Theresa the Philosopher, by the marquis d¿Argens (purportedly), was published in 1748, over 270 years ago - before the modern era, before the Napoleonic phenomenon, before the Directorate, before the French Revolution. It is a happy tale with a happy ending, with not a little bit of hanky-panky slapped in between. Compared to Samuel Richardson's Pamela, published in 1740, which was the first modern (albeit English) novel, whose characters are more than two-dimensional and whose story depends more on what happens inside the mind of the characters than, say, where a boat might go (like Robinson Crusoe for example) - Theresa the Philosopher is scandalous. Compared to the marquis de Sade's Justine, which was published in 1791, it may seem tame. According to the marquis de Sade, Theresa the Philosopher "achieved happy results from the combining of lust and impiety... [it] gave us an idea of what an immoral book could be."The Carmelite Extern Nun, written by Anne-Gabriel Meusnier de Querlon, and published one year earlier, in 1747, is another whopper. It is the "Amorous True Story [of Saint Nitouche], the Carmelite Extern Nun, Written by Herself, and Addressed to her Mother Superior." It is anticlericalism, antiestablishmentarianism, and eroticism - the three main pillars or themes, sometimes even agendas, of the 18th century libertine novel - all in one short, but fast-paced, scandalous sack.
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale-where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter...Vaughn:I might be at the top of my game, but a fresh start feels like the right move at this stage of my career. Joining the Lauderdale Knights has been a great decision, and I'm ready to win this city over.On opening night the crowd goes wild... and so does my slap shot. Knocking a fan unconscious wasn't the introduction I envisioned. Especially when I lay eyes on my gorgeous victim. Problem is... she's engaged.Juliet:Waking up with a concussion and amnesia has made me realize that when it comes to living life on my terms, it's now or never. My big Italian family means well, but it's time for them to stop calling the shots.Now if I could just get rid of my fiancé, quit my job, and stop drooling over the hottie hockey player who knocked some sense into me, life would be perfect. Except nothing in my life is perfect... not even Lauderdale's newest MVP.
He's always loved her. Now he'll fight to save her.Zachary Haven is living a lie.He's stuck in a rut, pretending to hate the woman he's always loved. He didn't mean for things to turn out that way. But sometimes life gets out of control, especially when you're young and stupid.Not that he ever had a chance with her. She's gorgeous and smart, talented and kind. And Zachary? He can't seem to keep himself out of trouble.Marigold Martin just met the man of her dreams.Blowing into her life like a storm, he sweeps her off her feet. She can't help but wonder if he's the one. He's a dream in a bespoke suit-and he says he wants her heart.But nothing is as it seems.A brush with death wakes Zachary up to the reality of his life. And his feelings for Marigold. He's determined to make her his-convince her they were always meant to be.But secrets run deep, and Zachary fears the man who's after Marigold could be more than a romantic rival.He could be the devil himself.And Zachary might be too late to save her.Author's Note: A troublemaker turned small-town hero risks everything for the love of his life. A soft-hearted heroine who finds her strength. An accidental body piercing, brotherly shenanigans, the Squirrel Protection Squad, and lots of big feels. This small-town romantic suspense will leave you breathless, with the romantic happily ever after you've been waiting for. NOT a love triangleContent warning: this book contains references to sex trafficking
Tessa Jurgen knows all too well that prejudice and hatred do not vanish overnight. Because of her past, the man she loves has been falsely arrested and thrown in jail. Because of her past she cannot forgive herself or her adversaries, and she cannot begin to share her burdens with the Lord. Yet her happy memories keep resurfacing. When Gaven MacIntyre asked her to marry him, Tessa felt secure and cherished for the first time in her life. Now those memories leave only a bitter aftertaste. There's turmoil in Tulsa, and also in the brave heart of one woman. Will Tessa be yet another victim of an unforgiving world? Or the victor lifted high by the only force greater than hate?
