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Better Than People: An LGBTQ Romance (Garnet Run #1)
by Roan ParrishIt’s not long before their pet-centric arrangement sparks a person-centric desire…Simon Burke has always preferred animals to people. When the countdown to adopting his own dog is unexpectedly put on hold, Simon turns to the PetShare app to find the fluffy TLC he’s been missing. Meeting a grumpy children’s book illustrator who needs a dog walker isn’t easy for the man whose persistent anxiety has colored his whole life, but Jack Matheson’s menagerie is just what Simon needs.Four dogs, three cats and counting. Jack’s pack of rescue pets is the only company he needs. But when a bad fall leaves him with a broken leg, Jack is forced to admit he needs help. That the help comes in the form of the most beautiful man he’s ever seen is a complicated, glorious surprise.Being with Jack—talking, walking, making out—is a game changer for Simon. And Simon’s company certainly…eases the pain of recovery for Jack. But making a real relationship work once Jack’s cast comes off will mean compromise, understanding and lots of love.Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.A new Carina Adores title is available each month:The Hideaway Inn by Philip William StoverThe Girl Next Door by Chelsea M. CameronJust Like That by Cole McCadeHairpin Curves by Elia WintersThe Love Study by Kris RipperThe Secret Ingredient by KD FisherJust Like This by Cole McCadeTeddy Spenser Isn’t Looking for Love by Kim Fielding
Better Than Perfect (Wild Cards)
by Simone Elkeles<p>A fresh and fun repackage of Wild Cards, Better Than Perfect launches a romantic new series from New York Times bestselling author Simone Elkeles. <p>After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek's counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else's family drama. <p>Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain—people you care about leave without a backward glance. So when her older sister comes home after abandoning her ten years earlier, with her hot new stepson in tow, Ashtyn wants nothing to do with either of them. Then she comes up with a plan that would finally give her the chance to leave, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and get the future she wants?</p>
Better Than Perfect
by Melissa KantorFrom the acclaimed author of Maybe One Day, Melissa Kantor, comes a poignant coming-of-age story that skillfully captures the singular experience of being a teenage girl. This beautifully woven tale will appeal to fans of Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen.Juliet Newman has it all. A picture-perfect family; a handsome, loving boyfriend; and a foolproof life plan: ace her SATs, get accepted into Harvard early decision, and live happily ever after.But when her dad moves out and her mom loses it, Juliet begins questioning the rules she's always lived by. And to make everything even more complicated there's Declan, the gorgeous boy who makes her feel alive and spontaneous--and who's totally off-limits. Torn between the life she always thought she wanted and one she never knew was possible, Juliet begins to wonder: What if perfect isn't all it's cracked up to be?
Better Than Perfect (More Than A Game #1)
by Kristina MathewsMore Than A Game, #1 The woman he left behind and the son he never knew are tougher opponents than any he's met on the field. Pitcher Johnny "The Monk" Scottsdale has won awards, been named an All-star and has a perfect game to his credit. Known for his legendary control both on and off the field, his pristine public image makes him the ideal person to work with youth players in a preseason minicamp. Except the camp is run by the one woman he can't forget...the woman who made him a "monk." Alice Harrison's three strikes include an unexpected pregnancy, a marriage of convenience and young widowhood. She once traded her dreams so Johnny could have a chance at making it to the Majors. Johnny comes back into her life just as she's ready to resign as foundation director and pursue her own dreams of finally earning her teaching credential. Her plans may go on hold, though, depending on the reaction when she confesses she may have kept a major league secret from Johnny and her son. With the minutes ticking by until Johnny will leave for spring training, they'll need to let go of the past and work together in order to win the game of love. CONTENT WARNING: Some strong language, consummated love scenes83,204 Words
Better Than Picture Perfect (The\sharp Sisters Ser.)
by Stephanie Perry MooreThe Sharp sisters are bold, bright, sassy, stylin', and fierce. As the daughters of mayoral candidate Stanley Sharp, all eyes are on them as they attend high school. Every choice they make can make or break their father's campaign—and make or break their own chances for success. Ansli has a photographer's gift for seeing beauty in the world, but she's begun to doubt whether her own face really belongs in the Sharp family portrait. When she discovers her new boyfriend is now homeless, she starts to wonder what it means to belong anywhere at all. Can she find a way to help her boyfriend and other homeless families? And in the process, will she see where she fits in with the Sharp family?
