The Notorious Widow

Widow Catherine Parrish knows that redeeming her reputation is impossible, since a powerful neighbor is depicting her as the greatest sinner of all time. But her brother insists the Earl of Rockhurst investigate the rumors swirling around his sister, and the earl doesn’t realize she is the same woman he insulted only the day before. [1st book of the Seabrook trilogy] Regency Romance by Allison Lane; originally published by Signet

The Earl of Rockhurst comes to the aid of Catherine Parrish, a respectable young widow being harassed by a vicious scoundrel out to tarnish her reputation, and unexpectedly finds himself falling in love. Original.

A story of how Lixie tries to get on with her life after finding her husband with another woman, a discovery that caused him to have a heart attack.

Was Nancy Clem a respectable Indianapolis housewife—or a cold-blooded double murderess? In September 1868, the remains of Jacob and Nancy Jane Young were found lying near the banks of Indiana’s White River. It was a gruesome scene. Part of Jacob’s face had been blown off, apparently by the shotgun that lay a few feet away. Spiders and black beetles crawled over his wound. Smoke rose from his wife’s smoldering body, which was so badly burned that her intestines were exposed, the flesh on her thighs gone, and the bones partially reduced to powder. Suspicion for both deaths turned to Nancy Clem, a housewife who was also one of Mr. Young’s former business partners. In The Notorious Mrs. Clem, Wendy Gamber chronicles the life and times of this charming and persuasive Gilded Age confidence woman, who became famous not only as an accused murderess but also as an itinerant peddler of patent medicine and the supposed originator of the Ponzi scheme. Clem’s story is a shocking tale of friendship and betrayal, crime and punishment, courtroom drama and partisan politicking, get-rich-quick schemes and shady business deals. It also raises fascinating questions about women’s place in an evolving urban economy. As they argued over Clem’s guilt or innocence, lawyers, jurors, and ordinary citizens pondered competing ideas about gender, money, and marriage. Was Clem on trial because she allegedly murdered her business partner? Or was she on trial because she engaged in business? Along the way, Gamber introduces a host of equally compelling characters, from prosecuting attorney and future U.S. president Benjamin Harrison to folksy defense lawyer John Hanna, daring detective Peter Wilkins, pioneering “lady news writer” Laura Ream, and female-remedy manufacturer Michael Slavin. Based on extensive sources, including newspapers, trial documents, and local histories, this gripping account of a seemingly typical woman who achieved extraordinary notoriety will appeal to true crime lovers and historians alike.

* * * A USA TODAY bestselling romance from Jess Michaels * * * Crispin Flynn has been on a downward spiral ever since he lost the woman he loved and watched his brother forced into a life he never would have chosen. His response has been drinking and gambling his way to utter ruin. One night, deep in his cups, he places a dangerous bet that results in him being forced to marry Gemma, the widow of the Earl of Laurelcross. Gemma once had a passionate side, but has been hiding it ever since her much older husband died during the act of making love. Now she finds herself the much unwanted wife of one of the biggest libertines in London and the subject of even more gossip than ever. Once they determine they cannot escape the marriage, the two begin a slow circling of each other. Passion is easy, but can they overcome mistrust and secrets in order to make the worst night of their lives one of their best? Or are they bound to lose each other before their love can take root? Length: Full-length novel Sensuality level: Hot and steamy This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but is part of a series (The Notorious Flynns).

Who is Black Widow? Master spy? Avenger? S.H.I.E.L.D. agent? Natasha Romanoff is all this and much more. With a past cloaked in mystery and disinformation, it’s hard to tell truth from deception. That’s why Black Widow: Secrets of a Super-Spy is an invaluable guide to this most secretive of heroes.

Once again, the finest SF short stories of the year have been collected in a single volume. With Year's Best SF 18, acclaimed, award-winning editor and anthologist David G. Hartwell demonstrates the amazing depth and power of contemporary speculative fiction, showcasing astonishing short stories from some of science fiction's most respected names as well as exciting new writers to watch. In this anthology, prepare to travel light years from the ordinary into a tomorrow at once breathtaking, frightening, and possible with some of the greatest tales of wonder published in 2012. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.