This is a highly anticipated examination of the popular film and fiction consumed by Britons in the 1920s and 1930s. Departing from a prevailing emphasis on popular culture as escapist, Christine Grandy offers a fresh perspective by noting the enduring importance of class and gender divisions in the narratives read and watched by the working and middle classes between the wars. This compelling study ties contemporary concerns about ex-soldiers, profiteers, and working and voting women to the heroes, villains and love-interests that dominated a range of films and novels. Heroes and happy endings further considers the state’s role in shaping the content of popular narratives through censorship. An important and highly readable work for scholars and students interested in cultural and social history, as well as media and film studies, this book is sure to shift our understanding of the role of mass culture in the 1920s and 1930s.

Using the lens of popular culture, Heroes explores the ways that our perceptions of heroism and villainy affect the way people behave in heroic and villainous ways. Allison and Goethals use psychology to explore how these important concepts shape our lives and our world.

Three brothers and a sister find themselves on the adventure to romance and happily-ever-after in this bestselling series of contemporary romances and romantic comedies by Deborah Cooke. When Philippa's high school crush turns up on her doorstep, she knows better than to trust the bad boy who broke her heart. Nick proves that he's determined to fix his past mistakes in Third Time Lucky. Does Philippa dare to give him another chance? In Double Trouble, self-reliant Maralys breaks her own rules to help out her twin sister's husband and kids when her sister walks out forever. If it's because she has a soft spot for James—or unfinished business with him—she's not going to admit it. But James is better at understanding Maralys than she realizes, and he soon realizes that their second chance at love is their best shot at happiness. In One More Time, Matt walks out of his marriage to Leslie, his mother-in-law unexpectedly moves in while he visits an old girlfriend, their teenage daughter shows even more attitude and a pair of resident poodles add mayhem to Leslie's quest for the magic that once made their marriage work. Can they find the balance again? In All or Nothing, bad boy Zach meets a cute waitress who isn't easily charmed and (even) turns him down. A cancer survivor, Jen knows better than to get involved with guys who will only disappear when it matters. When her mother decides to play matchmaker, though, Jen decides that Zach would make a great fake date, only to discover that he has a lot more to offer than she expects. The Coxwells Boxed Set includes all four contemporary romances and romantic comedies in Deborah Cooke's The Coxwells Series: Third Time Lucky, Double Trouble, One More Time and All or Nothing.

Some people will do anything for love—even if they have to fake it. Jen Maitland had no use for handsome guys with easy charm—until she met Zach. He's the perfect fake date to end her mother's matchmaking scheme before it starts. Besides, he'd probably just use her and leave her like her ex-fiancé did. At least that's what Jen tells herself. The only problem is that Zach isn't as predictable as he appears... Zach Coxwell hates commitment, but loves a challenge. Like the pretty bar waitress who turned him down flat for a date—only to invite him to her family's Thanksgiving dinner. Zach knows he can make Jen smile—and he's betting that he can unravel her mysteries—even if he has to do it over candied yams. A tofu turkey, a sister who threatens to have Zach's love-child, the untimely appearance of a knitted avocado—and Zach's discovery of her real motive—combine to turn Thanksgiving dinner into Jen's worst nightmare. Zach, on the other hand, has the time of his life. And when he makes Jen smile, he finally finds a commitment he's willing to make—but persuading Jen to believe him will take everything he's got...

Damon has a secret... Every Friday night, the F5F partner who is the quiet powerhouse leaves on the dot of five without explanation. Where does Damon go? What does he do? His partners want to know, but Damon can't bring himself to share the truth about his mom's battle with cancer. She's the anchor in his life and he doesn't know how he'll go on without her. In the middle of the night, when he's most alone, he wants to control all the variables for someone, to prove he's not completely powerless. He doesn't expect to find such a willing, or seductive, volunteer... Haley loves solving mysteries... Especially ones like the gorgeous guy who visits her favorite patient every Friday night. He must be Natasha's son, but is he also the model on the billboard for that fitness club downtown? Where did he learn therapeutic massage? Even though she's a nurse, Haley's interest in him and his skill isn't just professional. She wants to feel those hands on her own skin, for as long as possible. One night, she takes a chance and asks for a lesson from him, only to discover that she has a hunger for the sensation only Damon can satisfy. This story was previously published under the title In the Midnight Hour. This edition has a new epilogue.

Theo knows what's possible... Because he's learned the hard way what's not. The internationally successful supermodel known as Angel stole his heart forever when she was just Lyssa Monroe. There's never been another woman who could compete—he even loved Lyssa enough to let her walk away when she said it was over. When they meet again, he's determined to make one glimpse of her sustain him for another decade. When Lyssa offers him one night together, Theo can't say no—even though he knows a taste will only tempt him to hope for more all over again. Lyssa has tasted forbidden fruit... And she can't forget it, no matter how hard she tries. Theo's love is a touchstone for all that is pure and good in the chaos her life has become. When she sees him again, everything is simple for once and only one choice is possible. The secret she keeps from Theo could destroy any chance of a future together, but surely she can keep it hidden for just one more night. Or maybe two. How much will she sacrifice to defend her son—and how far will Theo go to convince her give them a second chance? This book was previously published under the title Bad Case of Loving You.

Kyle wants it all... Kyle Stuyvesant doesn't believe in love and romance. His parents taught him there's no such thing as forever, and he took the lesson to heart. After all, there's only one woman who ever tempted him to want more than one hot night together. Fortunately for his convictions, she's married to another guy. Problem solved—until Lauren's husband cheats and Kyle isn't just the bearer of bad news, but the man she calls for comfort... Lauren demands his all... After Lauren's marriage implodes, she wants to lose herself in pleasure. Who knows that territory better than Kyle, who once seduced her completely? Lauren never forgot that wonderful night and, now that she's suddenly single, Kyle's rule of no love or romance has a new appeal. All she wants is satisfaction, but when Kyle realizes he needs more, will he be able to convince Lauren to take a chance on forever again, this time with him? An earlier version of this story was published under the title, Addicted to Love.