Books published by Kensington Publishing

Bridgerton fans and readers of Grace Burrowes, Sophie Jordan, and Alexa Aston won’t want to miss this clever and exciting new love story from the acclaimed author of Notorious.“This daring, emotional page-turner is a delight.”— Publishers WeeklyWhen Eva de Courtney kidnaps Godric Fleming, her only plan is to stop the irritating earl from persecuting her beloved brother. But once she has the intriguing rogue in the confines of her carriage, she longs to taste the passion she senses simmering beneath his rugged exterior. Her forbidden plan is foiled, however, when Godric turns the tables, taking her hostage instead—and demanding they marry at once…   The last thing Godric wants to do is make the fiery, impulsive Eva his wife, despite her delectable mouth and alluring innocence. He knows from experience that nothing is forever, not even love. But honor demands he do right by the lady, no matter how stubbornly Eva tries to hold on to her independence. And while the road to the Scottish border is beset with danger, Godric’s greatest challenge is to keep his hands—and his heart—from his captivating bride-to-be… “Spencer is once again perfectly on point with her fetching brand of historical romance… a plot rich in action and danger and spiced with just the right amount of tart wit.” —Booklist “A fun and adventurous enemies-to-lovers romance.” —One Book More “If you enjoy reading historical romance with some action…This is the book for you.” —Smitten by Books, Top Pick

Joanne Fluke Invites You To Celebrate The Holidays With Hannah Swensen And All The Wonderful Folks Of Lake Eden, At The Annual Cookie Exchange. . . All-New Recipes Included!It''s a picture postcard December in Minnesota, and Main Street is brimming with festive holiday decorations. Best of all, it''s time for the annual Holiday Cookie Exchange at the Community Center—catered by none other than The Cookie Jar! Gathered together for the delicious event, the Swensen clan and their friends share their favorite juicy tales of Lake Eden—and their favorite scrumptious cookie and luncheon recipes, including: Candy Cane Cookies Heavenly Eggnog Cookies Little Snowballs Merry Berry Cookies Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies Regency Ginger Snaps Norwegian Pizza Razzle Dazzle Champagne Cocktails. . . plus all the recipes from Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder to Carrot Cake Murder. Now you can bring the irresistible flavors of The Cookie Jar into your very own kitchen! "Joanne Fluke is the doyenne of deadly desserts with her deliciously popular Hannah Swensen series." —Publishers Weekly

Bridgerton fans and readers of Scarlett Scott, Darcy Burke, and K.J. Jackson won't want to miss this smart and stirring new holiday love story from the acclaimed author of Outrageous. "Riveting, sensual, and intelligent . . . romance readers need this splendid book!" -USA Today bestselling author Vanessa Kelly A mean girl reformed . . . Once the reigning beauty of her social set, Celia-whom the newspapers dubbed Lady Infamous-has fallen on hard times and is practically destitute, her reputation in shreds. When Celia is forced to attend a society wedding as a companion to an elderly guest, she must confront the clique she once commanded; the gentleman she'd once hoped to marry-who is now wed to a girl Celia relentlessly taunted; and the powerful man who ruined her life a decade before-and is threatening to do so again. . . .A hero transformed . . . Then there is Richard, the studious boy Celia used to ridicule, who is now gorgeous, wealthy, and more-than-a-little famous. As a youth, Richard was infatuated with Celia. He still seems intrigued, but Celia has acquired a shocking secret along with her hard-won humility. Will it put an end to the love blossoming between them? Does she have the courage to find out? "Readers will be delighted."-Publishers Weekly

