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Christmas in Bethel
by Richard Paul EvansFrom Richard Paul Evans, the New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Promise and The Christmas Box—&“the most popular holiday tale since Tiny Tim&” (Newsweek)—a new novel celebrating the life-changing power of the holiday spirit. Leigh Beth Stilton has never liked the holidays. After growing up in an unstable home, escaping an abusive marriage, and witnessing daily tragedies as an EMT, Leigh just can&’t bring herself to care about Christmas cheer. In fact, she&’s so convinced she&’s not worth loving that one winter&’s eve, she decides she can&’t go on—until she comes across a book called Bethel and starts to read. Leigh is unfamiliar with the author, J.D. Harper, but his words speak directly to her. She&’s never felt so seen and understood, and this connection gives her the strength to carry on. She avidly reads every novel Harper has written, and when he comes to town for a book signing, she jumps at the opportunity to meet the writer who means so much to her. In a twist of fate, Leigh runs into J.D. in a coffee shop, and the two immediately click. Before she knows it, she&’s swept up in a whirlwind of fancy dinners, exciting travel, and the attention of the man whose work has been so meaningful to her. But she&’s leery after a lifetime of pain and when she discovers that J.D. hasn&’t been completely honest, her hopes are dashed. Can they find their way back to each other and can Leigh learn to trust her heart?
Go for the Gold (The Very Worst Ever #6)
by Andy NonamusA very unlucky kid worries his misfortune has rubbed off on his gifted friend in the sixth book in The Very Worst Ever chapter book series!Everyone knows the Golds: Olympic gold-medalist, all-star athletes who run everywhere they go. Their son and one of [REDACTED]&’s best friends, Jake, is no different. But during gym class, a rare stroke of luck helps [REDACTED] score the most points during a scooter soccer game. Jake&’s never been number two. Has [REDACTED] unwittingly traded luck with his gifted friend? With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, The Very Worst Ever chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.
Quest for the Enlightened Feminine: Faith, Tara, and the Path of Compassion
by Anna Howard• Describes how the author gave up her life of comfort to move to the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the West, Kagyu Samye Ling• Details her 18-month pilgrimage around the world inspired by the compassion and wisdom of the female Buddha Green Tara and her entourage of 21 emanations• Woven throughout with Tibetan Buddhist teachings and methods, including practices with Green Tara and White TaraCan traditional spiritual practices bring about radical change for a happier existence in modern life? A life-changing dream encounter with Jesus the Christ propels former broadcaster and healer Anna Howard on a profound journey of spiritual awakening. From her roots in mystical Christianity, her quest leads her to discover Vajrayana Buddhism in the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the West, Kagyu Samye Ling, in Scotland. Awakening to the feminine face of God, Anna immerses herself in the compassion practices of the female Buddha Green Tara and her 21 emanations. Deeply inspired, her inner work finds its outer expression in an 18-month global pilgrimage, from Holy Island Lindisfarne to South Africa. As she and her friends distribute 21 small Tara statues, blessed by Akong Tulku Rinpoche, Anna too finds transformation.Touching the deep core of human longing, Quest for the Enlightened Feminine is a story of faith, courage, and determination. Illustrating a path to freedom and happiness, Anna Howard shows how the divine feminine can awaken our enlightened potential. Interwoven with Tibetan Buddhist teachings and methods, including practices with Green Tara and White Tara, Tonglen meditation, and exercises for working with the 21 Taras, this book reveals how to put these sacred teachings into practice in your own life.
