No more summer flings. Surf shop owner Skye Taylor refuses to go out with another vacationer. In walks cocky, smoking hot Harley Nicholson from Idaho. And she fights her instant attraction for the man. Mesmerized by the woman shooting through the Huntington Beach Pier on her surfboard, Harley is determined to meet the brazen surfer. Harley charms her into giving him a surfing lesson, woos her with moonlight strolls, and coaxes her to go out to dinner. Harley doesn't mean to stay in town for more than three weeks. He doesn't plan to make a crazy bet concerning Skye with his cousin. He doesn't expect to fall for her. But Skye discovers Harley's betrayal—and he must do something monumental to win her back. This book is over 60 pages.
Darcy Trent is lucky Cooper Hudson is on hand to sweep her off her feet—literally—when she nearly drowns while swimming in the ocean. But life-saving aside, Mr. Perfect's timing stinks: Darcy's career is about to take her to the complete opposite side of the Atlantic. Still, a little summer loving with the tall, blond and sexy former cop is far too tempting to pass up. When his plans to enter the Secret Service went south thanks to a bum knee, Coop retreated to the family beach house to mull his future. Romance is the last thing on his mind, until he fishes a curvy brunette out of the sea. Now, spending time in Darcy's arms seems like the ideal distraction, even if it is just for a week. But with Darcy's departure date fast approaching and their careers on the line, can they realize in time that their beach fling might become the real thing? 46,000 words
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Weekenders comes a delightful new novel about new love, old secrets, and the kind of friendship that transcends generations. When ninety-nine-year-old heiress Josephine Bettendorf Warrick summons Brooke Trappnell to Talisa Island, her 20,000 acre remote barrier island home, Brooke is puzzled. Everybody in the South has heard about the eccentric millionaire mistress of Talisa, but Brooke has never met her. Josephine’s cryptic note says she wants to discuss an important legal matter with Brooke, who is an attorney, but Brooke knows that Mrs. Warrick has long been a client of a prestigious Atlanta law firm. Over a few meetings, the ailing Josephine spins a tale of old friendships, secrets, betrayal and a long-unsolved murder. She tells Brooke she is hiring her for two reasons: to protect her island and legacy from those who would despoil her land, and secondly, to help her make amends with the heirs of the long dead women who were her closest friends, the girls of The High Tide Club—so named because of their youthful skinny dipping escapades—Millie, Ruth and Varina. When Josephine dies with her secrets intact, Brooke is charged with contacting Josephine’s friends’ descendants and bringing them together on Talisa for a reunion of women who’ve actually never met. The High Tide Club is Mary Kay Andrews at her Queen of the Beach Reads best, a compelling and witty tale of romance thwarted, friendships renewed, justice delivered, and true love found. Praise for The Weekenders: “This book has all the makings of a beach read...The perfect blend of drama, humor, intrigue, and just a touch of murder.” —Bustle “Andrews has this ‘perfect beach read’ label down pat—and then some. The Weekenders is not just good, it is beyond good... Summer doesn’t truly begin without a Mary Kay Andrews book in your beach bag,so here is another winner and Top Pick just for you.” —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick) “Andrews’ novels...are the epitome of relaxing yet involving summer reads, and her latest is no exception.” —Booklist
Spain, 1813 Elijah Cameron, the son of runaway slaves, has spent his whole life in the British army proving that a black man can be as good a soldier as a white man. After a victory over the French, Elijah promises one of his dying men that he will deliver a scavenged ruby necklace to his wife, Rose, a woman Elijah has admired for years. Elijah feels bound to protect her and knows a widow with a fortune in jewels will be a target. Rose dreams of using the necklace to return to England, but after a violent attack, she realizes that she needs Elijah's help to make the journey safely. Her appreciation for Elijah's strength and integrity soon turns into love, but he doubts she could want a life with him, knowing the challenges they'd face. As their relationship grows, she must convince Elijah that she wants him as more than a bodyguard. And she must prove that their love can overcome all obstacles, no matter the color of their skin. 28,000 words
London, 1817 Devon, the Earl of Malton, is a hero for his deeds at the Battle of Waterloo. But he suffers terrible nightmares, and drinks himself to sleep most nights. A habit he vows to break when he awakes one morning to find a woman sharing his bed, no memory of how she got there, and her angry brother at his door. Cathleen is mortified when her wastrel brother and his greedy wife propose a blackmail scheme involving the earl, but as a penniless war widow she's at their mercy. She goes along with the plan and sneaks into Devon's bed one night, and ends up comforting him through a night terror. Charmed by her beauty and kindness, Devon determines that rather than pay the blackmail, he will offer his hand in marriage to Cathleen. Although she is deeply attracted to the stoic earl, Cathleen cannot understand why Devon would want to marry her. What she doesn't know is that Devon owes her a debt that can never fully be repaid… 34,000 words
