“An intense look at the high-stakes world of a NYC paramedic in the months before and after COVID-19 altered our landscape.”—Damon Tweedy, MD, author of Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine The education of a New York City paramedic, whose tales of tragedy and transcendence over a single year culminate in the greatest challenge the city’s emergency medical system has ever faced: COVID-19. As a seasoned paramedic and union leader, Anthony Almojera thought he could handle anything his job threw at him. Like many medical first responders, he came from a troubled background and carried the traumas of the city as well as its triumphs. He had grown up in the rough-and-tumble Park Slope of the 1980s, been homeless for a time, and had watched murder, addiction, and hopelessness consume those closest to him. But he had dedicated his life to helping people in need, and while every day was filled with tragedy—stabbings, shootings, accidents, suicides—it also brought moments of uplift: births, resuscitations, and rescues that reminded Anthony and his coworkers why EMS was the most thrilling job on earth, even if the pay was lousy and the hours were long. So when a strange new virus began spreading in New York, Anthony and his fellow medics were ready. They had done the biohazard drills; they knew the procedures, and how to handle the sick and the bereaved. They believed that their lives and training had prepared them for this new challenge. But the months ahead would prove them wrong, and would push New York’s EMS workers, and Anthony himself, to the breaking point—and beyond. Following one paramedic into hell and back, Riding the Lightning tells the story of New York City’s darkest days through the eyes of its frontline medical workers and the community they serve: ordinary people who will continue to make New York an extraordinary place long after it has been reborn from the ashes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two heroines (one human and one alien) struggle to find happiness with the men of their dreams; Lightning Rider brings new meaning to the term “double-dating”! When Andie Brennan meets Jake Knight she thinks he could just be her soul mate. Only trouble is she’s already got a boyfriend–even if he is a manipulative control-freak–and Andie doesn’t do cheating. But before she can fully explore why the sound of Jake’s voice and his crooked smile make her feel happier than she’s been in years, death strikes in a searing instant, sizzling a few million neurons and arresting her heart. Andie wakes up in hospital. Her injuries are completely healed and her recovery is being touted as “miraculous”. But she can’t remember a damn thing about her past–not even her name–and there’s a voice inside her head claiming to be a Lightning Rider Elemental named Karylon. What’s truly miraculous is that voice is real. Andie is not insane; she’s hosting an alien. What neither Karylon nor Andie know is the future of the Lightning Rider elemental race is at stake, and the omniscient Keeper of Portents has no qualms about using elementals and humans to further its hidden agenda. How much will Karylon’s ex-lover Novik risk to be with her again? And who else is the Keeper willing to sacrifice? Paranormal romance with a sci-fi twist, 75,000 words Other books by Maree Anderson: ~The Seer Trilogy (Seer's Hope, Seer's Promise, Seer's Choice) ~The Crystal Warriors Series (The Crystal Warrior, Ruby's Dream, Jade's Choice, Opal's Wish) ~The Freaks series (Freaks of Greenfield High, Freaks in The City) ~Liminals series (Liminal)

In 'Slim Evans and His Horse Lightning' by Graham M. Dean, readers are taken on a thrilling adventure through the Old West, following the journey of cowboy Slim Evans and his beloved horse Lightning. The book is written in a vivid and descriptive style, immersing the reader in the dusty trails, rowdy saloons, and dangerous encounters of the Wild West era. Dean's attention to detail and authentic dialogue capture the essence of the time period, making the story come alive on the pages. This book would appeal to fans of western literature and those interested in vivid storytelling with a historical backdrop. With its fast-paced action and engaging characters, 'Slim Evans and His Horse Lightning' is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Maya Rose has a problem. She's the last in her line of dragon shifters, and if she doesn't produce an heir soon, it could be disastrous for her kingdom.In order to remedy this, her father, the king, has gathered the greatest heroes from across the lands, and set them on a quest to not only save the kingdom, but to win Maya's love.Should they succeed, they will become her husband and rule by her side. Should they fail to win her love, death is the only answer.But with so many dashing men willing to do anything to win her hand, how is a girl to choose?Then again, no one ever said she had to pick just one.After all, the fate of the realm is at stake, and maybe this time, more is merrier.

DIVAll Gib ever wanted was to be adopted, but life with a family isn’t quite what he thought it would be/divDIV Gib was sent to an orphanage when he was six years old, and with each year, he knows it becomes less likely that he will be adopted into a loving family. As kids get older, they are more likely to be adopted onto a farm, meaning a hard life of unpaid labor. And after seeing a friend come back battered and near death, Gib is understandably worried./divDIV /divDIVWhen his turn for adoption finally comes, Gib is surprised to learn that life on the farm isn’t too difficult. His new “parents,” the Thorntons, are kind to him, and his job in the stables is fun and interesting. It is as close to the home of his dreams as he could possibly imagine. And though Gib doesn’t remember much of his past before the orphanage, as time passes, Gib realizes that his new family may be more connected to his real family than he ever imagined. This smart, touching novel is based on the life of author Zilpha Keatley Snyder’s father and his experience as an orphan in the 1900s./divDIV /divDIVThis ebook features an extended biography of Zilpha Keatley Snyder./div

Sayat Nova is a mysterious prophet from a planet far away from Earth whose predictions foretold a deadly calamity for his people. Armed with foresight, he was able to plan a small escape for a number of his people. He facilitated their escape to Earth, thus bringing Earth to the heart of a galactic war. Why did Sayat Nova send his survivors to the edge of the galaxy? Will Earth survive?

What the smallest detail of dress reveals about gender, sexuality, race, politics, and aesthetics.