Better Than Picture Perfect (The Sharp Sisters #2)
by Stephanie Perry MooreThe Sharp sisters are bold, bright, sassy, stylin', and fierce. As the daughters of mayoral candidate Stanley Sharp, all eyes are on them as they attend high school. Every choice they make can make or break their father's campaign—and make or break their own chances for success. Ansli has a photographer's gift for seeing beauty in the world, but she's begun to doubt whether her own face really belongs in the Sharp family portrait. When she discovers her new boyfriend is now homeless, she starts to wonder what it means to belong anywhere at all. Can she find a way to help her boyfriend and other homeless families? And in the process, will she see where she fits in with the Sharp family?
Better than Play
by Mabel Quiller-CouchMabel Quiller-Couch (1866-1924) was a Cornish writer. She was the the sister of Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch, and her sister Lilian M. Quiller- Couch was an author as well. She wrote Ancient and Holy Wells of Cornwall with her sister in 1894. Other works include Martha's Trial (1895), One Good Seed Sown (1896), The Recovery of Jane Vercoe.. (1896), Some Western Folk (1897), Paul the Courageous (1901), A Waif and a Welcome (1905), Zach and Derby (1906), The Carroll Girls (1906), A Pair of Red Dolls (1907), Troublesome Ursula (1907), Kitty Trenire (1909), Some Great Little People (1910), The Story of Jessie (1910), Children of Olden Days (1910), On Windycross Moor (1910), The Mean-Wells (1910), True Tales from History (1910), The Little Princess.. (1910), Better than Play (1911), A Book of Children's Verse (as editor) (1911) and Dick and Brownie (1912).
Better Than Revenge
by Kasie WestA swoony new romance from the author of Sunkissed! When her football-player boyfriend and now ex lands the podcast job she&’s been dreaming of, a girl takes matters into her own hands by enlisting the help of his nemesis to get revenge.Seventeen-year-old Finley has only ever had one goal: to become a famous podcaster. This includes coming up with the perfect pitch to land her on her school's podcast team. But when her football-obsessed boyfriend, Jensen, decides to also try out—and uses her idea—she's left confused and betrayed. Determined to get back at him, Finley and her friends try to find the perfect revenge scheme, but quickly discover that Jensen is almost-impossible to best. Keyword, almost. By chance, Finley discovers a knack for kicking and decides to take Jensen's spot on the football team. To help her train, she recruits Jensen's cute but conceited nemeses, Theo. Soon the two discover that their connection runs deeper than football. But Finley can't let herself get distracted, and Theo has secrets of his own. Is true love really better than the perfect revenge? Includes an author Q&A!
Better Than Running at Night
by Hillary FrankHaving left behind the melodrama of her solitary high school days-and the beheaded martyrs in her paintings-Ellie arrives at the New England College of Art and Design. Looking forward to the opportunity to recreate herself and her art, she begins her first day by dirty dancing with the Devil. Then she makes out with him. Ellie soon learns a lot about herself in this story about independence, trust, and boys.
Better Than Safe (Better Than Stories #4)
by Lane HayesA Better Than StoryPaul Fallon is a fashion advertising guru. He's a genius at dealing with difficult editors, art directors, and designers alike. He thrives on the chaotic atmosphere and constant challenges. But in his personal life, he's hoping for peace and stability. Settling down with a nice doctor or lawyer sounds perfect. Anyone but an artist. He's been there, done that, and he doesn't want to relive the heartache. Seth Landau is a model, occasional guitarist, and aspiring painter. He's quirky, flighty, and wise beyond his years. Life has taught him some tough lessons, then given him opportunities he never dreamed of. He's learned to appreciate the fragility of life and to express it in his work. Seth's flare for the absurd combined with a supple mind and a beautiful body are too alluring for Paul to ignore. Against his best intentions, Paul is drawn to the younger man whose particular brand of crazy challenges Paul to accept that things aren't always as they seem. Sometimes taking a chance is better than being safe.
