A fugitive ninja. A kind-hearted witch. 16th-century Japan. Traitors don't deserve a happy ending, do they? Karen has finally found a clue to her cousin Ciara's disappearance. But before she can follow, she's kidnapped and finds herself in a war-torn, 16th-century Japan. The madman that kidnapped her forces Karen to use her magic to enchant weapons in a castle full of half-yokai. To top it off, her magic is restricted. There's no escape… unless she trusts an untrustworthy ninja, Taiki. Taiki is an excellent spy and assassin. He's also a traitor, as Karen learns. If he's willing to betray someone as powerful as Katsuo, what would he do to her? Which is worse; trusting a traitor or facing a bleak life as a slave enchanting weapons? To complicate matters further, she's falling for the aloof ninja even as he struggles between saving her life at the peril of his own. If he helps her—and is caught—he risks certain death. Will her heart survive any outcome? Smoke and Jewel is the second book of the Youkai Treasures series, a fantasy romance set in the sengoku-jidai (16th-century Japan). Keywords: time-travel, timetravel, fantasy romance, faro, Japan, sengoku jidai, warring states, witch, ninja, shinobi, secrets, yokai, demon, dragon, ghost, spectre, yōkai​, war, supernatural powers, medieval, traitor, betrayal, supernatural beings, items of power, magic, hurt & comfort, HEA, Asia, fade-to-black

"Morbid and illuminating" (Entertainment Weekly)—a young mortician goes behind the scenes of her curious profession. Armed with a degree in medieval history and a flair for the macabre, Caitlin Doughty took a job at a crematory and turned morbid curiosity into her life’s work. She cared for bodies of every color, shape, and affliction, and became an intrepid explorer in the world of the dead. In this best-selling memoir, brimming with gallows humor and vivid characters, she marvels at the gruesome history of undertaking and relates her unique coming-of-age story with bold curiosity and mordant wit. By turns hilarious, dark, and uplifting, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes reveals how the fear of dying warps our society and "will make you reconsider how our culture treats the dead" (San Francisco Chronicle).

In an era when ladies were demure and men courtly, one priceless treasure set England ablaze and incited unimaginable scandal and passion—the Hope Diamond. Heir to an impressive title and fortune, Lord William Townshend, Earl of Harclay, is among the most disreputable rakes in England. Desperately bored by dull heiresses and tedious soirees, he seeks new excitement—with a dangerous scheme to steal the world’s most legendary gemstone from its owner, Thomas Hope. To his surprise, however, it’s not the robbery that sets his blood burning but the alluring lady from whom he pilfers the gem. A string of bad luck has left the fate of Lady Violet Rutledge’s estate entirely in Hope’s scheming hands. So when his prized jewel disappears from around her neck, she has no choice but to track down the villain responsible for the theft. Only Harclay has his sights set on taking more from her than the necklace—and she’s tempted to surrender anything he desires… Now, caught in a thrilling game of secrecy and seduction, Violet must find a way to protect her fortune—and her heart—before she loses both forever…

Tanya Huff’s supernatural fantasy Smoke series, with a gothic twist • Mix of ghostly mystery, paranormal horror, and dark humor • Lamba Award nominated Fans of the X-Files and Twin Peaks will love acclaimed master of contemporary fantasy Tanya Huff’s twisted version of vampires, wizards, and TV terror. Tony Foster, fledgling wizard and now trainee assistant director on Darkest Night—the syndicated vampire detective show—is hoping that they only supernatural events he’ll be caught up in are those in the script. But that isn’t meant to be, for a demonic convergence is about to begin, creating weak spots through which lesser demons may enter the world. To complicate matters, Leah, the incredibly seductive stuntwoman who freelances for the show, is an immortal Demongate. Should Leah die, the Demongate will open and her sensual demon master will wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting human race. Can Tony—with the help of Leah, Henry, a tabloid reporter, a Mountie, and the cast of Darkest Night—halt a demonic invasion and stave off the end of the world?

Giving up smoking is one of the hardest things to do. This handy-sized book contains all the information you need to find a method that works for you. This guide explains the many different techniques for giving up—from simple willpower (and ways to strengthen it) through Allen Carr's Easy Way to Tibetan breathing exercises and the Quit Smoking Diet. Each method is explained simply and clearly, allowing you to see whether it might work for you. It also allows you to combine methods. There are also tips for staying on track and advice for creating an all-round healthy lifestyle where cigarettes are just a distant memory.

From the first moment I sensed him, I fell hard for the exquisitely handsome son of the Goddess of Light. Now I’m determined to rescue him from his prison cell in Hell and restore his powers so we can defeat the forces of darkness. My empathic powers are strong, but they can’t make him trust me. That I have to do all on my own. Can I break through real and metaphorical walls to reach him, or will the Crown Prince of Hell and his minions destroy the planet Vartik and my people, as well as the only man I’ve ever loved? And, perhaps worse, will that man never love me in return? The Vartik King Chronicles is planned as a sexy Sci-Fi Standalone series where eight siblings get an adventure and find love in the galaxies beyond home. Come join this new adventure and fall in love with the world I’ve created. Each book can be read separately and out of order! Enjoy.

To the west, proud and alone, was the Imperial Country. To the East stood the Freelands, engulfed in civil war since its very birth. Above them was Cecorria, Home of all Sorcery, struggling against its very own downfall. And finally there was Bryre, the keeper of the sinister Blood Jewels, deadly to all who held them too close. But above them all was another country, a country ignored and long gone silent, but just stirring awake. Only myths told of three heroines arising to meet the powers rising from the North, but myths are myths, stories, and nothing more.