Critically acclaimed author Minerva Spencer brings a rebellious spirit to the Regency with a vibrant new series focused on how the youth of that era subvert the social expectations and mores of the day in order to carve their own paths in life. Full of witty humor, Minerva Spencer weaves a tale of a forthright and unapologetically opinionated lady and the effortlessly charming rogue who find themselves thrown together by a fluke of circumstance and into a marriage of necessity. Can the wallflower and the rake find common ground in their distaste for convention and forge a lasting union?The cure for a willful wife... Drusilla Clare is full of opinions about why a woman shouldn't marry. But that doesn't stop the rush of desire she feels each time her best friend's brother, notorious rake Gabriel Marlington, crosses her path. So imagine her dismay when she finds herself in the clutches of a scoundrel, only to be rescued by Gabriel himself. And when Gabriel's heartless--and heart-pounding--proposal comes, it's enough to make Dru's formidable resolve crumble... ...is a smitten husband. She's sharp-tongued, exasperating--and due to one careless moment--about to become his wife. Still, something about Drusilla has Gabriel intrigued. First there's the delicious flush of her skin every time she delivers a barb--and then the surprisingly sensual feel of her in his arms. Gabriel even finds himself challenged by her unusual philosophies. And when he discovers a clandestine rival for Dru's affection, his temperature flares even hotter. But the real threat to their happiness is one neither of the newlyweds sees coming. If they're to save their future--and their very lives--they'll need to trust in each other and their growing love.

For more than twenty years, the internationally bestselling team behind Where Did I Come From? has helped millions of parents and children talk about the facts of life in a straightforward yet lighthearted way that is respectful of young people's natural intelligence. Warmly and relatably illustrated throughout, What's Happening to Me? creates a safe space where families can talk about the physical and emotional changes that happen during puberty and adolescence, answering the questions that kids ask most often. Why is my chest getting bumpy? What's a wet dream? What's a period? Why is my voice acting so funny? Why do I get pimples? What's an erection? Why am I getting hairy? Why is mine not like his? This book answers the big questions, and explains the big changes. One look at the illustrations will tell you that this is not a dull medical textbook but rather it presents the facts of puberty, and it presents them with honesty, sympathy and a sense of humor. If you've been wondering how to have this talk with your children, look no further for a trusted resource that will give you the tools you need to share this critical information sensitively and factually. "You can't deny Mayle's talent for translating adult experience into child-level concepts." -Kirkus Reviews

From the legendary, bestselling authors of Forever Texas comes a thrilling, action-packed novel that proves old cowboys not only get wiser with age – they get bolder and tougher too…After thirty hard years of chasing stampedes into storms and pushing herds of half-crazy cows across the plains, longtime buddies and cattle drivers Casey Tubbs and Eli Doolin are ready to hang up their spurs. But when they get to Abilene with their final delivery of two thousand cows, the company lawyer has skipped town with their crew’s entire wages. That means there’s just one last job Eli and Casey will have to do…Steal it back.Sure, pulling off a robbery is a new challenge for these old boys. But they’ve learned a lot of tricks over the years —and they’re one hell of a team. Between the two of them, they devise a scheme to hold up the lawyer on the noon train and deliver the money to the men who earned it.Except after pulling off the perfect crime—and getting away with it—an honest, peaceful retirement stops sounding so good. Casey and Eli start thinking they may have missed their calling in life. This could be the start of a whole new career . . . as outlaws.JOHNSTONE COUNTRY.  WHERE CRIME DOESN’T PAY . . . UNTIL IT DOES. “Superb from start to finish. An instant classic." —New York Times Bestselling Author Marc Cameron on Forever Texas

A charming, relatable small-town setting and a cast of complex characters sets Alex Erickson’s Bookstore Café Mystery series apart from the cozy pack—and this time the stakes are higher than ever, as bookstore owner Krissy Hancock becomes the target of escalating attacks. Smart and masterfully plotted, will appeal to fans of Leslie Meier, Cleo Coyle, and Carolyn Hart.Since Krissy Hancock opened her bookstore-café in the charming small town of Pine Hills, Ohio, she’s discovered that murders don’t just happen between the pages. This time, she’s both suspect and target…In a small town like Pine Hills, reputation counts for a lot. And for reasons that Krissy Hancock can’t figure out, someone is trashing hers. Cockroaches in the bookstore’s coffee, spiteful reviews, vandalism—Krissy is being framed for every bit of bad news around. Her boyfriend, local cop Paul Dalton, is on the case, but before they can source the saboteur, Krissy is in the frame for murder, too.The murder weapon was a teapot full of Krissy’s favorite spiced chai, and all the local gossips are spilling the tea about her supposed involvement. But the real culprit has a grudge that’s been simmering for years. And unless Krissy can uncover the truth before the killer’s rage boils over again, it won’t just be her business in hot water—her life will be on the line too . . .

