From best-selling author Xavier Neal comes a brand-new, laugh-out-loud, paranormal romance you don't want to miss... I swear, one minute I'm dozing off during the night shift - don't judge me - and the next I'm being told I'm Fate Mated to an ancient dragon. An ancient dragon I couldn't help but save when he woke me up out of the aforementioned slumber - again, don't judge me. Now this same ancient dragon - that I'm apparently destined to be with - is doing everything he can to win me over, because it's up to me whether or not he'll live the rest of his life in absolute agony or absolute bliss. Oh, and let's not forget the fact we're being chased by elves, working with a grumpy Griffin, and have to rescue some poor kidnapped dragon before an evil corporation kills it. Ugh. Any chance this is all some crazy dream that I can't wake up from? No? Well, can't blame this human for asking.

The nine interrelated chapters in this book aim to identify and describe the iconographies and trace fossils of ritual and religion in late prehistoric Europe - to infuse them with meaning, celebrate their complexity and integrate the ideas, which they evoke into the rich tapestry of historically transmitted ancient European and Mediterranean ideology, mythology and ritual. This book explores libation and feasting, engendered patterns of communication, ritual drama and iconographic creativity. Case studies range from 13th century BC Bavarian ostentatious graves, 9th century Scandinavian bog hoards, 8th century Austrian women's chambered tombs, 7th century Lusatian children's graves to 6th century BC Scythian kurgans from the Ukraine. A thick description of ancient European ideology emerges demonstrating that non-literate communities were developing surprisingly vibrant and sophisticated solutions to the problems posed by transcending death, revering the ancestors and communicating between earth and eternity.

“The first comprehensive listing of these ships in English. . . . Profusely illustrated [and] impressively informative.” —Midwest Book Review The origins of a permanent French sailing navy can be traced to the work of Cardinal Richelieu in the 1620s, but this naval force declined rapidly in the 1650s and a virtually new Marine Royale had to be re-created by Colbert from 1661. Thereafter, Louis XIV’s navy grew rapidly to become the largest and most powerful in the world, at the same time establishing a reputation for the quality of its ship design that lasted until the end of sail. The eighteenth century was to see defeat and decline, revival and victory, but by 1786 the French Navy had emerged from its most successful naval war having frequently outfought or outmaneuvred the British Navy in battle, and in the process making a major contribution to American independence. This book provides significant technical and building data as well as highlights of the careers of each ship in every class. For the first time, it is possible to form a clear picture of the overall development of French warships throughout the whole of the sailing era. “A handy and quick reference to a variety of vessels . . . [A] top notch reference book.” —British Tars, 1740-1790

Retells the segment from Spenser's The Faerie Queene, in which George, the Red Cross Knight, slays the dreadful dragon that has been terrorizing the countryside for years and brings peace and joy to the land.

I am going to restore my reign over both worlds. First, with a pen.Next, with a knife.Remind them who sits on the throne of this concrete jungle.Repair the structure that was shattered when my Mia Bella was stolen from me.Revenge will be had. Restitution received. And for me to reestablish order, I will do whatever is necessary.For there is no cost that is too great.For there is no distance that is too vast. For there is no sacrifice that is too sizeable.I am a different man because of the only woman I'll ever love.And that man is more dangerous than anyone could've ever predicted.

He knows he doesn’t deserve her, yet he can’t get her out of his mind… Stripped of his title because of a crime his father committed, Marcus Berkly has struggled to find a new place for himself in the world. Now, as London’s most skilled eye-surgeon, he dedicates his time to his patients while steering clear of Society. Until a chance encounter with a determined young woman upends his life. When Lady Louise discovers that Mr. Berkly’s surgical method could save her from permanent blindness, she decides to enlist his help. Against her father’s direct orders, she takes charge of her fate, and falls desperately in love in the process. But can a proper lady and an ill-reputed scoundrel have a future together? Or are the odds against them simply too great?

From bestselling author Xavier Neal comes a Friends-to-Lovers standalone romance with a wicked twist... 3 friends. 2 players. 1 bet. When Luca Larson makes an expensive wager, guaranteeing the bedding of his only real female friend, he's expecting the situation to go as smoothly as sleeping with any other woman would. It doesn't take long before he realizes his usual plays won't work. She knows them too well. She knows him too well. If Luca wants to win, he'll have to do things he's never done before. Friendships will be challenged. Hearts will be broken. Lives will be inevitably changed. But one question will remain. Was it all worth the gamble?

When Clint "Grim" Walker, started Operation: Save Haven Davenport, the beaten, bruised girl who fell into his life, he had no idea it would turn him into an unbalanced, enraged, insecure idiot. The mission objectives seemed simple. Make her feel safe in his home. Fail. Protect her from the neighborhood playboy. Fail. Shelter her from the ex girlfriend. Fail. Not fall in love with her. Epic fail. And while Clint could learn to live with those failures, there's one he can't. And that's the objective that matters most. More than his side duties of making amends with his father, more than accepting motherly love from his meddling neighbor, and more than attempting to relate to his brother's in arms off the field. That objective is life or death.

"Kate Bateman's writing sparkles." - USA Today bestselling author Laura Lee Guhrke Meet the Davies and Montgomery families - two households locked in an ancient feud, destined to be on opposing sides forever. Until now... CAN LIFELONG HATE Madeline Montgomery grew up despising––and secretly loving––the roguish Gryffud “Gryff” Davies. Their families have been bitter rivals for hundreds of years, but even if her feelings once crossed the line between love and hate, she’s certain Gryff never felt the same. Now, she’s too busy saving her family from ruin to think about Gryff and the other “devilish” Davies siblings. Since he’s off being scandalous in London, it’s not like she’ll ever see him again... TURN TO TRUE LOVE As the new Earl of Powys, Gryff Davies planned on spending his post-war life enjoying the pleasures of London. But when an illegal duel forces him to retreat to his family’s Welsh castle, he realizes the only exciting thing in the dull countryside will be seeing the fiery Maddie Montgomery. Thoughts of his nemesis sustained Gryff throughout the war; but the girl he loved to tease has grown into a gorgeous, headstrong woman – who loathes him just as much as she ever did. Will secret tunnels, dangerous smugglers, and meddling from their feuding families be enough to make Maddie and Gryff realize that their animosity is really attraction...and maybe even love? A Reckless Match is the first in a new regency romance series by Kate Bateman about two feuding families, and reunited childhood enemies whose hatred turns to love.