Ghost-Spider's Unbreakable Mission (Marvel After-School Heroes)
by MacKenzie CadenheadGwen Stacy tries to balance her homework with her responsibility as Ghost-Spider in this original Marvel chapter book with black-and-white illustrations throughout!Gwen Stacy has homework over the weekend: she has to carry a chicken egg everywhere she goes without breaking it. It should be easy enough for the average student, but Gwen is Ghost-Spider, with a duty to swing in and save the day whenever she sees a need. So when a winged villain comes onto the scene, can Ghost-Spider stop him mid-flight without sabotaging Gwen&’s chance for an egg-cellent grade? Find out in this chapter book that&’s perfect for Marvel fans beginning to read on their own or for reading aloud! © 2024 MARVEL.™
Michael Vey 10: The Colony (Michael Vey #10)
by Richard Paul EvansIn this electrifying tenth and final installment of the award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling Michael Vey series, the Electroclan go on a high-stakes rescue mission.After saving Tara and Jack—and losing a few of their own—in a dramatic battle in the Peruvian jungle against the Elgen offshoot the Chasqui, the Electroclan has returned to the US to regroup. But their downtime is brief, as Abi—who was abducted from outside her college dorm—is still missing. Piecing together what few clues they have from video footage of the abduction as well as some additional information from Grace, whose consciousness has broken free of her physical body and connected with worldwide intelligence, they determine that she is being held somewhere in Peru by the leader of a group of other electrics known as the Colony. And so—once again joining forced with Alpha Team for a dual-pronged attack—they return to South America for a rescue mission. They&’ve fought—and won—against incredible odds before. But they&’ve never had to face off against others with powers similar to—and potentially stronger—than their own. Still, with the life of one of the Electroclan members at stake, failure is simply not an option as they take on their final mission.
This Wasn't on the Syllabus: Stories from the Frontlines
by Addy Strickland Emma KuzmykTHIS WASN'T ON THE SYLLABUS illuminates the courageous stories of campus activism against sexualized violence in Canada, uniting over three decades of personal accounts and resistance in a powerful call to prioritize and amplify the voices of student activists worldwide.This Wasn&’t on the Syllabus: Stories from the Front Lines of Campus Activism Against Sexualized Violence is both a record and an act of protest, progress, and survival located within Canada&’s post-secondary landscape. The collection features personal accounts which articulate not only the prevalence of sexualized violence on campus, but how these acts inspire students to activism. The book is a call to value and prioritize the voices of student activists, who are often among those most impacted by sexualized violence, and who are key participants in driving change. Stories which have until now existed precariously in news clippings—or been passed on through whisper networks—are now permanently inked. Connecting stories that span more than three decades, this anthology draws on collective memory to resist the cyclical nature of campus activism and is a testament to the solidarity of those who have fought, and continue to fight, against sexualized violence on campus. While This Wasn't on the Syllabus is written from a Canadian perspective, sexualized violence is prevalent around the world, and the call to activism knows no geographic boundaries. Content Warning: the collection focuses on sexualized violence, but each piece contains a specific content warning if applicable.
To the Kennels: And Other Stories
by Hye-young PyunAn acclaimed story collection from the author of the Shirley Jackson Award–winning novel The Hole *Booklist Starred Review* Six elephants bolt from an amusement park and vanish; where they&’re found brings back memories of a forgotten dictator. A car ride on a foggy highway at night becomes a drive through hell for a young couple getting away for the weekend together. A family lives the dream of moving from the city to a brand-new bedroom town in the country, only to be plagued by debt and fears of eviction, while the sound of incessant barking rings from the kennels nearby. In a city built on the site of ancient tombs, a homeowner&’s renovation of a broken wall leads to an outcome no one expected. Older workers hired to play characters from a folk tale and wear smiles no one believes. An accountant asked to cook the books for his boss. A would-be writer disappointed in her students and her choices. These are some of the premises and characters in Hye-young Pyun&’s To the Kennels, winner of one of Korea&’s most prestigious literary awards. Infused with psychological acuity, understated suspense, a touch of the uncanny, and her Kafkaesque take on the contemporary world, To the Kennels offers a thrilling, unsettling ride through territory that is both familiar and strange. As Un-su Kim, author of The Plotters has observed, she &“reveals to us the cellular division of emotions we&’ve never seen before.&”
Return on Compliance: Erfolgsfaktoren der Compliance und ihr Beitrag zum Unternehmenswert (Quick Guide)
by Stefan Hunziker Mirjam Gruber-Durrer Christian Hauser Jeanine Bretti Rainalter«Compliance» gilt heute als Grundvoraussetzung für die «license to operate» und ist daher für Organisationen eine kritische Managementfunktion mit einer hoher Ressourcenbindung. Zahlreiche Unternehmensskandale in Zusammenhang mit Compliance-Verstössen lassen vermuten, dass Unternehmen nicht immer in der Lage sind, das unternehmensweite Compliance-risikoadäquat zu managen. Dies liegt u.a. daran, dass es bisher kein etabliertes Verfahren zur Quantifizierung des Erfolgs der Compliance gibt. Daraus folgt ein Legitimationsproblem für die verantwortlichen Führungskräfte, da die (hohen) Compliance-Ausgaben nur schwierig zu rechtfertigen sind. Das vorliegende Buch adressiert diese Herausforderung und zeigt auf, wie der Erfolg und der Wertbeitrag der Compliance in mittelständischen und grossen Unternehmen optimiert werden kann. Dazu wurde ein wissenschaftlich fundiertes Compliance-Modell entwickelt, das den Zusammenhang zwischen erfolgreicher Compliance und dem Unternehmenserfolg nachweisen kann, was einem «Paradigmenwechsel im Umgang mit Compliance» gleichkommt. Compliance darf nicht länger als Kostenfaktor, sondern als nachweisbar mehrwertstiftendes Führungsinstrument verstanden werden.