A tragic accident. A hidden past. An unbreakable love. Addy gives Quinn everything and asks for nothing. Then he breaks her. The depths of her pain are veiled by the reflection of his own. He doesn't deserve her, but he wants her-he needs her. In his darkest hell, he hears her voice. That's when he knows ...Addy is his soul. In her darkest hour, his weakness gives her strength, and she discovers his past holds her future. But first, he'll have to let her go.
La dernière métamorphe dragonne rencontre ses quatre âmes-s¿urs, leaders de leurs communautés de métamorphes. La vie est sur le point de devenir dangereuse. Quand je pars à la recherche de sensations fortes le jour de mon 21ème anniversaire, me faire kidnapper ne faisait pas partie de mes plans. Tout comme découvrir que les métamorphes existent, et que j'en fais partie aussi. En tant que dernière des métamorphes dragonnes, j'ai un rôle à jouer. Accepter les leaders des quatre groupes en tant que mes âmes-s¿urs et réunir tous les clans de métamorphes. Pas de pression, n'est-ce pas ?C'est dommage que mon destin ne soit pas aussi simple que de juste me mettre en couple avec quatre mecs super sexy. Il y a des gens qui en ont après la lignée des métamorphes dragonnes, bien décidés à finir ce qu'ils avaient commencé il y a des années. Si je ne trouve pas le moyen de ranimer mes pouvoirs dormants, ma vie partira en fumée.* Les âmes-s¿urs de la dragonne est une série de romance paranormale dans laquelle l'héroïne n'a pas à choisir entre ses hommes. Attendez-vous à des situations sexy, des actions intenses et un quartet de métamorphes séduisants composé d'un loup, un ours, un jaguar et d'un aigle dont vous souhaiteriez qu'ils soient vos âmes-s¿urs. *
I need to love him. If I don't let, I'll let down my father and kingdom, and I'll never be human again. After two years apart, it seems Prince James has changed for the better. I think I might be okay with our arranged marriage now, after a lifetime of struggling to care for him. He protects me from a beast, he takes my nightmares away, and he makes my body come alive. Then the beast comes back and takes me away, yet underneath lies a man I shouldn't feel sympathy for, but I do. But I can't let my kidnapper woo me, and I can't even consider a relationship with the best friend who jokes his kiss could break the curse I've been placed under. I have to fall in love with James, or everything falls apart. Only then can I even consider looking at anyone else in a different light. But when all of this is over, who knows what my heart will want? Matteo's true self is far more pleasing than I thought it would be, and Stefan makes me laugh more than anyone else. When we finally break free, who knows what the future holds?
Melanie Carter has run her own business since she was eighteen years old. She works seventy house weeks and finds she has no time for life, much less dating. When her best friend suggests she contact Dr. Lachele Simpson and Matchrimony, she jumps at the chance, feeling that if she is matched with someone and they meet at the altar, perhaps her life will change for the better.Lucas Barnett has lost the love of his life. For two years, he's walked around New York, seeing the places they went on their dates and the memories are constantly flooding back. He makes the decision to see a counselor and start planning to start over. When he goes to see Dr. Lachele, she suggests he use Matchrimony to find a wife and start his new life.Everything goes well when Melanie and Lucas meet at the altar. The only problem is that Melanie is still so wrapped up in her business she has no time for a husband.Will the two of them find a way to compromise so they can live and work together? Or will they separate after their year contract is up?
Andrei Antonov spent years on the ice honing his skills as a Defensemen in the Professional Hockey League. His life as a professional athlete taught him many things and afforded him many more. Now, he's putting those lessons to work as the owner of his own hockey team as well as one of Las Vegas's most exclusive casino resorts.Zaria Coleman has her life worked out exactly as she wants it. As the managing partner of her own successful law firm, she aims to live life to the fullest. That doesn't include getting mixed up with the elusive Andrei Antonov.When they meet through mutual friends, sparks fly between them. They have one passionate night together. But when Andrei awakens, Zaria is gone. Can Andrei convince Zaria they can have more than a passing fling? Can Zaria move past her fears to give their relationship a real chance?