Fans of Lisa Regan and Mary Burton will be riveted by the latest in the award-winning author’s dark  thriller series. Laden with Gothic atmosphere and brilliantly plotted twists and turns, Halcyon Hall, a former insane asylum-turned-luxury resort on a remote island off the coast of Maine, becomes the setting for a rash of grisly crimes… “Grips you from the beginning and refuses to let you go until the very end.” —Elle James, New York Times bestselling authorDrawn to the former Bainesworth Manor in the wake of a murder, reporter Edie Stone wants answers. It’s been over forty years since the psychiatric hospital on Bane Island shut down, and the mystery of women vanishing there remains unsolved. But the exclusive retreat isn’t just protected by the dark pine forests and crashing waves of Maine’s rocky coast—it’s surrounded with silence.  Everyone on the island is keeping secrets.Especially Dr. Elijah Cooke, grandson of the man who headed Bainesworth Manor and the psychiatrist-proprietor of a new wellness resort on the same premises. His desire to help people seems at war with his fierce loyalty to his family. He’s sure the world is out to get him. And as the accidents and coincidences pile up, Edie becomes convinced someone is trying to kill them both. But if she’s close enough to be a threat, she must be close to the truth . . .PRAISE FOR LISA CHILDS “Atmospheric, emotional, and well-told.” —New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde on The Runaway “Grabs you from page one . . . Lisa Childs paints an eerie, haunting suspense that will keep you riveted until the very last page!” —Rita Herron, USA Today bestselling author on The Runaway “Page-turning…Bane Island may be a dangerous place, but readers will look forward to coming back.” —Publishers Weekly on The Hunted

When President Theodore Roosevelt comes to Deadwood, the Greatest Western Writers of the 21st Century unite three of their most legendary heroes – Hunter Buchanon, Frank “The Last Gunfighter” Morgan, and his son, Conrad “The Loner” Morgan – from three of their most popular series for one monumental new series spin-off!JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. WHERE MEN LIVE BY THEIR WITS—OR DIE BY THEIR  IGNORANCE.The President has come to Deadwood—and his enemies have come out of the woodwork—in an action-packed tale of vengeance and justice from national bestselling authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone.A HAIL OF BULLETS TO THE CHIEFDeadwood, South Dakota. Miners flock there seeking fortunes, while cardsharps, bandits, and businessmen seek to deprive those who strike gold by means fair and foul. Legendary former lawman Seth Bullock plans to keep the peace by any means necessary—especially when his good friend, President Theodore Roosevelt, is expected in town to celebrate the anniversary of Deadwood’s founding.Delayed in Washington, the President has sent his wife and children to the boomtown ahead of his arrival. But Ambrose Neill, a former New York City policeman jailed by Roosevelt for corruption, has kidnapped the President’s daughter. Backed by a gang of trigger-happy outlaws and supported by a ruthless senator, Neill plans to politically control the Commander-in-Chief before slaughtering him.But what Neill and his cohorts don’t realize is that Roosevelt has gathered a deadly posse of rough riders including Bullock—and the legendary father-son gunfighters Frank and Conrad Morgan—who are more likely to bring the gang to justice dead than alive . . .Live Free. Read Hard.

