener Hintergründe ist unser Zuhause eine lebendige Mischung aus Sprachen und Traditionen. Diese Vielfalt hat mich inspiriert, Geschichten zu kreieren, die alle drei Sprachen in einem Buch vereinen. Dieses Buch ist randvoll mit Abenteuern und Aha-Momenten, maßgeschneidert für junge Leser im Alter von 6 bis 12 Jahren. Jede Geschichte unterhält nicht nur, sondern vermittelt auch wertvolle Lebenslektionen über Ausgewogenheit, Familie und Ausdauer. Sie sind ein Spiegelbild des reichen Lebensgefühls unserer Familie, in dem verschiedene Sprachen und Kulturen nahtlos ineinander übergehen. Ob du nun Englisch, Deutsch oder Italienisch bevorzugst, in diesem Buch erwartet dich Lolos persönliche Geschichte. Begleite uns auf eine Entdeckungsreise, in der die Sprache keine Fantasie und keine Grenzen kennt. Ciao a tutti, sono Daniela, orgogliosa mamma di tre vivaci ragazzi e appassionata di scrittura. Io e mio marito abbiamo viaggiato molto e ciò ci ha portato a usare l’inglese come prima lingua anche a casa, certi che questa scelta avrebbe avuto un valore inestimabile per il futuro dei nostri figli. Tuttavia, vivendo nel cuore dell’Austria; la nostra lingua madre è il tedesco. Siamo una famiglia dove culture e lingue diverse convivono in armonia. Con le nostre nipoti che sono per metà italiane e cari amici di diverse nazionalità, la nostra casa è una vivace combinazione di linguaggi e tradizioni. È proprio questa diversità che mi ha ispirato a creare delle storie che racchiudano tutte e tre le lingue in un solo libro. Ogni capitolo è ricco di avventure e insegnamenti che aiutano a risolvere i piccoli problemi quotidiani, perfetti per bambini tra i 6 e i 12 anni. Queste storie, infatti, non sono scritte solo per divertire, ma per regalare preziose lezioni di vita sulla scelta tra giusto e sbagliato, la famiglia e la perseveranza. Ciascun racconto riflette la mentalità aperta che è alla base della nostra vita, dove lingue e culture diverse si fondono perfettamente. Che tu preferisca leggere in inglese, tedesco o italiano, nelle prossime pagine c’è una storia che ti aspetta: accompagna Lolo in questo viaggio di scoperta, dove le parole vanno oltre i confini e la fantasia non ha limiti.

A novel reminiscent of the works of Herman Koch and Rachel Cusk, in which a lesbian couple attempts to escape the secrets of their pasts. Shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize! A Globe & Mail Best Book of 2020 "Shani Mootoo is one of the towering lesbian novelists of our time...Polar Vortex [is] a jewel in an already extraordinary creative life. Mootoo's powerful capacity capture of people and their inner vulnerabilities and longings in her novels make them compelling reads." --Autostraddle "With grace and dexterity, Polar Vortex maps the interiority of middle age lesbians and the complex and fraught intimate dances of couples...Here is a writer at the full height of her power asking vital, important questions rendered beautifully through character, setting, and plot. Here is a writer demonstrating with passion and power the importance of art to understanding the world. What pleasure!" --Lambda Literary "The action is dramatic, but it could only be surprising to someone who hasn't noticed the accumulation of clues. There is violence and betrayal, but the characters are so sympathetically drawn that no one emerges as a villain or a stereotype...The structuring of the plot as a series of scenes gives this novel a steady momentum. Polar Vortex is a cautionary tale for adults." --The Gay & Lesbian Review "A lesbian couple, together six years, move from Toronto to a home in an isolated island community. Priya is an artist, from an Indian family in the West Indies, Alex a writer and native Canadian. But there's a third presence, Prakash, a Ugandan Indian whose family fled Amin and settled in Canada, who Priya met at university. Priya had turned him down as a suitor years ago, but now he has found her new location, and Priya has invited him for a weekend. Alex seems unduly displeased, but as the story unfolds through Priya's voice, the balance tips. Priya's story is more complex than she has shared with Alex; Prakash may have darker intentions for his visit, while Alex herself has secrets of her own." --Lavender Magazine "A suspenseful story of desire, secrets, and an unexpected love triangle." --Trinidad & Tobago Express "The story is tense and on every page tension rises. Yet even while sitting on the edge of my chair, I could not stop reading. In fact, I am still thinking about what I read a week later. Mootoo mixes two genres--psychological thriller and literary fiction--as she delves into the nature of queer sexuality and identity, immigrant experiences and the results of sexism, racism, and homophobia on LGBT women of color." --Reviews by Amos Lassen Polar Vortex is a seductive and tension-filled novel about Priya and Alex, a lesbian couple who left the big city to relocate to a bucolic countryside community. It seemed like a good way to leave their past behind and cement their newish, later-in-life relationship. But there's leaving the past behind--and then there's running away from awkward histories. Priya has a secret--a long-standing, on-again, off-again relationship with a man, Prakash. In Priya's mind Prakash is little more than an old friend, but in reality things are a bit complicated. Why has she never told Alex about him? Prakash has tracked Priya down in her new life, and before she realizes what she's doing, she invites him to visit. Alex is not pleased, and soon the existing cracks in their relationship widen, revealing secrets Alex herself would have preferred to keep. Into the fissure walks Prakash, whose own agenda forces all three to face the inevitable consequences of their choices.