Digital Twins, Simulation, and the Metaverse: Driving Efficiency and Effectiveness in the Physical World through Simulation in the Virtual Worlds (Simulation Foundations, Methods and Applications)
by Michael Grieves Edward Y. HuaDive into the fascinating world of Digital Twins, Simulation, and the Metaverse, where the virtual/digital and physical worlds collide and reshape industries. This book offers an insightful exploration of the revolutionary applications of these technologies, promising to ignite your imagination and inspire innovation. The topics described in this book represent a groundbreaking exploration of the synergistic relationship between digital twins, simulation, and the metaverse, as well as their transformative impact across various sectors. In addition to presenting theoretical discussions and experimental findings, this book focuses on real-life applications and illuminates the path for future research. This makes it a must-read for both industry and academia keen on understanding and harnessing the power of the emerging technologies. Topics and features: Discover from top thought leaders the predictions of how digital twins, simulation, and metaverses will evolve in direction, requirements, and capabilities Exploit the understanding of how digital-twin metaverses will revolutionize the effectiveness and efficiency of 21st-century work Explore cutting-edge, real-life applications of digital twins, simulation, and the metaverse (spanning a diverse array of industries and sectors) Understand the different views and perspectives of digital twins and metaverses shared by academia, industry, and government authors from around the world Learn how to harness the power of simulation in the world of digital twins and metaverses This unique volume consists of works from internationally renowned experts representing a diverse array of industries and sectors. It will be eminently suitable for researchers and practitioners working on modeling and simulation, digital twins, and the metaverse. Furthermore, this volume will serve as a valuable reference for executives and decision makers who are looking to leverage these cutting-edge technologies to expand their businesses, develop industrial and national strategies, and support future missions.
China, Brazil and Petroleum: The Role of China in Brazil’s Transformation into an Oil Power
by Pedro Henrique BarbosaThis book explores how China-Brazil relations have been impacted by the oil-related bilateral trade, investments, infrastructure projects and financing – an increasingly consequential aspect of Sino-Brazilian relations, which sheds light on China's energy security concerns and its relationship with oil-rich countries more generally. This book depicts in detail how China’s quest for petroleum has been helping Brazil become an oil power. Written by a Brazilian career diplomat that completed a PhD in Mandarin on the topic of this publication and whose insights into Chinese economics, politics and energy policies are deep, this book will interest scholars, diplomats, economists and professionals in the oil sector.
History of Cryptography and Cryptanalysis: Codes, Ciphers, and Their Algorithms (History of Computing)
by John F. DooleyThis textbook presents a fascinating review of cryptography and cryptanalysis, from the earliest known cryptographic systems of 2,500 years ago up to modern computer-based systems. The text relates the earliest use of the monoalphabetic cipher in the ancient world, the development of the “unbreakable” Vigenère cipher, and an account of how cryptology entered the arsenal of military intelligence during the American Revolutionary War. Moving on to the American Civil War, the book explains the solution of the Vigenère ciphers used by the Confederates and the use of telegraph codes, before investigating the development of cipher machines throughout World War I and II, including development of the first digital computer, Colossus. The exposition then explores cryptology in the computer age, from public-key cryptography and web security to criminal cyber-attacks and cyber-warfare. The role of cryptography in the Internet of Things is also discussed, along with the potential impact of quantum computing. Topics and features: Presents a history of cryptology from ancient Rome to the present day, with a focus on cryptology in the 20th and 21st centuries Provides engaging examples illustrating use of cryptographic algorithms in different historical periods Reviews algorithms and devices used to create secret messages, and the various methods for breaking such messages Describes notable contributions to cryptology by Herbert Yardley, William and Elizebeth Smith Friedman, Lester Hill, Agnes Meyer Driscoll, and Claude Shannon Examines unsolved mysteries in cryptology, such as the Voynich Manuscript, the Beale Ciphers, the Kryptos sculpture, and the Zodiac killer ciphers This engaging work is ideal as both a primary text for courses on the history of cryptology, and as a supplementary text for advanced undergraduate courses on cryptology and computer security. No prior background in mathematics is assumed, beyond what would be encountered in an introductory course on discrete mathematics.
