In this “inventive and affecting” historical young adult novel, a black girl and a white boy are pawns in a magical game between Love and Death (Publishers Weekly). Flora and Henry were born a few blocks from each other, innocent of the forces that might keep a white boy and an African American girl apart; years later they meet again and their mutual love of music sparks an even more powerful connection. But what Flora and Henry don’t know is that they are pawns in a game played by the eternal adversaries Love and Death, here brilliantly reimagined as two extremely sympathetic and fascinating characters. Can their hearts and their wills overcome not only their earthly circumstances, but forces that have battled throughout history? In the rainy Seattle of the 1920’s, romance blooms among the jazz clubs, the mansions of the wealthy, and the shanty towns of the poor. But what is more powerful: love? Or death? “Race, class, fate and choice—they join Love and Death to play their parts in Brockenbrough’s haunting and masterfully orchestrated narrative.” —Kirkus Reviews

When Miss Rose Wellesley’s father threatens an arranged marriage, she knows she'd better settle on a choice quickly or end up having no say in who she marries. Fortunately, she's garnered a rare invitation to Lady Dunlop's "Week of Love" house party, an annual affair notorious for matchmaking. Her plans to expedite a proposal would go smoothly if not for the brash younger sister she must chaperone, her outspoken, disagreeable best friend, and the bullish Lord Hartfell who seems determined to dog her every step. Lord Hartfell embodies every last thing Rose dislikes in a man. He’s domineering, tenacious, argumentative, and a little too casual with his nudity for her tastes. Worst of all, Rose can't seem to get him—or his kisses—out of her mind. Rose is determined to find a more appropriate husband, even if her heart disagrees with how unsuitable the stubborn lord is... Each book in the Ladies of Passion series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order. Series Order: Book #1 How to Play the Game of Love Book #2 How to Ruin Your Reputation in 10 Days

What does love have to do with gaming? As games have grown in complexity, they have increasingly included narratives that seek to engage players with love in a variety of ways. While media attention often focuses on violent emotions and behavior in gaming, love has always been central to the experience. We love to play games, we have titles that we love, and sometimes we love too much or love terrible games for their shortcomings. Love in gaming is rather like love in life--often complicated and frustrating but also exciting and gratifying. This collection of fresh essays explores the meaning and role of love in gaming, describing a number of ways--from coding to cosplay--in which love can be expressed in, for and around games. Investigating how gaming involves love is also key to understanding the growing importance of games and gamers as cultural markers.

“Moving, beautiful . . . If Hemingway had written a baseball novel, he might have written For Love of the Game.”—Los Angeles Times Billy Chapel is a baseball legend, after seventeen season a sure Hall of Famer. He is a man who has retained the endearing qualities of youth, a man who has devoted his life to the game he loves and plays so well. But, because of his unsurpassed skill and innocent faith, he has been betrayed. It's the final game of the season, and Billy's got one last chance to prove who he is and what he can do, a chance to prove what really matters in this life. A taut, compelling story of one man's coming of age, For Love of the Game is Michael Shaara's final novel, the classic finish to a brilliantly distinguished literary career. Praise for For Love of the Game “A delightful and lyrical story about a great athlete's momentous last game . . . A fairy tale for adults about love and loneliness and finally growing up.”—USA Today “An endearing, timeless novel that can be enjoyed by both serious readers and baseball lovers for generations to come.”—The Orlando Sentinel

Rediscover this classic tale of romance by New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham. The last thing Jade McClaine needs is more complications. So when former pro baseball star Jeff Martin slams into her car one morning, and then crashes into her life that afternoon—as the new coach for her son’s little league team—she’s beyond flustered. And the way Jeff looks at her doesn’t help. What the single mom does need is to make a sale on an amazing old Miami property. It’s the deal that could make or break her. And it just so happens that Jeff is looking for a new home… There’s just one problem: with all the time they’re spending together, she’s rapidly falling for someone who is bound to break her heart. Originally published in 1986. Look for Heather Graham’s next novel A PERFECT OBSESSION available soon from MIRA Books

Francesca Wyndham knew the folly of gambling. She had seen her father, Lord Wyndham, lose the family fortune, forcing her to become a plain chaperone to an empty-headed young Miss. But now Francesca was taking a gamble even her father would have blanched at. She was falling in love with the irresistible Arden Lyons, a gentleman who was clearly anything but a gentleman when it came to winning what he wanted, whether a hand of cards, a test of strength, or a lady’s favors. She knew nothing about this man except that she wanted him from the moment she saw him…and though his past was a dark mystery, his motives for choosing her over other seductive or wealthy young beauties were even more mysterious. Still, Francesca dared to pit her innocence against Arden’s expertise—in a game where passion took all….

Seven years ago, he only managed to steal a kiss. Now he’s determined to steal her heart. Being drafted by an NFL team was the only thing Myles Kingsley focused on through college. Determined to pursue his dream, he stayed away from serious relationships—until he met a girl who captured his heart with one single kiss, then ran away with it, leaving him with only the memory of that perfect night. Seven years later, amidst a scandal that threatens his thriving career, he returns home to the shock of his life, when he finds she is the new owner of the local pub. Nicole Goffman never wanted to get attached to anything or anyone, too afraid she would eventually end up empty-handed. She had goals to pursue and no intention of letting anyone change her mind or her plans, let alone a football jock who was as handsome as he was cocky. But when he kissed her and her resolve faltered, all she could do was run away to protect her heart. Until seven years later he walks into her pub, and suddenly that kiss is all she can think of. Although Nicole is planning to leave town after she finalizes the sale of the pub, Myles has no intention of letting her walk out of his life again. But between her trust issues and his career in the NFL, finding a way to win Nicole’s heart could be the toughest game Myles has ever played. A sweet romance for fans of heartwarming stories and small-town settings. Game of Love is a prequel to the Love in Spring series, but it can be read on its own.