Can they write themselves a happily-ever-after before it's a wrap? In this cosy and spicy paranormal romance from the author of Best Hex Ever, a successful horror writer whose novel is being adapted into a movie clashes with the lead actor on set in a haunted mansion. -------------------------- 'El-Fassi is the master of cosy spice! Brigitte Knightley, The Irresistible Urge to Fall for your Enemy 'Addictive and adorable, sweet and sexy' Sarah Beth Durst, The Spellshop 'Delightfully spooky and heartstoppingly sensual' Thea Guanzon, The Hurricane Wars 'Wonderfully warm, deliciously sexy and beautifully inclusive' Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches -------------------------- Rosemary is a successful horror author with a secret: she can see ghosts. So when the set of her hit novel's film adaptation turns out to be a haunted countryside manor, she's unfazed. What she's less prepared for is the maddeningly handsome, completely miscast actor playing her leading man. Ellis is a Hollywood heartthrob tired of his action-hero persona. Instead, he dreams of being a serious actor, and having free time to spend gardening with his dog. Landing the lead in a historical horror movie is his chance to start fresh... until he discovers the author tried to have him replaced. But as filming progresses, and the manor's ghosts make their presence known, the chemistry between Rosemary and Ellis becomes undeniable. With secrets being spilled, sparks flying, and spirits stirring up trouble, can they face their demons and write themselves a happily-ever-after before it's a wrap? -------------------------- 'Delightfully spooky and heartstoppingly sensual, Love at First Fright has it all - charming and evocative prose, a gripping plot, and swoon-worthy chemistry between two imperfect people who just happen to be perfect together.' Thea Guanzon, Sunday Times bestselling author of Tusk Love 'El-Fassi is a master of cosy spice! Love At First Fright strikes a perfect balance between wholesome and smutty, featuring El-Fassi's trademark chemistry (the tension!), magic, and delightful friendships. . . A low stakes, high spice read for fans of enemies-to-lovers ft. a Stern Brunch Daddy.' Brigitte Knightley, author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy 'Best Hex Ever is a hard act to follow, but Love at First Fright does it so well! Wonderfully warm, deliciously sexy, and beautifully inclusive - I loved this every bit as much as the first.' Sangu Mandanna, bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches 'The perfect mix of sweet, sexy, soft, and spooky - horny in all the best ways without losing its tenderness, honesty, or sensitivity to the messy realities of grief, shame, anxiety, and show business.' Shelly Jay Shore, USA Today bestselling author of Rules for Ghosting 'Charming, witty, and bingeable! Love At First Fright is my newest 5-star read. Stephanie Archer, author of The Vancouver Storm Series By turns absolutely sizzling and surprisingly tender, Love at First Fright offers a delightful escape into a world full of movie stars, best-selling writers, sapphic ghosts, old haunted British mansions, and much delicious kink. I adored it! Jamie Pacton, co-author of Homegrown Magic and author of The Absinthe Underground 'From the first ghost to the final page, this paranormal romance between a haunted horror author and her way-too-hot leading man had me smiling, and often blushing. Such spooky, swoony, and warm-hearted fun.' Rebecca Podos, co-author of Homegrown Magic and winner of the Lambda Literary Award.

