Keeping The Tarnished

Johnny's escape from an extremely abusive and oppressive environment leaves him, as well as those around him, riddled with questions and concerns regarding his behavior. As he attempts to embrace his future, he is plagued by several horrifying symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His new life is inclusive of an extremely supportive and constructive environment; however, the boy must first face his demons before he can heal and take full advantage of the new gifts that have been graciously offered. Facing his demons, however, proves to be an overwhelming and confusing process regardless of the support. Although the young man has removed himself from physical adversity, his mental clarity diminishes as the story is told. The inability to distinguish past from present and delusion from reality leaves Johnny in a dangerously chaotic state of mind as those around him scramble to find answers and remain supportive. The story takes place in the state of Louisiana, with a small farm near Lake Charles being the primary location. The reader will be taken on a gut-wrenching journey which addresses severe child abuse, poverty, mental dysfunction, and a young man's undying perseverance as he attempts to achieve some form of normality.

Freedom comes at a cost... Ella was genetically engineered to be the perfect pet-graceful, demure...and kept. In a daring move, she escaped her captivity and took refuge in Canada. But while she can think and act as she pleases, the life of a liberated pet is just as confining as the Congressman's gilded cage. Her escape triggered a backlash, and now no one's safe, least of all the other pets. But she's trapped, unable to get back to Penn-the boy she loves-or help the girls who need her. Back in the United States, pets are turning up dead. With help from a very unexpected source, Ella slips deep into the dangerous black market, posing as a tarnished pet available to buy or sell. If she's lucky, she'll be able to rescue Penn and expose the truth about the breeding program. If she fails, Ella will pay not only with her life, but the lives of everyone she's tried to save... The Perfected series is best enjoyed in order. Reading Order: Book #1 Perfected Book #2 Tarnished Book #3 Unraveled

The Lunar Chronicles meets Rook in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Sharon Cameron. A secret beats inside Anna Thatcher's chest: an illegal clockwork heart. Anna works cog by cog -- donning the moniker Technician -- to supply black market medical technology to the sick and injured, against the Commissioner's tyrannical laws.Nathaniel Fremont, the Commissioner's son, has never had to fear the law. Determined to earn his father's respect, Nathaniel sets out to capture the Technician. But the more he learns about the outlaw, the more he questions whether his father's elusive affection is worth chasing at all.Their game of cat and mouse takes an abrupt turn when Eliza, a skilled assassin and spy, arrives. Her mission is to learn the Commissioner's secrets at any cost -- even if it means betraying her own heart.When these uneasy allies discover the most dangerous secret of all, they must work together despite their differences and put an end to a deadly epidemic -- before the Commissioner ends them first.

DEFIANCE IS TREASON. TREASON IS DEATH. A siege is laid against the last resistance to the Senate’s rule. As the battle rages, a commander, a soldier, and a rebel will decide how far they are willing to go for victory. THE COMMANDER Marcus is forced to choose between destroying the rebel forces and liberating his legion. He must face the true cost of being a leader. And an oppressor. THE SOLDIER Agrippa sets his sights on glory to fill the deepening void within him. He discovers that the price of fame might not just be paid in blood, it might be paid by his heart. THE REBEL Silvara joins the rebel forces to fight against the legions who would see her family dead. While she dreams of being a warrior, she finds her sharpest weapon is seduction. But to defeat the Empire, she’ll have to betray the young man who now has her heart. Inspired by the harsh world of ancient Rome, readers are obsessed with this martial tale of fiery romance, friendship, and enmity. Told from three points of view, TARNISHED EMPIRE is filled with twists you’ll never see coming but will keep you turning the pages all night. TARNISHED EMPIRE is set in the world of Danielle L. Jensen’s DARK SHORES. But readers new to the world can begin here.

He was supposed to protect me. Instead, he made me fear the dark. He was supposed to love me. In the end, his love was sickening, cruel and filled with malice. Five years ago, the only bright lights in my world were extinguished. One decision. One text. One sentence and my fragile life shattered. I never expected the depravity and lies that greets me when I return to Montecito, leaving me with one goal... To flee and never look back. Everything changes when three gorgeous guys crash into my life. They're determined to mark me as theirs, and make me question everything I hold true. But when the ghosts of my past and future collide, who will be left standing? Me... or the monster who coveted me for all of the wrong reasons, turning me into what I am today... Tarnished. *Tarnished is the first book in the Tainted by Ruin Trilogy and cannot be read as a standalone. It is a Dark High School Reverse Harem Romance that contains scenes that may be triggering to some. Including: sexual assault (minor), physical abuse & self harm. Recommended for readers 18+.

"He could have everything here, and the price is so small. Why would he want to go back out into that cold, unforgiving world?"It's simple, really. Zay has a roof over his head, food in his stomach, no bills or jobs to worry about, and he gets to lie around all day. It should be the perfect life for him, and it would be... if it wasn't for the fact that he has to play the role of a two-legged "puppy" for his captor and his captor's little. Zay's unwillingness to accept his new life breeds doubt and discontent in Cammy, who's longed for an end to his loneliness. Even though they should be bonding, the distance between them seems larger than ever. Cammy wants Zay to see how fortunate he is, but will it be Cammy who has his own revelations instead?

The Secret Life of Miss Phyllida Hurst Having survived the scandal of her birth with courage and determination, the beautiful Phyllida has reached a precarious balance within the ton. And in just one moment Ashe Herriard, Viscount Clere, blows her world and her carefully made plans to pieces. Brought up in vibrant Calcutta, Ashe is disdainful of polite London society, but something about Phyllida intrigues him. There's a mystery surrounding her. A promise of secrets and a hint of scandal—more than enough to entice him!

"A study of toxic leadership in the U.S. military and an examination of ways to better the command structure through a revamp of the way leaders are trained and treated"--