Everybody thought brilliant Cecily would leave dead-end Millers Falls for something better. But a two-decades-old tragedy locks her in place. Few understand the fierce bond that Cecily and Amelia share with Hilary, who was assaulted one summer as the two other girls watched helplessly. It's a bond of love and guilt…and a desire for vengeance that cuts clear to the bone. So Assistant DA Cecily Minos waits, eager to see the guy in her courtroom. When Amelia meets a man who has the tattoo the girls remember seeing that day, they think they've finally caught a break. But the police refuse to reopen the case, and it's up to Cecily and Amelia to pursue their suspect. Their investigation soon uncovers secrets best left buried. But the law is slow, and they've waited long enough for revenge… 71,000 words
Book three of Skybound Jeret hasn't looked back since running away from life as a crown prince and joining the Crux Ansata's crew, but when the Ansata returns to his home system, he finds his father ill and a traitor maneuvering for control. Now that he's a full-grown man, he can't just walk away again. Letting Jeret escape was the biggest black mark on bounty hunter Dagan Nu'aim's otherwise distinguished years as a royal guard. When he catches Jeret back in-system, Dagan seizes the chance to regain his lost honor and bring the wayward prince home. Jeret's not so sure he wants to go, but the reignition of his old crush on Dagan complicates the issue. As the two unravel a tangled plot against the crown, their old friendship lights up with a fiery new desire. And when the traitor strikes and the two men must choose between duty and freedom, neither is certain which to pick. Take flight with the Crux Ansata in Sky Riders and Sky Runners, available now! 53,000 words
Marcel Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time' is a monumental work that defies conventional narrative structure, exploring themes of memory, love, and the passage of time. Through his intricate prose and vivid imagery, Proust delves into the complexities of human experience, inviting readers to ponder the nature of consciousness and identity. The seven volumes that make up this collection showcase Proust's unparalleled ability to capture the nuances of everyday life with unparalleled depth and insight, making it a timeless masterpiece of modernist literature. Set against the backdrop of fin-de-siècle Paris, 'In Search of Lost Time' is a rich tapestry of philosophical musings and emotional discoveries, representing a landmark in the history of the novel. Marcel Proust's personal experiences and observations greatly influenced his writing, as he drew inspiration from his own life and relationships to craft a narrative that resonates with universal truths. His keen introspection and psychological acuity shine through in every page, making 'In Search of Lost Time' a profound meditation on the nature of existence and the complexities of human emotion. I highly recommend this collection to readers who seek to engage with a challenging and intellectually stimulating work of literature that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Two men. Two women. And every emotion you've ever felt... In 1871 Appleforth House was burned to the ground. Now, over a hundred years later, the house is being rebuilt - and so the lives of four very different people converge. Ned, a successful architect, is obsessed with restoring the house to its former glory. Focussed and determined - and bruised by a past relationship - he's not looking for distractions. But then Ellen, a documentary-maker, arrives to make a film about one of the local landmarks, leaving her boyfriend and some tough decisions temporarily behind her. But as pieces of the past start to fall into place, the restoration also brings together Jimmy and Verity, two local teenagers: one falling in love for the first time, the other an incurable romantic, determined to find her fairy-tale hero. And as their hopes and fears come together they all learn some surprising lessons about finding love in the most unlikely places ...
Book three of the Girls Most Likely to… In high school, Tess Bonham was the go-to for party planning. So it's no surprise that she's built that talent into a successful party planning business. Tess loves her job—most of the time. Planning her own ten-year reunion weekend promises to be the highlight of her career, even if making it perfect for her former classmates means she won't actually have time to enjoy it herself. Hotelier Jeremy Wright has wanted Tess for months, and he's tired of watching her sacrifice her social life to her overbooked calendar. So when she's short-staffed, Jeremy jumps at the chance to help out with her reunion during the day—if Tess surrenders the nights to him. He's got plans for a private party, and she's the guest of honor… Tess should say no. But she really, really wants to say yes. Spending time with Jeremy reminds her just how much fun life can be. But she's not sure she can be "just friends" once she knows how amazing the benefits are… 22,000 words