Praise for The Kiss Quotient “Hoang’s witty debut proves that feelings are greater than numbers, no matter how you add things up.”— People Magazine “With a deft hand, Hoang crafts an honest and thoughtful look at the challenges Stella’s neuroatypicality poses while never losing sight of who Stella is as an individual, especially as her relationship with Michael evolves into something far beyond the scientific.”— Harper’s Bazaar “Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient is an absolute delight—charming; sexy, and centered on a protagonist you love rooting for.”—Buzzfeed “Hoang writes Stella with insight and empathy.”— The New York Times Book Review “Hoang does an amazing job of crafting a vividly romantic tale filled with depth, humor and a universal sense of humanity.”—Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author “In just under 24 hours I devoured The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang and it was AWESOME. Adorable, sexy, smart. Exactly the book I wanted to read!”—Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author “Clever; sexy and a breath of fresh air! The Kiss Quotient is intoxicatingly witty and romantic!”—Lauren Blakely, New York Times bestselling author “I devoured The Kiss Quotient. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. It has everything—it’s funny, sad, poignant and impossible to put down.”—Christine Feehan, New York Times bestselling author “ The Kiss Quotient is unexpected, unconventional and unputdownable. I loved it. Hoang’s writing has a sharp, quirky, emotional edge that will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to navigate the complicated world of modern relationships. Opening this book is like setting a match to a handful of fireworks—lots of sparkle, heat and energy.”—Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author “ The Kiss Quotient had me under a spell the moment I met the hero. I was excited, in love, and couldn’t wait to get back to this book every time life forced me to put it down. A rare and riveting love story.”—Penelope Douglas, New York Times bestselling author “An unexpectedly sweet romance that left me with a huge smile on my face. I dare you not to fall in love with these two characters and their story. Helen Hoang’s debut is quite simply delightful!”—Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author “The balance of humor, kindness, and honesty in The Kiss Quotient combined with the gentleness in Hoang’s style of storytelling charmed and connected with me in a way no other book has done in a long time.”—Book Riot “Hoang knocks it out of the park with this stellar debut about an autistic woman who takes a methodical approach to learning about sex and accidentally gets a lesson in love...Hoang gives [Stella] tremendous depth as a character, never reducing her to a walking diagnosis. The diverse cast and exceptional writing take this romance to the next level, and readers who see themselves in Stella will be ecstatic.”— Publishers Weekly (starred) “Equal parts crackling love scenes and emotional, unflinchingly honest conversations, Hoang’s debut is as effortlessly beautiful as one of Stella’s favorite elegant math equations.” —Entertainment Weekly “Compulsively readable.”— Library Journal “Hoang’s writing bursts from the page.” —Buzzfeed “Hoang mixes sexy and tender with panache.” —NPR.org “This is such a fun read and it's also quite original and sexy and sensitive.”— New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay “ The Kiss Quotient is the perfect balm for any reading slump and a wonderful palate cleanser for the summer. It also might just be the best book you read all year.” —Bookpage “A riveting, compulsively readable romance that brims with feeling and warmth.”— Entertainment Weekly

“In this second edition of Extreme Programming Explained, Kent Beck organizes and presents five years’ worth of experiences, growth, and change revolving around XP. If you are seriously interested in understanding how you and your team can start down the path of improvement with XP, you must read this book.”—Francesco Cirillo, Chief Executive Officer, XPLabs S.R.L. “The first edition of this book told us what XP was—it changed the way many of us think about software development. This second edition takes it farther and gives us a lot more of the ‘why’ of XP, the motivations and the principles behind the practices. This is great stuff. Armed with the ‘what’ and the ‘why;’ we can now all set out to confidently work on the ‘how’: how to run our projects better, and how to get agile techniques adopted in our organizations.”—Dave Thomas, The Pragmatic Programmers LLC “This book is dynamite! It was revolutionary when it first appeared a few years ago, and this new edition is equally profound. For those who insist on cookbook checklists, there’s an excellent chapter on ‘primary practices;’ but I urge you to begin by truly contemplating the meaning of the opening sentence in the first chapter of Kent Beck’s book: ‘XP is about social change.’ You should do whatever it takes to ensure that every IT professional and every IT manager—all the way up to the CIO—has a copy of Extreme Programming Explained on his or her desk.” —Ed Yourdon, author and consultant “XP is a powerful set of concepts for simplifying the process of software design, development, and testing. It is about minimalism and incrementalism, which are especially useful principles when tackling complex problems that require a balance of creativity and discipline.” —Michael A. Cusumano, Professor, MIT Sloan School of Management, and author of The Business of Software “Extreme Programming Explained is the work of a talented and passionate craftsman. Kent Beck has brought together a compelling collection of ideas about programming and management that deserves your full attention. My only beef is that our profession has gotten to a point where such common-sense ideas are labeled ‘extreme.’...” —Lou Mazzucchelli, Fellow, Cutter Business Technology Council“If your organization is ready for a change in the way it develops software, there’s the slow incremental approach, fixing things one by one, or the fast track, jumping feet first into Extreme Programming. Do not be frightened by the name, it is not that extreme at all. It is mostly good old recipes and common sense, nicely integrated together, getting rid of all the fat that has accumulated over the years.” —Philippe Kruchten, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia“Sometimes revolutionaries get left behind as the movement they started takes on a life of its own. In this book, Kent Beck shows that he remains ahead of the curve, leading XP to its next level. Incorporating five years of feedback, this book takes a fresh look at what it takes to develop better software in less time and for less money. There are no silver bullets here, just a set of practical principles that, when used wisely, can lead to dramatic improvements in software development productivity.” —Mary Poppendieck, author of Lean Software Development: An Agile Toolkit “Kent Beck has revised his classic book based on five more years of applying and teaching XP. He shows how the path to XP is both

Hello, I'm Daniela. I'm the proud mum of three energetic boys, and I have a passion for writing. At home, our primary language is English, a choice my husband and I made after our extensive travels. We believe it's an invaluable asset for our children's future. However, nestled in the heart of Austria, our native tongue is German. Our family is a melting pot of cultures and languages. With nieces who are half Italian and close friends from various backgrounds, our household is a vibrant blend of languages and traditions. It's this diversity that inspired me to create stories that embrace all three languages in one book. These chapters are brimming with adventures and aha moments, tailor-made for young readers aged 6 to 12. Each story not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about balance, family, and endurance. They're a reflection of the rich tapestry of our lives, where different languages and cultures intertwine seamlessly. Whether you prefer English, German, or Italian, there's a story waiting for you within these pages. So join us on a journey of discovery with Lolo, where language knows no boundaries and imagination knows no limits. Hallo, ich bin Daniela. Ich bin stolze Mutter von drei lebhaften Jungs und habe eine Leidenschaft für das Schreiben. Zuhause sprechen wir hauptsächlich Englisch, eine Entscheidung, die mein Mann und ich nach unseren umfangreichen Reisen getroffen haben. Wir glauben, dass es für die Zukunft unserer Kinder von unschätzbarem Wert ist. Dennoch ist unsere Muttersprache Deutsch, verwurzelt im Herzen von Österreich. Unsere Familie ist ein Schmelztiegel aus Kulturen und Sprachen. Mit Nichten, die zur Hälfte Italienerinnen sind, und engen Freunden verschiedener Hintergründe ist unser Zuhause eine lebendige Mischung aus Sprachen und Traditionen. Diese Vielfalt hat mich inspiriert, Geschichten zu kreieren, die alle drei Sprachen in einem Buch vereinen. Dieses Buch ist randvoll mit Abenteuern und Aha-Momenten, maßgeschneidert für junge Leser im Alter von 6 bis 12 Jahren. Jede Geschichte unterhält nicht nur, sondern vermittelt auch wertvolle Lebenslektionen über Ausgewogenheit, Familie und Ausdauer. Sie sind ein Spiegelbild des reichen Lebensgefühls unserer Familie, in dem verschiedene Sprachen und Kulturen nahtlos ineinander übergehen. Ob du nun Englisch, Deutsch oder Italienisch bevorzugst, in diesem Buch erwartet dich Lolos persönliche Geschichte. Begleite uns auf eine Entdeckungsreise, in der die Sprache keine Fantasie und keine Grenzen kennt. Ciao a tutti, sono Daniela, orgogliosa mamma di tre vivaci ragazzi e