Adventure Mystery And Romance

In this first general theory for the analysis of popular literary formulas, John G. Cawelti reveals the artistry that underlies the best in formulaic literature. Cawelti discusses such seemingly diverse works as Mario Puzo's The Godfather, Dorothy Sayers's The Nine Tailors, and Owen Wister's The Virginian in the light of his hypotheses about the cultural function of formula literature. He describes the most important artistic characteristics of popular formula stories and the differences between this literature and that commonly labeled "high" or "serious" literature. He also defines the archetypal patterns of adventure, mystery, romance, melodrama, and fantasy, and offers a tentative account of their basis in human psychology.

Discover the Graceling Realm in this unforgettable, award-winning novel from bestselling author Kristin Cashore A New York Times bestseller ALA Best Book for Young Adults Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature Winner Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, and BCCB Best Book of the Year "Rageful, exhilarating, wistful in turns" (The New York Times Book Review) with "a knee weakening romance" (LA Times). Graceling is a thrilling, action-packed fantasy adventure that will resonate deeply with anyone trying to find their way in the world. Graceling tells the story of the vulnerable-yet-strong Katsa, who is smart and beautiful and lives in the Seven Kingdoms where selected people are born with a Grace, a special talent that can be anything at all. Katsa's Grace is killing. As the king's niece, she is forced to use her extreme skills as his brutal enforcer. Until the day she meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, and Katsa's life begins to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace--or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. And don't miss the sequel Fire and companion Bitterblue, both award-winning, New York Times bestsellers, and full of Kristin Cashore's elegant, evocative prose and unforgettable characters.

"Edgy, erotic, and breathtaking." --Maya Banks, New York Times bestselling author Man On A Mission When Lara Kirk was abducted months ago, Miles Davenport vowed he'd bring her home. But the mission failed. Now, finding her after all this time will be next to impossible. . . Lara Kirk lives in a shadowy world where reality and fantasy are blurred. Enslaved by her captors, Lara has formed a deep attachment to a man she's not even sure is real--until the six-foot-five-inch powerhouse bursts in to rescue her. . . Once freed, Lara has no choice but to trust Miles with her life as they run from enemies too twisted to imagine. But they're also fighting a dangerous attraction that could kill--or save--them both. Either way, it's going to be a hell of a ride. . . Praise for the Novels of Shannon McKenna. . . "McKenna tantalizes the reader." --Publishers Weekly "McKenna blasts readers with a highly charged, action-adventure romance." --Booklist "An erotic romance in a suspense vehicle on overdrive. . .sizzles!" --RT Book Reviews

Former lovers become reluctant allies in this delightfully witty historical rom-com from the bestselling author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem—for fans of Evie Dunmore, Enola Holmes, and Netflix's Bridgerton! England, 1867: As half of the writing duo behind England’s most infamous crime column, Miss Caroline Hardcastle has quite the scandalous reputation. It may have cost her a fiancé, but she would much rather bring attention to crimes against those ignored by society than worry about what the ton thinks of her. After Caro’s dear friend is kidnapped, however, she has no choice but to work with Lord Valentine Thorn, the same man who broke her heart. Worse, when her actions put her father’s business at risk, a marriage of convenience may be her only solution . . . but can she trust Val to stand by her? Or will their past repeat itself? Val—the new Viscount Wrackham—is in an untenable position: His father is demanding he find a respectable bride to secure the succession. Yet the only woman he’s ever loved, Miss Caroline Hardcastle, is notorious for behaving improperly. And she’s never forgiven him for his youthful transgressions, missteps made in the name of familial duty, but ones he still regrets to this day. As they grow closer to unmasking the culprit, Val sees an opportunity to show Caro he’s a changed man. But can he convince her to give their love a second chance—before death does them part?

Romance, suspense, and adventure explode in the steamy Mexican jungle. A secretive archaeologist guards his discovery, the ruins of a hidden Olmec city, while a driven journalist on the trail of an ancient Olmec curse experiences flashbacks to her past life where shapeshifting is a reality. A journalist determined to unveil the truth ... Journalist Charley Underhill barges in on a Mexican archaeological dig, bent on sifting rumors from truth about several unexplained deaths in the remote region. She has serious doubt it was an ancient curse that killed the men. If it means keeping a watchful eye peeled for hairy, hungry predators or lying to the no-good womanizing archaeologist with a sexy Scottish accent, brilliant scientific mind, and penchant for gaudy Hawaiian shirts, so be it. Only the juiciest of exposes will fund her mother's life-saving treatment. An archaeologist hell-bent on preventing a premature press leak ... Uncovering the past is archaeologist Dr. Alistair Kincaid's purpose in life. Still smarting from a ruthless betrayal, he guards his latest discovery, an ancient Olmec city buried deep in the jungles of Oaxaca, in the hopes of making a dazzling comeback. He won't let a snoopy reporter, even one with a quirky sense of humor, smarts, and a heartwarming smile, destroy his last chance at success. Or steal his heart. Together, they uncover long-buried secrets best left untouched ... Strands from past lives intertwine with the present, drawing the couple deeper into a legacy of shifters and danger, romance and evil, reincarnation and karma. Torn between saving her mother's life and betraying the man she loves, Charley must make an impossible choice. 5 Stars: "An intricately woven tale of mystery, romance and the supernatural ..." 5 Stars: "Hilarious banter, scorching sexual tension, gripping suspense, mysticism-The Jaguar Legacy has it all! ..."