Big Data Infrastructure Technologies for Data Analytics: Scaling Data Science Applications for Continuous Growth
by Yuri Demchenko Juan J. Cuadrado-Gallego Oleg Chertov Marharyta AleksandrovaThis book provides a comprehensive overview and introduction to Big Data Infrastructure technologies, existing cloud-based platforms, and tools for Big Data processing and data analytics, combining both a conceptual approach in architecture design and a practical approach in technology selection and project implementation. Readers will learn the core functionality of major Big Data Infrastructure components and how they integrate to form a coherent solution with business benefits. Specific attention will be given to understanding and using the major Big Data platform Apache Hadoop ecosystem, its main functional components MapReduce, HBase, Hive, Pig, Spark and streaming analytics. The book includes topics related to enterprise and research data management and governance and explains modern approaches to cloud and Big Data security and compliance. The book covers two knowledge areas defined in the EDISON Data Science Framework (EDSF): Data Science Engineering and Data Management and Governance and can be used as a textbook for university courses or provide a basis for practitioners for further self-study and practical use of Big Data technologies and competent evaluation and implementation of practical projects in their organizations.
Inequality in the Digital Economy: The Case for a Universal Basic Income (Palgrave Studies in Digital Inequalities)
by Andrew WhiteThis book will make the case for the introduction of a universal basic income (UBI). The structural logic of the digital economy as presently constituted widens inequality and, through its use of automation for increasingly complex, as well as mundane, tasks, threatens jobs. The book will investigate the extent of this disruption to traditional labour markets and of individual livelihoods, and argue that alternative means of supporting people financially, like UBI, can mitigate the digital economy’s most baleful impacts. The book will also highlight the positive social and environmental benefits that would accrue from the introduction of UBI, as unconditional financial support would reduce workers’ anxiety in insecure labour markets, and the expending of valuable resources would be lessened if energy consumption was determined by society’s needs rather than by the requirements of labour markets tasked primarily with maximising employment. An explanation as to why arguments against its introduction on the grounds of cost and its supposed encouraging of idleness, are, while superficially compelling, ultimately without foundation, will form the centrepiece of the concluding political argument for UBI.
Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods, Verification and Validation. Application Areas: 12th International Symposium, ISoLA 2024, Crete, Greece, October 27–31, 2024, Proceedings, Part V (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #15223)
by Tiziana Margaria Bernhard SteffenThe ISoLA 2024 proceedings constitutes contributions of the associated events held at the 12th International Symposium on Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods, ISoLA 2024, which took place in Crete, Greece, in October 2024. ISoLA 2024 provides a forum for developers, users, and researchers to discuss issues related to the adoption and use of rigorous tools and methods for the specification, analysis, verification, certification, construction, test, and maintenance of systems from the point of view of their different application domains.