appassionata di scrittura. Io e mio marito abbiamo viaggiato molto e ciò ci ha portato a usare l’inglese come prima lingua anche a casa, certi che questa scelta avrebbe avuto un valore inestimabile per il futuro dei nostri figli. Tuttavia, vivendo nel cuore dell’Austria; la nostra lingua madre è il tedesco. Siamo una famiglia dove culture e lingue diverse convivono in armonia. Con le nostre nipoti che sono per metà italiane e cari amici di diverse nazionalità, la nostra casa è una vivace combinazione di linguaggi e tradizioni. È proprio questa diversità che mi ha ispirato a creare delle storie che racchiudano tutte e tre le lingue in un solo libro. Ogni capitolo è ricco di avventure e insegnamenti che aiutano a risolvere i piccoli problemi quotidiani, perfetti per bambini tra i 6 e i 12 anni. Queste storie, infatti, non sono scritte solo per divertire, ma per regalare preziose lezioni di vita sulla scelta tra giusto e sbagliato, la famiglia e la perseveranza. Ciascun racconto riflette la mentalità aperta che è alla base della nostra vita, dove lingue e culture diverse si fondono perfettamente. Che tu preferisca leggere in inglese, tedesco o italiano, nelle prossime pagine c’è una storia che ti aspetta: accompagna Lolo in questo viaggio di scoperta, dove le parole vanno oltre i confini e la fantasia non ha limiti.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A major revisionist history of the Lewis and Clark expedition: For the first time in a generation, This Vast Enterprise offers a fresh and more accurate account of one of the most important episodes in American history, humanizing forgotten figures and shattering long-held myths. “This Vast Enterprise is a page-turner and a fantastic achievement.” —The New York Times • “Immensely engaging.” —The Wall Street Journal • “This is vivid, character-based history...It also makes for a ripping good read.” —The Boston Globe “Do we really need another book about the Lewis and Clark expedition?...My answer is an emphatic yes. The author has done a huge amount of research, shifting the focus away from the familiar pairing of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark...Each chapter unfolds from the viewpoint of a different individual and the result is a richly woven tapestry of voices...Fehrman reframes this well-known story, revealing it as more complex, and profoundly human.” —Andrea Wulf, The New York Times Book Review (front-cover review) In 1806, when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark return from their journey—having led the Corps of Discovery across eight thousand miles of rapids, mountains, forests, and ravines—they bring an incredible tale starring themselves as courageous explorers, skilled survivalists, underrated scientists, and peaceful ambassadors. While there is truth in those descriptions, there is also distortion. From one of the most exciting new historians to emerge in the past decade, This Vast Enterprise offers a novel take on the expedition: a gripping narrative that draws on lost documents, stunning analysis, and Native perspectives. Craig Fehrman spent five years visiting more than thirty archives, interviewing more than a hundred sources, and collecting oral history passed down over centuries. He came to see that the success of Lewis and Clark depended on much more than just Lewis and Clark. We all know Sacajawea, and some of us know York, the Black man Clark enslaved. But here we meet John Ordway, a working-class soldier who fought grizzlies and towed the captains’ hulking barge. We hear from Wolf Calf, a Blackfoot teenager who watched his friend die in a battle with Lewis and his men. Each chapter moves to a different person’s point of view, describing their desires and contradictions. We see Thomas Jefferson operating in an age of bitter partisan unrest—his secret political maneuvers to fund the expedition, revealed here for the first time, are a case study in presidential power. We witness the strategy and strength of Black Buffalo, completely upending our understanding of Lakota-American diplomacy. York, in his chapters, finds ways to wield power and make choices in an era that didn’t allow him much of either. Clark is not a folksy Kentuckian but a student of the Enlightenment. (Fehrman discovered his college notebook; no previous biographer even realized that he went to college.) Lewis is someone willing to sacrifice everything for his country and his mentor, Jefferson. In the end, the captains are men who needed help—from Sacajawea, from the Corps, and from each other. Mile after mile, the expedition pushes on through hailstorms and flash floods, frostbite and infections, rattlesnakes and rabid wolves, with the Spanish cavalry in fierce pursuit. Fehrman balances the story’s adventure with the humanity of its protagonists. The result is a thrilling reminder that even the most familiar moments in history can still surprise us.