Better Than Sex: A Mystery Featuring Anneke Haagen
by Susan HoltzerFrom Booklist Holtzer's Anneke Haagen, a computer consultant from Ann Arbor, returns in her seventh adventure. Anneke is on her honeymoon in San Francisco with new hubby Karl Genesko, ex-Pittsburgh Steeler and now Ann Arbor's chief of police. They make their way to the Maize and Blue Sports Bar, where they plan to enjoy the newest culinary trend--high-fat "Nouvelle Midwest" cuisine--while watching the University of Michigan football game. While all eyes are glued to the game, Lindsay Summers, a Michigan graduate student, drops dead after drinking a glass of unsalted tomato juice. Because the victim was on a crusade to make high-fat food as regulated as tobacco, and everyone sitting at her table had a financial stake in the licensing and sale of Nouvelle Midwest products, there is no lack of suspects with motive and means. Anneke and Karl reluctantly agree to help out the San Francisco police because so many of the suspects have ties back to Ann Arbor. Anneke learns more than she cares to about militant food purists in this lively and humorous tale. Stuart Miller
Better Than the Best Plan (Sticker Mosaics #6)
by Lauren MorrillLauren Morrill's Better Than the Best Plan is a fresh, funny, romantic YA novel about a teenage girl who finds an unexpected silver lining in her life when plans get turned upside down.Plans are made to be broken.It’s the last day of junior year, and seventeen-year-old Ritzy—short for Maritza—is pretty sure she has a great plan. Summer job—check. Hang with friends at the beach—check. Keep looking after herself as she’s been doing since her mom bailed to follow her bliss—check. Or no check?After someone reports that Ritzy is living alone, a social worker shows up and puts her into foster care. That’s surprise enough. Even more surprising? Ritzy has been in foster care before, as an infant, and the woman who cared for her then takes her in again. But maybe the greatest surprise of all for Ritzy is that living with her foster mother, Kristin, in Kristin’s gorgeous house, isn’t all that bad. And neither is the cute, friendly boy next door. If Ritzy’s mom hadn’t gotten her back all those years ago, this is the life she could have had. But is it the life she should have had?When Ritzy’s old life catches up with her new one, she has some decisions to make. Can she plan for the worst, but still hope for the best?
Better Than the Movies: Discover the swoonworthy tiktok sensation
by Lynn PainterPerfect for fans of Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood, this &“sweet and funny&” (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com is hopelessly romantic with enemies to lovers and grumpy x sunshine energy! Liz hates her annoyingly attractive neighbour but he&’s the only in with her long-term crush… Perpetual daydreamer and hopeless romantic Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he&’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet. The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbour might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz&’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz&’s in. But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she&’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must re-examine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like. Better Than the Movies features quotes from the best-loved rom-coms of cinema and takes you on a rollercoaster of romance that isn&’t movie-perfect but jaw-dropping and heart-stopping in unexpected ways. Pre-order Nothing Like the Movies, the swoony sequel to Better than the Movies and don't miss out on The Do-Over and Betting On You from Lynn Painter!
Better Than the Movies (Better Than the Movies)
by Lynn PainterA USA TODAY and New York Times bestseller Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this &“sweet and funny&” (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush.Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he&’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet. The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz&’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz&’s in. But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she&’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like.
Better Than This: A Novel
by Cathy ZaneSometimes the most enviable life is really a private hell. On the surface, Sarah Jenkins appears to have it all: a handsome, wealthy and successful husband, a precocious five-year-old daughter, and a beautiful home in an affluent Seattle neighborhood. Her quirky best friend and fellow high school teacher, Maggie, marvels at her luck—and envies her happiness. But Sarah is far from happy. She feels empty and on edge, harangued by a critical inner voice—and as the truth about her marriage and details of her past emerge, her “perfect” life begins to crumble. But just when it seems all is lost, a long forgotten, unopened letter changes everything, and with the support of friends, Sarah begins to rebuild her life. Can she quiet the critical voice in her head and learn to value herself instead?