The bestselling Johnstones serve up the third breakneck shoot-em-up featuring Ben Savage, a former Texas Ranger-turned bar owner in the rough and tough town of Buzzard’s Bluff….Running a small town saloon is no easy task, even for a former Texas Ranger like Ben Savage. A lot of men get mean after a few shots of hooch. Some get violent. Others get revenge—bloody, bloody revenge. SLAUGHTERDAY NIGHT There’s a new stranger in town, and he goes by the name of Lucas Blaine. Some folks say he’s the fastest gun in the West. But Ben Savage don’t put much stock in what folks say—until the killing starts. So far, Blaine has his sights set on just one target: a pretty widow who’s staying with the wife of a Baptist preacher. No one knows what the connection is between the two, but the local sheriff isn’t taking any chances. In the past, he’s relied on Ben Savage to help keep Wolf Creek from becoming target practice for gunslingers. But this time, a woman is involved. And the gunslinger’s about to turn Wolf Creek into a slaughterhouse… JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. ALL SHOTS ON THE HOUSE. 

Melanie Travis and her pedigree poodles are back on the case in an adorably giftable, Valentine’s Day-themed hardcover by award-winning author Laurien Berenson! Melanie Travis is taking a much-needed break from the dog show circuit for a romantic Valentine’s trip with her husband Sam, but when someone at their cozy Berkshires inn has an unexpected date with death, Melanie must slip into something sleuthier for the weekend . . .Melanie is delighted at the prospect of three uninterrupted days alone with Sam (and, of course, her prize-winning Standard Poodle, Faith). They’re booked at the White Birch Inn, a picturesque New England resort nestled at the foot of a snow-covered mountain. The inn has a full slate of couples activities planned for the busy Valentine's weekend—date nights, sleigh rides, tobogganing, ice skating, and pop-up shops in the inn's ballroom —from the bubbly to the bubble bath, the resort is a perfect match for Melanie and Sam’s vacation. But the first night of festivities feature an event that isn’t on the program: murder. The sheriff quickly launches an investigation, but at the inn keeper’s urging—and because she suddenly finds herself a person of interest in the case—Melanie tries to sneak a little detective work into her romantic getaway. But with the resort nearly sold out for the holiday weekend, there's no shortage of suspects, and Melanie’s secret sleuthing is already attracting the wrong kind of attention. Her Valentine’s trip is heating up faster than the chocolate fondue . . . just not in the way Melanie hoped. But if she doesn’t catch the cold-hearted killer soon, another innocent victim will get the kiss of death . . .

Sherry Harris gives readers a new adventure to dive into with the latest installment of her Florida-set mystery series, as local bartender Chloe Jackson’s search for treasure shores up the dead body of a contestant in the upcoming Panhandle Barback Games...The Florida Panhandle Barback Games are coming up and Chloe’s been drafted to represent the Sea Glass Saloon—competing in various obstacle-course events that conclude with rolling an empty keg up a hill. The rivalries are so fierce that some of the participating bars even stoop to bringing in ringers. Meanwhile, Chloe’s friend Ann—a descendant of the famed pirate Jean Lafitte—asks her to come along for a boat ride as Ann dives into the Gulf of Mexico. She’s found some old papers that may identify the location of sunken treasure. Instead, she finds a sunken body—of one of the ringers hired for the Barback Games.  Now that murder is in the mix, Chloe has to figure out whether one of the competitors went overboard . . .

Now a NAACP-nominated Limited Series on BET! Hidden away near the end of Long Island, New York, is a community where affluent African Americans, their friends, and the wannabes have secretly vacationed for more than 75 years. Unlike the bluffs of Martha’s Vineyard, black folks here own five miles of prime beachfront. With a mix of legacy families, new money, hangers-on, and thirsty developers, drama can never be far behind in a place called . . . the BLACK HAMPTONS.The Brittons are the owners of Amistad Bank, the nation’s largest minority-owned bank. They consider themselves the “First Family” of the Black Hamptons and have owned their estate home for three generations. Their matriarch, Carolyn Britton, and her two sons, Malcolm and Martin, are not to be played with. They truly embody the Black Hamptons’ old guard and will do whatever they feel is necessary to maintain their place at the top.The Johnsons are relatively new to the Black Hamptons, having summered there only five years. Sometimes they still feel like outsiders, but that might be because Anthony Johnson is viewed as competition by the Brittons. He’s the handsome CEO of Sydney Tech, a company he built from the ground up. Many people consider him the most powerful man in the Black Hamptons, but don’t say that around the Britton boys.