Can they write themselves a happily-ever-after before it's a wrap? In this cosy and spicy paranormal romance from the author of Best Hex Ever, a successful horror writer whose novel is being adapted into a movie clashes with the lead actor on set in a haunted mansion. -------------------------- 'El-Fassi is the master of cosy spice! Brigitte Knightley, The Irresistible Urge to Fall for your Enemy 'Addictive and adorable, sweet and sexy' Sarah Beth Durst, The Spellshop 'Delightfully spooky and heartstoppingly sensual' Thea Guanzon, The Hurricane Wars 'Wonderfully warm, deliciously sexy and beautifully inclusive' Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches -------------------------- Rosemary is a successful horror author with a secret: she can see ghosts. So when the set of her hit novel's film adaptation turns out to be a haunted countryside manor, she's unfazed. What she's less prepared for is the maddeningly handsome, completely miscast actor playing her leading man. Ellis is a Hollywood heartthrob tired of his action-hero persona. Instead, he dreams of being a serious actor, and having free time to spend gardening with his dog. Landing the lead in a historical horror movie is his chance to start fresh... until he discovers the author tried to have him replaced. But as filming progresses, and the manor's ghosts make their presence known, the chemistry between Rosemary and Ellis becomes undeniable. With secrets being spilled, sparks flying, and spirits stirring up trouble, can they face their demons and write themselves a happily-ever-after before it's a wrap? -------------------------- 'Delightfully spooky and heartstoppingly sensual, Love at First Fright has it all - charming and evocative prose, a gripping plot, and swoon-worthy chemistry between two imperfect people who just happen to be perfect together.' Thea Guanzon, Sunday Times bestselling author of Tusk Love 'El-Fassi is a master of cosy spice! Love At First Fright strikes a perfect balance between wholesome and smutty, featuring El-Fassi's trademark chemistry (the tension!), magic, and delightful friendships. . . A low stakes, high spice read for fans of enemies-to-lovers ft. a Stern Brunch Daddy.' Brigitte Knightley, author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy 'Best Hex Ever is a hard act to follow, but Love at First Fright does it so well! Wonderfully warm, deliciously sexy, and beautifully inclusive - I loved this every bit as much as the first.' Sangu Mandanna, bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches 'The perfect mix of sweet, sexy, soft, and spooky - horny in all the best ways without losing its tenderness, honesty, or sensitivity to the messy realities of grief, shame, anxiety, and show business.' Shelly Jay Shore, USA Today bestselling author of Rules for Ghosting 'Charming, witty, and bingeable! Love At First Fright is my newest 5-star read. Stephanie Archer, author of The Vancouver Storm Series By turns absolutely sizzling and surprisingly tender, Love at First Fright offers a delightful escape into a world full of movie stars, best-selling writers, sapphic ghosts, old haunted British mansions, and much delicious kink. I adored it! Jamie Pacton, co-author of Homegrown Magic and author of The Absinthe Underground 'From the first ghost to the final page, this paranormal romance between a haunted horror author and her way-too-hot leading man had me smiling, and often blushing. Such spooky, swoony, and warm-hearted fun.' Rebecca Podos, co-author of Homegrown Magic and winner of the Lambda Literary Award.

In a Kingdom Built on Secrets, Her Hidden Magic Could Destroy Everything. A heart-pounding Yoruba inspired fantasy set in an epic world of courtly intrigue and forbidden power... 'Rich worldbuilding inspired by Yoruba mythology and a strong cast of characters. This debut fantasy shines as bright as the sun' L. R. LAM 'Absolutely Radiant' BEA FITZGERALD 'Wildly Imaginative' HANNAH KANER 'A sweeping, enchanting fantasy' ESMIE JIKIEMI-PEARSON 'A Dazzling Debut' ANDREA STEWART ' Enthralling and epic' ANNA DAY 'Gorgeously, powerfully written' INDIA HOLTON 'Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK!' ANGELA MONTOYA In the Kingdom of Oru L'ore has a secret. She is the only one without agbára - the ability to harness power from the sun. On pain of death she must conceal it from everyone. Including her best friend, Alawani. But when the gods declare Alawani an Àlùfáà High Priest - a great honour where he will serve the gods and the Kingdom - he must be stripped of his power in a brutal trial likely to kill him. Unwilling to bear his death, L'ore vows to rescue him. When she desperately attempts to channel agbára an icy shadow magic instead pours from her hands; a power she learns originated from a forbidden, secret land beyond Oru. In this place, she and Alawani must seek sanctuary from those pursuing them. But soon they will discover a secret that could bring the kingdom to its knees . . . __ Early Readers are fanning the flames of Firstborn of the Sun! 'I was completely hooked. The tale delves deeply into African mythology , with storytelling that feels timeless ' ***** 5 star reader review 'This book is a breath of fresh, fiery air . . . the plot? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I'm talking "mouth open, phone slipping from my hands" levels of shock' ***** 5 star reader review ' Wowowow this book was incredible . . . a completely new vibe of its own - a richly layered magic system , stunning worldbuilding , and characters so compellingly complex you'll root for all of them at some point (even when they're at odds)' ***** 5 star reader review 'Both magical and meaningful ... a stunning tribute to Yoruba heritage , and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves culturally rich fantasy ' ***** 5 star reader review ' Absolutely radiant. Anson has created a captivating, intricate world with characters who will stay with me for a long time. A perfect balance of political machinations and aching romance , wrapped up in a fast-paced action packed adventure . I loved it!' BEA FITZGERALD, author of Girl Goddess Queen 'A searing tale of ambition, love and survival . . . This is a wildly imaginative debut which begins an epic story ' HANNAH KANER, author of Godkiller 'A dazzling debut , with characters that leap off the page and burrow into your heart . Filled with love, betrayal, and questions of loyalty, the twists and turns this story takes will keep you reading late into the night' ANDREA STEWART, author of The Gods Below 'Fierce, exciting and utterly original , Firstborn of the Sun is an enthralling and epic fantasy , with a beautiful and tender romance at its center' ANNA DAY, author of The Girl who Grew Wings 'Epic and gorgeous, Firstborn of the Sun , enraptures readers in the rich, complex Kingdom of Oru with intricate magic, fascinating politics, swoony romance, and gasp-worthy twists. A radiant debut, not to miss!' DHONIELLE CLAYTON, author of The Conjurverse series ' Gorgeously, powerfully written, with wonderful characters and intricate, luxuriant worldbuilding - altogether really quite exceptional. I foresee it becoming a beloved classic amongst fantasy readers.' INDIA HOLTON, author of the Dangerous Damsels series 'A rich and confident fantasy with expansive world building and a magic system as vicious as it is unique . Filled with intricately woven twists and action from beginning to end , readers will have a hard time putting this book down. Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK! ' - ANGELA MONTOYA, author of Sinner's Isle and A Cruel Thirst

“[ Ace] is a [thoughtful] combination of reportage, cultural criticism and memoir, and the writing attempts the difficult balance between proof and emotion. [Most striking is] Chen’s honesty, the sentences of intimate reflection that appear in the margins of her argument throughout.” — The New York Times “ Ace is a fantastic starting point for dismantling harmful sexual narratives and reimagining human connection as a broader, more equitable, enjoyable and free experience.” — Washington Post “The book allows us to imagine how much more we could get from our relationships if we were able to free ourselves from restrictive ideas of what we’re supposed to feel and do.” —Rhaina Cohen, NPR “Highly informative and readable.” — Ms. “One guarantee: Your mind will be blown by this book.” — Shondaland “Chen sets a thoughtful, rigorous, personally generous tone for what will hopefully be an expanding area of study.” — Electric Literature “This book isn’t just about asexuality and that’s what makes it such a vital read; it’s about society, and society’s rules and norms and expectations around sex, sexuality, and all forms of relationships. It’s so good and I want every person on earth to read it.” —Sarah Nielsen, them “Chen’s careful cultural analysis explores how societal norms limit understanding of sex and relationships and celebrates the breadth of sexuality and queerness.” — Kundiman “In her penetrating yet wittily kind voice, she describes many different visions of a sexually liberated society, if we could all just pay closer attention. She both imagines and demands a world through which each individual can move on their own terms, where any expression of orientation or attraction or desire can be as simple—as accepted and acceptable and easy and profound and taken at face value and understood—as ‘You’re my person.’” — Women’s Review of Books “A necessary and thoughtful book that accessibly communicates a wide array of ace experiences.” — Booklist “Chen has produced a thoughtful look at what it means not to experience sexual attraction.” — Library Journal “Precision of language . . . is at the fore of Ace, a text that offers a nuanced exploration of sexual identities and a celebration of other types of intimacies beyond the confines of compulsory sexuality.” — International Examiner “Asexual people have always existed, but they have long gone unacknowledged. Even Alfred Kinsey, when developing his scale for sexual orientation, called asexual people Group X and excluded them from the spectrum. Journalist Chen interviewed nearly 100 asexual people—or “aces”—to fill in this historical gap and present various aspects of the asexual experience in scientific and cultural context. For example, Chen points to how the definition of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5), the American Psychiatric Association's current compendium of psychological conditions, reinforces the idea that low sexual desire is something that needs to be cured. Although asexuality is often described as a lack of sexual attraction, Chen argues that 'we must consider that negative space can be more than an absent image.