Better Than Weird
by Anna KerzIn this stand-alone sequel to The Mealworm Diaries, Aaron is anxiously waiting for his father to return for the first time since Aaron's mother's death eight years earlier. Aaron works hard with a counselor at school, but he still has problems getting along with and understanding other kids, and he's worried that his dad will think he's weird. As well as having to confront Tufan, the class bully, Aaron must find ways to cope with the fact that his dad now has a pregnant wife and his beloved Gran needs surgery. In the end, his greatest strength is not his intelligence or his sense of humor, but the openness and warmth of his heart.
Better Than Yesterday
by Robyn SchneiderAt the elite Hilliard Preparatory School, the competition is fierce, the gossip is worse, and Blake Dorsey has just arrived back on campus after an unexplained two-year absence. Skylar Banks has a hunch Blake's in trouble. Skylar's the most likely candidate for valedictorian, but she's no stranger to tricky situations herself. She's got a reputation for taking her relationships straight from JV to varsity, and that rep is about to catch up with her. Charley Morton doesn't have time for Blake's problems--not if he plans to get into Harvard like his parents expect, or to win over his dream girl (a. k. a. Skylar). But then Blake takes off for New York City, and Charley, Skylar, and her roommate, Marissa, have no choice but to risk their perfect transcripts to find him. It's a journey that will change the way they see each other-- and themselves--forever. From the Hardcover edition.
Better Than You
by Adam Gustavson Trudy LudwigJake's bragging is really starting to get to his neighbor Tyler. Tyler can't show Jake a basketball move, a school assignment, or a new toy without Jake saying he can do better. Tyler starts to wonder: Is something wrong with him? Is he really such a loser? Is Jake really better than him at everything? Or is Jake the one with the problem? With the help of his uncle Kevin, Tyler begins to understand that Jake's bragging has nothing to do with Tyler's own abilities and that puffing yourself up leaves little room for friends.From the Hardcover edition.
Better the Blood: The past never truly stays buried. Welcome to the dark side of paradise. (Hana Westerman #1)
by Michael Bennett'A compelling, atmospheric page turner with an authentic insight into Māori culture' Val McDermidA DETECTIVE IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH. A KILLER IN SEARCH OF RETRIBUTION. A CLASH BETWEEN CULTURE AND DUTY. THE PAST NEVER TRULY STAYS BURIED. WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE OF PARADISE. Detective Senior Sergeant Hana Westerman is a tenacious Māori detective juggling single motherhood and the pressures of her career in Auckland&’s Central Investigation Branch. When she&’s led to a crime scene by a mysterious video, she discovers a man hanging in a hidden room. With little to go on, Hana knows one thing: the killer is sending her a message. As a Māori officer, there has always been a clash between duty and culture for Hana, but it is something that she&’s found a way to live with. Until now. When more murders follow, Hana realises that her heritage and past are the keys to finding the perpetrator.Especially when the killer's agenda of revenge may include Hana – and her family . . . &‘As page-turning as it is eye-opening&’ Ambrose Parry &‘A remarkable new detective&’ Daily Mail &‘[A] highly addictive read&’ My Weekly &‘So chilling&’ Crime Monthly &‘Opens a unique window onto a fascinating Antipodean society as only world-class crime fiction can&’ Deon Meyer Winner of the Best First Novel Award at the 2023 Ngaio Marsh Awards Finalist for Best Novel at the 2023 Ngaio Marsh Awards Shortlisted for the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction, Ockham New Zealand Book Awards Longlisted for the CWA John Creasey New Blood DaggerShortlisted for Audio Book of the Year at the Capital Crime Fingerprint Awards
Better Times: Short Stories (Prairie Schooner Book Prize in Fiction)
by Sara BatkieWinner of the Prairie Schooner Book Prize in Fiction, the stories in Better Times focus on what’s happening in places people don’t think to look. Women, sometimes displaced, often lonely, are at the heart of these stories. In Better Times Sara Batkie focuses on the moments in women’s lives when the wider world is wrapped up in other matters: a father and daughter, separated by time and an ocean, dreaming of each other; a girl in a home for “troubled women” imagining the journey of the first dog in space; a phantom breast returning to haunt a woman after her mastectomy; a young woman giving birth to a litter of eggs. Such are the ordinary women weathering extraordinary circumstances in Better Times. Divided into three sections covering the recent past, our current era, and the world to come, the stories gathered here—with characters stymied by loneliness, motherhood, illness, even cataclysmic climate change—interrogate the idea that so-called better times ever existed, particularly for women.