Mechanical Ventilation in Critical Care Transport
by Susan R. Wilcox Jason Cohen Michael FrakesThis book focuses on managing mechanical ventilation and its impact on physiology, primarily in the transport environment. Mechanical ventilation is one of the most common procedures in all critical care, including critical care transport. Yet the management of ventilation poses significant risks to the patient. In the transport environment, understanding the nuances of mechanical ventilation and its impact on physiology is extremely important. Respiratory therapists and critical care physicians are essential critical care team members, but they may not be available in austere or remote locations, and consultation may not always be practical. More than ever, transport clinicians are responsible for managing ventilators according to evidence-based principles. The objectives of this text are to: Familiarize transport clinicians with common terms in mechanical ventilation, Review key principles of pulmonary physiology relevant to both mechanical ventilation and specific to transport, Understand the interpretation of blood gases as related to the management of the ventilated patient, Discuss the basic principles of selecting ventilator settings, Develop strategies for caring for ventilated patients with ARDS, asthma, COPD, trauma, and neurologic injury, Provide information specific to caring for ventilated neonates and pediatric patients, Assess and respond to emergencies during mechanical ventilation. The book closes with a chapter of case studies, which are used to review the principles taught throughout the rest of the text, and a conclusion that neatly sums up the essential points of the book. Chapters are enhanced with diagrams, tables, illustrations, and photographs. All transport clinicians, including experienced nurses, paramedics, emergency medicine residents, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and EMS fellows will find this book to be of great use. Additionally, clinicians who provide emergency care for ventilated patients outside the critical care transport setting, including paramedics, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, and hospitalists will find this text valuable.
Psychology of Crises in Sport: Causes, Consequences and Solutions
by Bernd Strauss Stephanie Buenemann Charlotte Behlau Maike Tietjens Katherine A. TamminenThe book includes ideas and concepts from psychology in general, particularly sport psychology, and communication sciences, as well as applied sport psychology and case studies. In each chapter, the reader will first learn the theoretical and empirical background of concepts related to crises, and second, they will be introduced to how to apply this knowledge and methods to prevent and cope with crises. Throughout the book, well-known examples and case studies are addressed to gain a full understanding of crises.
Computer Vision – ECCV 2024: 18th European Conference, Milan, Italy, September 29–October 4, 2024, Proceedings, Part XXV (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #15083)
by Aleš Leonardis Elisa Ricci Stefan Roth Olga Russakovsky Torsten Sattler Gül VarolThe multi-volume set of LNCS books with volume numbers 15059 up to 15147 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 18th European Conference on Computer Vision, ECCV 2024, held in Milan, Italy, during September 29–October 4, 2024. The 2387 papers presented in these proceedings were carefully reviewed and selected from a total of 8585 submissions. They deal with topics such as computer vision; machine learning; deep neural networks; reinforcement learning; object recognition; image classification; image processing; object detection; semantic segmentation; human pose estimation; 3d reconstruction; stereo vision; computational photography; neural networks; image coding; image reconstruction; object recognition; motion estimation.
Feminist Foreign Policy Analysis: A New Subfield
by Fiona Robinson Ekatherina Zhukova Daniela Philipson Garcia Victoria Scheyer Karen E. Smith Klaus Brummer Columba Achilleos-Sarll Jennifer Thomson Khushi Singh Rathore Annika Bergman Rosamond Katherine A.M. Wright Elsa Hedling Roberta Guerrina Rebecca Tiessen Katarzyna Jezierska Ann Towns Farkhondeh Akbari Claire Duncanson Carol CohnHow can feminist scholarship advance the field of foreign policy analysis to better understand contemporary foreign policy actions and challenges? This groundbreaking book provides the state-of-the-art in the study of gender, feminisms and foreign policy. Bringing together contributors from around the world, chapters offer new analyses of foreign policy topics, including diplomacy, trade, defence, environment, peacebuilding, disinformation and development assistance. The book advances new theories, concepts and empirical knowledge for the emerging field of feminist foreign policy analysis. The book stands as a vital resource for scholars, students and practitioners seeking to understand and respond to the multifaceted gendered dynamics of global politics.
Science Societies: Resources for Life in a Technoscientific World
by Sarah R. DaviesWhat role do science and technology play in society? What is the nature of expert knowledge? What is science’s relation to democracy? This introduction to science, technology, and society answers these questions, and more, by exploring contemporary research on topics such as expertise, activism, science policy, and innovation. It offers a comprehensive resource for considering the place that science and technology have in contemporary societies, and the roles that they can and should play. Accessible to a non-specialist audience, it draws on a rich range of cases and examples, from nuclear activism in India to content moderation in Kenya. Framing science as always social, and society as always shaped by science and technology, it asks: what worlds do we want science and technology to bring into being?