Lambda-award winning author Ryan Field wrote this gay romance as part of his series of novels retelling beloved romcoms with gay characters. Inspired by the romcom classic Nora Ephron movie, When Harry Met Sally, about two friends who finally realize how much they love each other after many years, this novel is an homage to the power of romantic story telling and the power for true love. When Harry Beckham's best friend asks him to drive her new, casual boyfriend, Sal Sorentino, from California to New York, Harry never expected they'd wind up as lovers their first night on the road. Harry just assumes that Sal is straight, and Harry already has a boyfriend of his own back in San Francisco. But when Sal explains that he's bisexual and that he's extremely attracted to Harry, everything changes. Harry tries to resist the mutual attraction, but all it takes is one simple kiss and they both wind up having the best sex of their lives on a cross-country road trip. When they reach New York, they agree to go their separate ways and forget about each other. Harry becomes a well-known designer who does national talk shows, and Sal becomes a professional poker player who lives in a mansion and owns a pet pig named Dolly. And by the time they meet up again seven years later, their lives have changed completely. But that doesn't stop the passionate physical connection between them from surfacing again. Though all the odds seem to be against them, their physical relationship evolves into mutual love and respect. And this unyielding love they feel for each other turns out to be stronger than anything they could have imagined. "When Harry Met Sal was definitely one of my early reads in the M/M genre and it was one of the books that for the longest time I would reread every time I couldn't find a sweet, funny romance that made me smile and laugh this was my go to book."--Goodreads Reader
Suze's Diary is not a new addition to the Las Vegas Sidewinders series. It is the diary of Suzanne Armstrong, wife of Sidewinders captain Cody Armstrong. Her diary spans from the time just after the death of her college boyfriend--Cody's best friend and hockey teammate Brian--until present day, when she finally decides she can close that chapter of her life, both literally and figuratively. Since Suze and Cody never really got a book of their own, their struggles and the story of how they got to where they are today is reflected through more than a decade of diary entries. Her pain, her recovery, her life. Their life. Their future.
A young suitor with his eyes on a forbidden love... and an old feud that threatens to tear them apart.Locked in a secret romance with the stunning Lady Amelia, Philip, the Earl of Crawford is determined to win her hand in marriage... but if her pompous brother Alfred catches wind, he fears their old University feud will shatter their chance at love.Michael is no stranger to heartbreak - and he's dead set on not letting his son Philip experience the same pain. But the reclusive widower's mission to save their courtship brings him face-to-face with a long-lost love - the Duchess Helena, Lady Amelia's mother. Can they rekindle their spark after three decades apart? And will Helena ever approve of her daughter's secretive suitor?Meanwhile, Philip's sister Violet hatches a plan to draw both families together. She catches the eye of Helena's son Alfred - but what begins as a fake courtship quickly begins to become all too real. Is she willing to sacrifice the future for her brother and best friend? Or are these two families fated to remain apart?
A starlet in the making.A Marine afraid to lose her.And a past they must fight to untangle.Hollywood-wannabe Maeve Howard didn't believe in love at first sight - until tall, buff andhandsome Owen James walked in the door and set off wedding bells in her heart. Butbefore Maeve's feelings can be revealed, Owen gets stationed miles away on deployment...Separated by oceans, their friendship starts to blossom over video calls, a mutual love ofThe Office, and burning, buried desire. But when passion finally ignites, it crashes and burns,leaving two bruised hearts in its wake.Seven years later, Owen walks back into Maeve's life - and so does fate. With their futuresuddenly tangled beyond repair, old wounds reignite a fiery mix of longing and hurt. ForMaeve, trust is a thing of the past, but for Owen it's a prize he's intent on winning back.After all this time, can sparks still fly?Amidst the glitz of Hollywood and the echoes of a shared past, Sparks Still Fly is a tale ofsecond chances and the courage to heal. This is book two in the Love in LA series but can beread as a standalone.