Big girls deserve love too, and Brandie Davis and Niko Michelle introduce readers to two women who are determined to get it.Cam Girl by Brandie Davis: Lots of women weighing 300 pounds would have a problem with their size and wish for a smaller frame, but not Draya Phillips. She's content with her weight and has no issues with her outside appearance. It's the inside she's at war with. Her mind is her biggest enemy and emotions her personal bully. Draya's only place of refuge, where her depression is silenced, lies in the world of camming, where virtual viewers cheer on and instruct her sexual activities. This is her life: artist by day and cam girl by night, until her heart betrays her and seeks interest in a man it won't let go of. Draya's inner self is finally evolving and learning life is not all black shadows. Now that she's learned this lesson, can her new lover accept everything she comes with, camming and all? Red Flags by Niko Michelle: We all have a little love-induced crazy in us. So, it's no surprise Redarra Michaels' crazy is exposed when she catches the love of her life, popular college football standout Taylor Lawrence, in a prone position off the field. Redarra was warned-fluffy girls like her could never get and keep a guy like Taylor. All the flags were there, but big girls deserve love too, so she thought those flags couldn't have been waving at her. Well, they were, which causes Redarra to lose touch with reality temporarily. Now free, Redarra has dropped a few pounds and a few letters in her name. Red is curvy, dangerous, and on a mission for revenge. It's not her fault everyone overlooked her red flags.

This thrilling, plot-twisting tale will change your views on storytelling forever.As a painter travels the world, he also mourns the death of his queen, his wife. He is secluded from the world and finds an escape through his art. Not until he gets an unexpected knock at his door does his life take a drastic turn. The guest presents a problem that traps the painter inside the home, and his quiet suburban estate becomes the devil's playground. The painter is then thrown into a psychological game that has twists and turns that lead to an unforeseeable ending.

Double cross series information from www.fantasticfiction.com.

From the notorious Lizzie Borden to the innumerable, haunted rooms of Sarah Winchester's mysterious mansion, this offbeat, insightful, first-ever book of its kind explores the history behind America's female ghosts, the stereotypes, myths, and paranormal tales that swirl around them, what their stories reveal about us-and why they haunt us…Sorrowful widows, vengeful jezebels, innocent maidens, wronged lovers, former slaves, even the occasional axe-murderess-America's female ghosts differ widely in background, class, and circumstance. Yet one thing unites them: their ability to instill fascination and fear, long after their deaths. Here are the full stories behind some of the best-known among them, as well as the lesser-known-though no less powerful. Tales whispered in darkness often divulge more about the teller than the subject. America's most famous female ghosts, from from 'Mrs. Spencer' who haunted Joan Rivers' New York apartment to Bridget Bishop, the first person executed during the Salem witchcraft trials, mirror each era's fears and prejudices. Yet through urban legends and campfire stories, even ghosts like the nameless hard-working women lost in the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire -achieve a measure of power and agency in death, in ways unavailable to them as living women. Riveting for skeptics and believers alike, with humor, curiosity, and expertise, A Haunted History of Invisible Women offers a unique lens on the significant role these ghostly legends play both within the spook-seeking corners of our minds and in the consciousness of a nation. "A Haunted History of Invisible Women looks beyond the legends of maligned female ghosts and gives us their real histories. It is both a meditation on the misogyny of a ghost-hunting culture that capitalizes on false narratives of sex and death, and a fascinating look at the flesh-and-blood women behind the ghost stories. This book is a long-overdue search for historic truth, yet it recognizes that "When it comes to ghosts, truth is as elusive as the spirits themselves." -Chris Woodyard, Author of The Victorian Book of the Dead.Afterword by Bram Stoker Award-winning author Linda D. Addison