Battered ex-soldier Lupe dy Cazaril returns home only to be swept up in court and theological intrigue as tutor to the Royesse Iselle of Chalion. Cazaril's honor and courage in the face of not only his former adversaries but the demands of Chalion's five gods shine through in this spellbinding tale of hard-won triumph. "Fresh, intriguing, and as always from Lois McMaster Bujold, superb" - Robert Jordan, author of The Wheel of Time series "Buy this book! I don't care if you have to steal Junior's lunch money -- buy this book! THE CURSE OF CHALION is Lois McMaster Bujold at the very top of her form, which says a great deal indeed. She proves she's at least as good at writing fantasy as she is at science fiction: among the best in the business, in other words. Here she's created a fascinating world full of interesting people, all of whom feel real and convincing. And, in meeting Cazaril, her hero, even Miles Vorkosigan might acknowledge there are some problems he's been lucky enough never, ever to imagine." - Harry Turtledove author of THE GUNS OF THE SOUTH and TWO FRONTS "In here are magic and mystery, prophecy and peril, treachery and treason. In here is a splendid tale marvelously told. In here is writing as good as it gets." - Dennis McKiernan, author of AT THE EDGE OF THE FOREST and The Mithgar series "A finely balanced mixture of adventure, swordplay, court intrigue, romance, magic, and religion makes this book a delightful read." - School Library Journal "Compelling characters and richly detailed world building make this a strong addition to fantasy collections." - Library Journal “Bujold continues to prove what marvels genius can create out of basic space operatics.” - Library Journal “Bujold is not just a master of plot, she is a master of emotion.” - SF Site “Bujold is one of the best writers of SF adventure to come along in years.” - Locus Magazine “A superb craftsman and stylist, Ms. Bujold is well on her way to becoming one of the great voices of speculative fiction.” - Rave Reviews "Boy, can she write!" - Anne McCaffrey “Bujold has a gift, nearly unique in science fiction, for the comedy of manners.” - Chicago Sun Times Bujold's "work remains among the most enjoyable and rewarding in contemporary SF." - Publishers Weekly "Bujold is also head and shoulders above the ruck of current fantasists as well as science-fictionists." - Booklist

~~Winner of the 2019 American Horse Publications Equine Media Award for Fiction~~ Gallop to the finish with Dream Horse Mystery #3 Vi's kept a job for nearly one year and is sure she's going ride off into the sunset with her trust fund, but ghost horse Wastrel has plans that put everything she's worked for in jeopardy... Viola Parker knows old wounds can fester. What she doesn't know is how deeply they can cut or to what lengths people will go to recover. When she returns to her roots to solve her mentor's murder, nothing and no one is what they seem and no amount of whipped cream makes sense of it. She should be able to trust her friends, her family, herself. She should know where she belongs, where home is. But with Malcolm and everyone she loves acting strangely, and everyone she hates even stranger, trust becomes elusive. Wastrel becomes her only confidant. Has she been on the wrong lead all along? If Vi doesn't figure out Wastrel's clues in time, what she doesn't know could kill her. Vi's in for a bumpy ride in this riveting and poignant wrap-up to the Dream Horse Mysteries.

A brilliant but socially inept robotics engineer builds her own wedding date--and learns more about love than she ever expected--in this hilarious and heartwarming debut novel. "Prepare to fall in love!" --Aimee Agresti, author of Campaign Widows When she couldn't find Mr. Right, she built him. Dating is hard. Being dateless at your perfect sister's wedding is harder. Meet Kelly. Twenty-nine, go-getter, a brilliant robotics engineer, and perpetually single. So when her younger sister's wedding looms and her attempts to find a date become increasingly cringeworthy, Kelly does the only logical thing: she builds her own boyfriend. Ethan is perfect: gorgeous, attentive, and smart--all topped off by a mechanical heart endlessly devoted to her. Not to mention he's good with her mother. When she's with him, Kelly discovers a more confident, spontaneous version of herself--the person she'd always dreamed she could be. But as the struggle to keep Ethan's identity secret threatens to detonate her career, Kelly knows she has to kiss her perfect man good-bye. There's just one problem: she's falling for him.