In a world of the blessed the unblessed, the Glassmaker proclaims the gifts of those in the realm with their reading of the sparks. They are the only ones with the ability to work the glass and declare the goddess's blessing.Generations before Ophelia was born, her birth was prophesied. The Enchantress proclaimed that a blessed girl child would restore honor to the Leander line. However, when she was presented to the Glassmaker to learn of her blessing, she was turned away. Many Winters passed and Ophelia remained unblessed. Until she and her brothers journeyed to Thistledown.Rylan, the Glassmaker of Thistledown is able to do what none other before him had achieved. He read Ophelia's blessing in the sparks. The gift from the goddess so rare, Rylan fears for her safety. Knowing the potential danger, he agrees to travel with Ophelia and her brothers on a quest to help her learn to use her blessing to its fullest potential.The two are drawn together by an inexplicable bond that neither can ignore. As they trek across the realm from his home to hers, they are unable to deny their attraction. While danger lurks, they must reach the Keeper of the Blessings before it's too late.Can Ophelia navigate her new blessing and help restore her family's honor? Can the bond between her and Rylan survive the obstacles before them? Together, can they bring about a change to the realm which hasn't been seen in centuries?
A CHOICE THAT HAUNTS HIMGriff McIntyre never expected his ex-wife and three-year-old daughter to come to Lantern Beach. After an abduction attempt, they're desperate for safety. Now Griff's not letting either of them out of his sight.A DESPERATION THAT BINDS THEMBethany knows Griff is the only one who can protect them, despite the fact that he broke her heart. But she'll do anything to keep her daughter safe-even if it means playing nicely with a man she can't stand.A DANGER THAT PULLS THEM APARTAs peril ripples through their lives, Griff and Bethany must work together to protect their daughter. But an unseen enemy wants something from them . . . and will stop at nothing to get it. When disaster strikes, can Griff keep his family safe? Or will past mistakes bring the ultimate failure?The Complete Lantern Beach Blackout Series:Dark WaterSafe HarborRipple Effect
Rancher Elijah receives a prize on his doorstep...A mail order bride courtesy of the mystery matchmaker in town. Unmoved, Elijah takes the woman's arrival in stride, realizing that a wife may be just what he needs. But Shelby has arrived out of convenience. She is on the run from her dark past. Can Shelby and Elijah make their marriage work in the new frontier?
As she vies for a date in a whimsical radio contest, she finds herself entangled in a seductive dance of dominance and desire.OliviaHazy Cove offers me a fresh start, far from the shadow of an ex-fiancé and a life that wasn't right for me. At twenty-four, I'm here to find myself, not expecting to find someone else. But Dalton, the local vet with his reassuring touch and calm confidence makes me feel seen in ways I can't ignore. His voice alone sends shivers down my spine, and his commanding presence stirs a hunger I thought I'd buried.A quirky radio contest presents an unexpected opportunity-a date with Dalton. I'm not ready for a relationship, but nothing says we can't enjoy a night together.DaltonMy life is uncomplicated, just the way I like it--until Olivia walks into my clinic. Her genuine nature wrapped in an adorably awkward package immediately endears her to me. Nearly fifteen years her senior, I'm way too old for her and I'm determined to put her out of mind.But when fate throws a curveball-- a radio contest that puts a date with me as the prize-she tempts me with an offer I should refuse. Yet I recognize the flame of a precious kitten who needs my care, and I feel drawn to her. When the kitten turns into a seductive temptress, I'm hooked. Despite my good intentions, I might not be able to hold back from claiming everything she's willing to give.
A JOB AS EASY AS SUNDAY MORNINGGuilt over past mistakes haunts former Navy SEAL Dez Rodriguez. When he's asked to guard a pop star during a music festival on Lantern Beach, he's all set for what he hopes is a breezy assignment.UNTIL HE MEETS BREE JORDANBree hasn't found fame to be nearly as fulfilling as she dreamed. Instead, she's more like a carefully crafted character living out a pre-scripted story. When a stalker's threats become deadly, her life-and career-are turned upside down.DANGER RISES UP THE CHARTSFrom the start, Bree sees her temporary bodyguard as a player, and Dez sees Bree as a spoiled rich girl. But when they're thrown together in a fight for survival, both must learn to trust. Can Dez protect Bree-and his carefully guarded heart? Or will their safe harbor ultimately become their death trap?