‘” —Karen Kwon, Scientific American “A great starting point for anyone who wants to discover more about this identity, for both those who have a feeling they could be ace and those who do not. It does a great job of providing context, real life examples, and points of consideration about this topic.” — The Mancunion “A long overdue addition to the catalog of sexuality writing and resources. Chen thoughtfully positions asexuality not as its own unique category or identity but as one more point on the vast, diverse spectrum of human sexual identities. A must-read for everyone: ace, allo, or anywhere in between.” —Lux Alptraum, author of Faking It: The Lies Women Tell About Sex—and the Truths They Reveal “Through painstaking research and her considerable skill as a storyteller, Angela Chen brin

In a Kingdom Built on Secrets, Her Hidden Magic Could Destroy Everything. A heart-pounding Yoruba inspired fantasy set in an epic world of courtly intrigue and forbidden power... 'Rich worldbuilding inspired by Yoruba mythology and a strong cast of characters. This debut fantasy shines as bright as the sun' L. R. LAM 'Absolutely Radiant' BEA FITZGERALD 'Wildly Imaginative' HANNAH KANER 'A sweeping, enchanting fantasy' ESMIE JIKIEMI-PEARSON 'A Dazzling Debut' ANDREA STEWART ' Enthralling and epic' ANNA DAY 'Gorgeously, powerfully written' INDIA HOLTON 'Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK!' ANGELA MONTOYA In the Kingdom of Oru L'ore has a secret. She is the only one without agbára - the ability to harness power from the sun. On pain of death she must conceal it from everyone. Including her best friend, Alawani. But when the gods declare Alawani an Àlùfáà High Priest - a great honour where he will serve the gods and the Kingdom - he must be stripped of his power in a brutal trial likely to kill him. Unwilling to bear his death, L'ore vows to rescue him. When she desperately attempts to channel agbára an icy shadow magic instead pours from her hands; a power she learns originated from a forbidden, secret land beyond Oru. In this place, she and Alawani must seek sanctuary from those pursuing them. But soon they will discover a secret that could bring the kingdom to its knees . . . __ Early Readers are fanning the flames of Firstborn of the Sun! 'I was completely hooked. The tale delves deeply into African mythology , with storytelling that feels timeless ' ***** 5 star reader review 'This book is a breath of fresh, fiery air . . . the plot? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I'm talking "mouth open, phone slipping from my hands" levels of shock' ***** 5 star reader review ' Wowowow this book was incredible . . . a completely new vibe of its own - a richly layered magic system , stunning worldbuilding , and characters so compellingly complex you'll root for all of them at some point (even when they're at odds)' ***** 5 star reader review 'Both magical and meaningful ... a stunning tribute to Yoruba heritage , and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves culturally rich fantasy ' ***** 5 star reader review ' Absolutely radiant. Anson has created a captivating, intricate world with characters who will stay with me for a long time. A perfect balance of political machinations and aching romance , wrapped up in a fast-paced action packed adventure . I loved it!' BEA FITZGERALD, author of Girl Goddess Queen 'A searing tale of ambition, love and survival . . . This is a wildly imaginative debut which begins an epic story ' HANNAH KANER, author of Godkiller 'A dazzling debut , with characters that leap off the page and burrow into your heart . Filled with love, betrayal, and questions of loyalty, the twists and turns this story takes will keep you reading late into the night' ANDREA STEWART, author of The Gods Below 'Fierce, exciting and utterly original , Firstborn of the Sun is an enthralling and epic fantasy , with a beautiful and tender romance at its center' ANNA DAY, author of The Girl who Grew Wings 'Epic and gorgeous, Firstborn of the Sun , enraptures readers in the rich, complex Kingdom of Oru with intricate magic, fascinating politics, swoony romance, and gasp-worthy twists. A radiant debut, not to miss!' DHONIELLE CLAYTON, author of The Conjurverse series ' Gorgeously, powerfully written, with wonderful characters and intricate, luxuriant worldbuilding - altogether really quite exceptional. I foresee it becoming a beloved classic amongst fantasy readers.' INDIA HOLTON, author of the Dangerous Damsels series 'A rich and confident fantasy with expansive world building and a magic system as vicious as it is unique . Filled with intricately woven twists and action from beginning to end , readers will have a hard time putting this book down. Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK! ' - ANGELA MONTOYA, author of Sinner's Isle and A Cruel Thirst