The Better to Eat You
by Charlotte ArmstrongA professor becomes enchanted with a girl who carries a dangerous jinxHistory student Sarah Shepherd does not look like a killer. She is shy, but her writing so impresses Professor David Wakeley that he asks her to become his research assistant. Terrified, she begs him to stay away. For Sarah Shepherd is stalked by death, and the professor could be her next victim. For years, people close to her have died: an office colleague, a coworker&’s mother, and Sarah&’s husband, who dropped dead on their wedding day. David doesn&’t believe her until a few days later, when his parked car rolls down a hill, seemingly under its own power, and kills a stranger. Something is tormenting this young girl, and David suspects it may be her family. To Sarah&’s relatives, a group of old vaudevillians, deceit and even murder are second nature.
The Better to Kiss You With
by Michelle Osgoodin the rare moments when Deanna Scott isnt working as the moderator for Wolfs Run, an online werewolf role-playing game, she wanders the local forest trails with her golden retriever, Arthur, and daydreams about Jamie, the attractive, enigmatic woman who lives upstairs.As Wolf Runs “den mother,” Deanna is accustomed to petty online drama. But when threats from an antagonistic player escalate, Deanna wonders if her awesome online job could be riskier than shed ever imagined--and if her new girlfriend knows more about this community than she had realized.
The Better to See You (A Transplanted Tales Novel #2)
by Kate SeRineA fallen fairy godmother finds refuge in the arms of a wolf—until a series of murders threatens to break the spell—in this gritty paranormal romance. Thanks to a spell mis-cast by Lavender Seelie, Cinderella's former fairy godmother, Make Believe characters have been cast into the ordinary world. Now that the Tales are flesh and blood, their storybook lives aren&’t so simple. But fortunately for Lavender, she's about to get a second chance at a happy ending. The Refuge, a sanctuary for wayward Tales, seems like the perfect place for Lavender to start a new life—especially when she discovers an unexpected ally in Seth, the brooding werewolf who's been typecast as a villain ever since his run in with Little Red Riding Hood. But when humans from nearby towns start turning up dead, their bodies mutilated with archaic Tale symbols, Lavender wonders if Seth's deep sensuality has blinded her to a deadly reality.
Better to Wish: Better to Wish (Family Tree #1)
by Ann M. MartinFour generations. Four girls. One family.An amazing new four-book series from Ann M. Martin.This first book in an all-new quartet from the phenomenal Ann M. Martin follows Abby Nichols in the 1930s in Maine. After her mother's death, Abby is largely responsible for raising her siblings, but she longs to write and live in New York City, far away from the tiny Maine town where she lives now. Once her father remarries and Abby has a stepmother she doesn't get along with, she finally makes her escape to the city and life she's always dreamed of.
Better Together
by Nicola MayA page-turner... a terrific read' Susan Sallis "A powerful tale of survival and hardship, very well crafted and with strong characters" - Publishing News Past Remembering - Book Six of the Hearts of Gold series by Catrin Collier 1941. In Pontypridd, Ronnie Ronconi has returned home from war-torn Italy. The family are certain he will once again take charge of the family in his own forceful way, but Ronnie's escape from Italy has left him a much changed man. He accepts the rights and freedoms of his younger siblings as he never has before, and even finds time to help others, particularly Alma, whose husband has been sent on a most dangerous mission. After the loss of his beloved wife, Ronnie is certain he will never look at a woman again; he certainly doesn't expect to fall in love - particularly with the wife of a friend... Diana is locked in an unhappy marriage - but can Ronnie and Diana put their own personal happiness ahead of that of an entire family?