What Is Counterterrorism For? (What Is It For?)
by Leonie JacksonTerrorism will always be frontpage news – counterterrorism is often discussed as an afterthought, yet it is vitally important to understand what is done in the name of our safety. Since 9/11, there has been a huge ramping up of the state’s special powers in the name of security, such as indefinite detention, the assassination of suspected terrorists, the use of extraordinary rendition, torture, and changes to due process. However, these powers are often shadowy, they are rarely rolled back, and they can be counterproductive. This book focuses on understanding the costs of counterterrorism and asking how they can be reduced; global in scope, it looks not just at Western liberal democracies, but at numerous examples from across the world.
Ricardo’s Dream: How Economists Forgot the Real World and Led Us Astray
by Nat DyerFrom the workings of financial markets to our response to the ecological crisis, economic theory shapes the world. But where do these ideas come from? Ricardo’s Dream tells the fascinating story of David Ricardo, Adam Smith’s only real rival as the ‘founder of economics’. The wealthiest stock trader of his day, Ricardo introduced the study of abstract models to economics. He also developed the theory of trade that underpinned globalization and hides, behind its mathematical facade, a history of power, empire, and slavery. Brimming with fresh ideas and stories, Ricardo’s Dream shows how too many economists, from Ricardo’s day to our own, have turned away from observing the real world and led us astray.
What Are Zoos For? (What Is It For?)
by Heather Browning Walter VeitAre zoos an anachronism in the 21st century when we can watch animals in their natural habitat, close-up from our couches without worrying about cruelty? Should they go the way of other bygone era ‘spectacles’ and ‘attractions’ that we now regard as barbaric? There are vocal campaigners and activists who believe so. Heather Browning and Walter Veit disagree, but they acknowledge there is a case to be answered. In What are Zoos for? they test the common justifications for zoos (entertainment, education, research, conservation) against the evidence and suggest what the best zoos of the future should look like to ensure that they are primarily for animals and not just for people.
Vows of Revenge
by Julia JamesVows of Revenge is a Cinderella, opposites attract, Greek billionaire revenge romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Julia James. The Greek wants revenge… But at what cost? Shy archaeologist Kassia Andrakis is used to a quiet life in the shadows. Attracting the attention of billionaire Damos Kallinikos feels almost too good to be true! Stepping into his world is a heady experience, and the ever-growing hunger in his eyes gives Kassia a newfound confidence. Damos had one goal when he decided to seduce Kassia—to thwart her ruthless father, a longtime business rival. But realizing his callously feigned attraction has led to a dangerously real connection, Damos must decide what&’s most important: payback or passion…From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Neurosurgeon's IVF Mix-Up Miracle (Christmas North and South #4)
by Annie ClaydonWhen a neurosurgeon&’s anonymous IVF donor turns out to be her colleague, the two expecting parents find themselves forging an unexpected connection in this final installment of the Christmas North and South miniseries. THE SHOCK OF THE SEASON! Widowed neurosurgeon Poppy always longed to be a mother. Now, thanks to IVF, she&’s a Christmas due date away from welcoming her tiny miracle. The only problem: a fertility clinic mix-up reveals Poppy&’s &“anonymous&” donor is actually Dylan, fellow neurosurgeon—and notorious playboy! Dylan&’s determined to be involved with his baby. Having an absent father has given him a terrifying urge to be a good dad. Being in a romantic relationship, however, is completely off-limits. Until an unexpected and intoxicating connection with Poppy flares to life…From Harlequin Medical: Life and love in the world of modern medicine. Christmas North and South Book 1: Festive Fling with the Surgeon by Karin BaineBook 2: A Mistletoe Marriage Reunion by Louisa HeatonBook 3: Melting Dr. Grumpy's Frozen Heart by Scarlet WilsonBook 4: Neurosurgeon's IVF Mix-Up Miracle by Annie Claydon
Resisting the Bossy Billionaire
by Michelle SmartA forced proximity, annoyance-to-lovers, billionaire boss, there was only one bed… romance by Michelle Smart. Snowed in with her boss… and their forbidden desire! Executive assistant Victoria Cusack is done with demanding billionaire Marcello Guardiola. After a predawn summons to his Manhattan apartment, she quits—only to get trapped by a snowstorm! But stranded with the man who&’s no longer her boss, it&’s easy to forget he was once off-limits… Marcello has always prioritized his career—especially since a devastating loss—and he demands the same of Victoria. Unaccustomed to hearing "no," he vows to charm her back to work. But their scorching chemistry leads to a very different kind of snowbound seduction…From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.