Willkommen in der kleinen Karamellmanufaktur in IrlandEine turbulente Liebesgeschichte voller Knistern, Karamellbonbons und einem FamiliengeheimnisCaissy erbt von ihrem längst totgeglaubten Großvater eine Karamellmanufaktur in der irischen Kleinstadt Greenkenny. Und das ausgerechnet jetzt, wo der Traum ihrer eigenen Kanzlei in greifbare Nähe gerückt ist. Dennoch entschließt sie sich zu einem Sabbatical, denn die Neugier auf ihre unbekannten Wurzeln ist geweckt. Außerdem hat sie sich in den Kopf gesetzt, die Produktion der Manufaktur zu erweitern, um sie nach dem Jahr in Irland gewinnbringend zu verkaufen. Doch ihre Rechnung hat sie ohne den leidenschaftlichen Karamellbäcker Mark gemacht, der ihr Herz gehörig stolpern lässt und Caissys Pläne völlig durcheinanderbringt. Schließlich will sie Geschäft und Privatleben unbedingt trennen. So sehr zwischen den beiden die Funken sprühen, fliegen gleichermaßen die Fetzen und Marks Liebe zu seiner Arbeit prallt auf Caissys rationales Denken. Als würde das noch nicht reichen, deckt sie beim Wühlen in der Vergangenheit dann auch noch ein lang gehütetes Familiengeheimnis auf …Alle Bände der Irish Lovestories-Reihe können unabhängig voneinander gelesen werdenWeitere Titel dieser ReiheVerliebt in Greenkenny (ISBN: 9783987784286)Erste Leser:innenstimmen„Eine tolle Liebesgeschichte mit schönem Setting für kurzweilige Lesestunden, die zum Wegträumen einladen."„Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist so einnehmend, dass man das Buch nicht gerne aus der Hand legen möchte."„Wohlfühlroman im wunderschönen Irland mit Wendungen, Emotionen und Enttäuschungen in einem meiner absoluten Herzensorte, was kann es Schöneres geben?"„Ein wirklich schöner Liebesroman, der die Kraft der Menschen und die Chance für Veränderungen zeigt. Mich hat es sehr gut unterhalten und ich liebe Greenkenny."
She's living in a nightmare. He's haunted by the ones he couldn't save. When everything goes wrong, can they find comfort in each other's arms?Morgan Blackwell can't stop looking over her shoulder. With her parents murdered and her little sister missing, the nineteen-year-old desperately tries to shake her pursuers and decipher her mom's frantic farewell message. And after a Navy SEAL about to deploy to Afghanistan vows to help her take refuge, her heart breaks anew when she tells her dark-haired savior goodbye.Tyler Sebastian Hunt keeps his emotions on a tight rein. Yet when the brown-eyed beauty he saved two years ago returns and begs him to locate her lost sibling, the child rescue specialist isn't sure he can prevent himself from mixing business with pleasure. But even as sparks fly between them, he discovers the forces pursuing her haven't let up... and that her parents were FBI informants involved in a dangerous case.Distracted by their intense attraction, Morgan attempts to suppress her feelings as they work side-by-side to unravel the strange puzzle. And while Tyler can't get her out of his fantasies, he worries that losing focus on the mission could leave them dead.Can a bond forged in fire become their key to forever?Her Steadfast Protector is the gritty third book in the Red Mark Rescue & Protect romantic suspense series. If you like tough-as-nails heroines, courageous heroes, and steamy twists, then you'll love Alessa Kelly's emotionally explosive adventure.This book can be enjoyed as a standalone, with no cliff-hangers.Buy Her Steadfast Protector to put chemistry in the crosshairs today!
