On a sunny summer day in 1978, the whole world went to hell. The US and USSR are waging World War Three on American soil and life will never be the same again. The popular New England cover band, the Roadhouse Sons, find themselves struggling with the realities of rationing, curfews, black marketeering and the ever- present threat of nuclear annihilation. A chance encounter with a mysterious stranger finds them thrown into the world of international espionage, betrayal and murder!

Mojo Sheepshanks, surviving a mysterious tragedy, is seeing ghosts--the real, ectoplasmic kind--and turning up baffling clues to her real identity; she'll need all her savvy to keep someone from burying her for keeps.

Mojo's got an uncanny knack for winning at slots, but her home sweet home is Bad-Ass Bert's Biker Saloon. She'd love to go undercover with an irresistibly hot cop, but he's got baggage as big as his biceps. Mojo survived a mysterious childhood tragedy, but she's never quite figured out who she really is or how to get on with her life. Now the wisecracking Mojo is seeing ghosts—the ectoplasmic kind— and turning up baffling clues to her real identity. And she'll need all her savvy and strange new talent to keep someone from burying her—and the truth—for keeps.

Hisato cheated death and found love. Now he’s on the hardest undercover assignment of his life. Returning to life as a detective was never going to be easy for Hisato Shibata. Caught between two worlds, he needs to balance keeping Ogawa out of jail with still upholding the law. But with his partner’s interest in Ogawa bordering on obsession… a dangerous one at that, the scales are teetering. Add in a couple of murders, some financial crimes, and a yakuza boss—or two—who want Ogawa and Hisato out of the way…something has to give. Can Hisato’s relationship with his lovers survive the stress? Or will it all fall apart. Deadly Gamble is the second book in the Tokyo Nights Trilogy that features an undercover cop whose assignment goes wrong in all the best ways, a genderqueer host who will do whatever is needed to protect his lovers, a yakuza ward boss with his eyes on the top prize and his best friend who is hesitant trust the new member of their relationship. Add in a gang conflict and things are bound to get a little...bloody.

Praise for USA Today bestselling author, Connie Shelton, and her first novel: "An impressive debut mystery!" -- Albuquerque Journal "Charlie is slick, appealing and nobody's fool--just what readers want in an amateur sleuth." -- Booklist "This is a dandy. Don't miss it!" -- Book Talk In this debut mystery series novel, Charlie Parker, accountant and partner in an Albuquerque private investigation firm, is visited by her old school friend, Stacy North. Stacy's Rolex watch is missing and she begs Charlie to help locate it before her husband finds out. Things are complicated by the fact that Stacy had been seeing another man, Gary Detweiller, and he's the one she suspects of having stolen the watch. With a little detective work, Charlie and her sidekick dog, Rusty, retrieve the missing watch and all should be well. But three days later, Detweiller is murdered. All eyes turn to Stacy as the prime suspect. Once again, Stacy begs Charlie's help in proving her innocence. As she begins to ask questions, Charlie learns that Detweiller's life was not as simple as first perceived and that any number of people had grievances against him. And before she can pinpoint the killer, her own life is in danger as well. Includes new foreword from the author upon the 20th anniversary of first publication of this ongoing series' first title. Praise for the other books in the Charlie Parker mystery series: "A well written, by the book who-done-it that will enthrall purists. Charlie is a fabulous amateur sleuth." -- Midwest Book Review "Shelton has created a lively hero in Charlie and puts her into situations that require prompt action and good common sense. A Charlie Parker mystery is always a good read..." --Southwest Book Views "Charlie is a good detective and a pleasant companion to unravel a mystery with." -- Mystery News "Shelton's engaging story, likable heroine, and comfortable prose make this a good choice." -- Library Journal "Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." --The Midwest Book Review Search words: mystery, first in series, free ebook, freebie, female sleuth, Southwestern mysteries, crime fiction, cozy mystery, pet sleuths, animal mysteries

Infiltrate the Rebellion, Save the Kingdom: A Queen's Daring Mission in "The Tiger's Roar" Unrest simmers in the kingdom of Chola. Taxes are crippling, harvests are failing, and the people are desperate for change. A charismatic rebel leader, the Tiger, emerges, igniting a firestorm of dissent that threatens to tear the kingdom apart. Queen Amara, determined to quell the rebellion without bloodshed, takes a daring step. Disguised as a commoner, she ventures into the heart of the rebellion – a dingy tavern known as The Rusty Flagon. Here, she hopes to understand the rebels' grievances and find a peaceful solution. But Amara's mission is fraught with danger. The rebels are fiercely loyal to the Tiger, and a traitor lurks within their ranks, feeding information to the palace guard. When Amara's true identity is discovered, she finds herself captured and thrown into the heart of the rebellion's lair. Facing the wrath of the Tiger and the machinations of the palace guard, Amara must use her wit and courage to survive. She devises a daring plan to sow discord within the rebellion, exploit the traitor, and ultimately expose the true enemy – the corrupt palace advisor who has fueled the flames of dissent for his own gain. Can Amara bridge the divide between the crown and the people? Can she convince the rebels to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue? Or will the kingdom be plunged into a devastating civil war? "The Tiger's Roar" is a captivating tale of political intrigue, rebellion, and a queen's unwavering determination to save her people. It explores themes of social justice, the power of communication, and the importance of understanding the root causes of dissent. Get ready to be swept away by a story that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Colton Kaswell always gets what he wants.Allison Hart is the innocent beauty billionaire Colton Kaswell has been dreaming for. Her body intoxicates him and he's consumed with his dark obsession to have her.All of her. When he offers Allison a job at his underground sex club, it's the journalist's chance of a lifetime. Even if Colton is dangerous ... she's willing to take the chance. She needs a story to blow her career wide open.But working for Colton means more than a paycheck--he wants to own her. Body and soul.And when she resists, it only makes him crave her more.Giving into what her body desires is a gamble ... but walking away from Colton is a risk no one ever takes. Risky Gamble is book one in a sexy new series by Vivian Ward where secrets, sex, and money threatens to rip everything apart.

This book provides an overview of the state of the art in research on and treatment of gambling disorder. As a behavioral addiction, gambling disorder is of increasing relevance to the field of mental health. Research conducted in the last decade has yielded valuable new insights into the characteristics and etiology of gambling disorder, as well as effective treatment strategies. The different chapters of this book present detailed information on the general concept of addiction as applied to gambling, the clinical characteristics, epidemiology and comorbidities of gambling disorder, as well as typical cognitive distortions found in patients with gambling disorder. In addition, the book includes chapters discussing animal models and the genetic and neurobiological underpinnings of the disorder. Further, it is examining treatment options including pharmacological and psychological intervention methods, as well as innovative new treatment approaches. The book also discusses relevant similarities to and differences with substance-related disorders and other behavioral addictions. Lastly, it examines gambling behavior from a cultural perspective, considers possible prevention strategies and outlines future perspectives in the field.