Dive into the gripping world of "The Scarred Protector," a masterful blend of dark romance and suspenseful mafia drama that will captivate readers from the first page to the last. Set against the backdrop of the Texas underworld, this novel explores the life of Giulio Santoro, a man marked by the brutality of his past, who emerges as the ruthless adviser to the mafia. His story intertwines with that of Allegra Wright, a young woman with a voice as captivating as her mysterious heritage, unknown even to herself. Giulio, scarred both physically and emotionally, has lived his life in the shadows, dedicating himself to protecting those he loves at all costs. His dark past, defined by sacrifice and pain, has prepared him for any challenge—except perhaps, the challenge of falling for someone whose existence he could never have predicted. Allegra, with her innocence and determination, breaks through his defenses, bringing light to his shadowed world. But her connection to the very man Giulio despises threatens to tear apart not just their budding romance, but the very fabric of their lives. As their worlds collide, "The Scarred Protector" weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. Giulio must confront his deepest fears and darkest enemies to protect Allegra and her child, forcing him to decide whether his love is strong enough to transcend the sins of the past. This novel is a must-read for fans of mafia romance and those who love stories of deep emotional journey, suspense, and the power of love to heal the deepest of wounds. With its richly developed characters, atmospheric setting, and thrilling plot, "The Scarred Protector" promises to be an unforgettable addition to your bookshelf. Experience the intensity, the passion, and the redemption of Giulio and Allegra's story in "The Scarred Protector." Discover why readers are unable to put down this tale of dark pasts, dangerous liaisons, and the undeniable power of love. Your next favorite mafia romance awaits.

Dive into "Bound by Hate," a gripping tale of power, passion, and peril at the heart of a forced marriage within the shadowy realms of the mafia. This electrifying narrative weaves the lives of Zaccaria Hayes, a tech magnate with dangerous mafia associations, and Tatiana Santoro, the rebellious spirit bound to him by an unbreakable debt. Zaccaria Hayes is no ordinary businessman. With his vast technology empire, he commands the secrets of the world's most fearsome criminal organizations, making him a revered and feared figure in the underworld. But beneath the surface of his controlled exterior lies a volatile force, a lone knight whose every move is watched. Enter Tatiana Santoro, the spirited younger sister of the Texas mafia boss, destined to be the perfect wife yet raised far from the criminal world in the seclusion of a convent. Her fiery spirit untamed, Tatiana's life takes a dramatic turn when she's saved by Zaccaria, leading to an alliance sealed by marriage—a marriage neither of them wanted. "Bound by Hate" explores the thin line between love and hate as Tatiana and Zaccaria navigate their new life together. Their tumultuous relationship is marked by a magnetic pull, drawing them closer even as they push each other away. But as past demons emerge and new threats loom, they find themselves fighting not just for their marriage, but for their lives. In a world where loyalty is everything and betrayal is met with swift retribution, "Bound by Hate" is a thrilling journey through the darkest corridors of power and the undeniable force of love. Perfect for fans of mafia romance and stories of unlikely alliances, this novel will captivate you from the first page to the last. Will the bonds of hate shatter under the weight of their secrets, or will their forced union become their greatest weapon? Discover the explosive blend of danger and desire in "Bound by Hate."

The last thing Ben Shepherd wanted was another war. But sometimes the universe won’t take no for an answer. His body and spirit mangled by a lifetime of combat, Shepherd, a retired Navy SEAL, has retreated to the desolate desert of New Mexico to heal his wounds and dodge his demons. All he wants now is peace and quiet. Both are shattered one starry night, when an alien ship crashes nearby. Out of the ship crawls the last, dying member of a conquered civilization. It’s been shot down by an extraterrestrial enemy, the vanguard of a ravenous force hunting for a new homeland. With its last gasp, the wounded alien injects Shepherd with a high-tech serum that gives him near superhuman powers. Now, with a new body but a soul as fractured as ever, Shepherd becomes the reluctant leader of the human resistance against the coming invasion. With enemies on all sides, the man who couldn’t bear the guilt of seeing one more friend die in battle now finds himself charged with protecting the entire planet.

With his military dog in tow, ex-soldier Grady Fletcher plans to keep his troubled mind occupied while staying on his grandfather’s property—until it’s time to move on again. Single mom Gina Williams is usually wary around men. Yet she gets the distinct feeling that beneath Grady’s rugged, guarded exterior lies a kind, honest, trustworthy man. So when Gina’s little boy goes missing there is only one person she’ll turn to for help—a man whose survival instinct is as strong as his heart….

Capture and early days.

Cardiac Ischemia: From Injury to Protection has been divided into six parts. The first part describes the differences between hypoxia and ischemia, animal models, the effects of ischemia on myocardial function and metabolism, and the electrophysiological consequences of ischemia. The second part deals with the mechanisms of cardiomyocyte death in ischemia, structural aspects of irreversible ischemic injury, necrosis and apoptosis of cardiac cells, the role of calcium, and the concept of calcium antagonism. The third chapter is a brief description of reperfusion injury, its clinical relevance, and possible prevention. The fourth part summarizes changes in myocardial vasculature during ischemia and reperfusion. The fifth part is the survey of two main possibilities for increasing cardiac resistance to ischemia and hypoxia, i.e. long-lasting adaptation to chronic hypoxia and short-lasting preconditioning. The last part of the book deals with comparative and ontogenetic aspects of cardiac sensitivity to oxygen deprivation; this chapter also summarizes the ontogenetic differences and limitations in endogenous and exogenous protection of the ischemic/hypoxic heart.