"Kept me on the edge of my seat..."~Goodreads reviewerTWILIGHTTo save a friend, I stake my alpha in Slayers, Inc. and disappear, hoping my superiors will believe I died along with my alpha.But you don't quit Slayers, Inc. until you're too old to fight...or dead.A member of SI's shadowy Board of Directors tracks me down. One last job, he tells me, and he'll make things right with the organization.The catch? I have to go undercover as a blood thrall in the dangerous world of vampire syndicates.BRIENTwilight shouldn't be up for sale. She made it clear she'd never be anyone's thrall.But there she is, the main attraction at a private auction.The woman I'd do anything, pay any amount to have.So I buy her.But is she who she's pretending to be-or have I brought the means of my own destruction directly into my lair?An enemies-to-lovers romance set in Rebecca Rivard's award-winning vampire mafia world
"The Fire Trumpet: A Romance of the Cape Frontier Vol. One" is an ancient Historical romance, novel story book written by Bertram Mitford and published through double9 books. They should each navigate the place's dangerous and unpredictable political surroundings, which is characterized by using battles between British and Boers, as well as tensions amongst indigenous groups. The Fire Trumpet V1: A Romance of the Cape Frontier is a stunning historic story that provides a sparkling perspective on a pivotal duration in South African records. The book's plot is complete of action, journey, and romance, and it realistically describes life in South Africa at this violent length in records. "Double9 Books" generates a various selection of books throughout all classes.
"Max: A Novel" by Katherine Cecil Thurston is a fascinating tale of affection, ambition, and ethical dilemmas set in opposition to the backdrop of early 20th-century Ireland. The story follows the titular individual, Max Cromer, a younger and formidable journalist who rises from humble beginnings to grow to be a prominent determine in Dublin's literary and political circles. As Max navigates the complexities of his private and professional lifestyles, he grapples with conflicting desires and moral picks. His romantic entanglements with two girls, the spirited actress Mona Craven and the genteel Evelyn Molyneux, similarly complicate matters and pressure Max to confront his own values and priorities. Against a backdrop of social upheaval and political intrigue, Max must navigate a web of private and professional challenges, which include betrayal, loyalty, and the pursuit of truth. Thurston's rich characterizations and evocative prose deliver to lifestyles the vibrant landscape of early twentieth-century Ireland, while exploring timeless subject matters of love, ambition, and the look for identity. "Max: A Novel" is a compelling examine that gives readers a window into the complexities of human nature and the ever-converting currents of society.
Edward Bulwer-Lytton "Devereux: Book I" is a charming ancient novel that transports readers to 17th-century England's political intrigue and romance. The narrative unit¿s location against the backdrop of Queen Anne's stormy reign and chronicles the life of William Devereux, the formidable and mysterious protagonist. As a younger nobleman, Devereux should manipulate the problematic internet of courtly existence, ambition, and love. The novel digs into his relationships, goals, and the challenges he faces in a society ruled by using power conflicts and transferring alliances. Bulwer-Lytton brilliantly weaves together historic fiction, romance, and political drama, immersing readers in a wealthy tapestry of characters and activities. The novel's energy is its vivid description of historical locales, alongside the author's eager understanding of human man or woman. Bulwer-Lytton expertly depicts the surroundings of the duration, capturing the customs, traditions, and political intrigues of seventeenth-century England in minute detail. "Devereux: Book I" is an interesting advent to a bigger story, laying the groundwork for a massive ancient drama.
Rules were made to be broken and we were about to break all of them.My heart can't deny what I feel for him and my body won't ignore his touch.He's my step-brother and what we have might be real, but it's also forbidden.We disregard the warnings and follow our hearts, forgetting one thing...Love isn't meant to be easy, but a love like ours was never meant to exist.Dear Reader,Falling for the Forbidden is the first part of Ben and Lauren's story. It's emotional, full of angst, has plenty of steam and will leave you wanting more! This is also the first book in my new Forbidden series which is a spin-off from my Falling series but can be read independently from that series. xo
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