THE OFFICIAL STORY OF A MUSICAL ICON - TOLD IN FULL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS OWN WORDS'In what might be the most entertaining music memoir since Elton John's Me, Boy George's Karma weaves a meandering path through several decades' of fame, success, crash and burn, before delivering him into a kind of autumnal meditative serenity... This is George O'Dowd in all his exhausting glory.' Observer'I went to a lot of trouble to create Boy George and then I went through a whole battle for years about not wanting to be him. But now I enjoy and embrace it in a way that I wasn't able to as a young person.... I'm finally learning to be George Alan O'Dowd from Eltham.'Karma is the definitive autobiography from the incomparable Grammy, Brit and Ivor Novello award-winning lead singer of Culture Club and LGBTQ+ vanguard: Boy George. Told in his inimitable style, Karma tells the story of the charismatic frontman - the drama, the music, his journey of addiction and recovery, surviving prison, meeting legends like David Bowie, Prince and Madonna, and the highs and lows of a life lived in the spotlight and in the headlines.This is the explosive and searingly honest account of Boy George's life as a child growing up in sixties London, coming out to his Irish Catholic family and exploring his sexuality through the hedonism of the seventies - the glam rock and punk rock revolution that birthed Culture Club - and the heydays of the nineties, to finally embracing the man and artist that he is today. With all the humour, honesty, sarcasm (and hats!) that you'd expect, Karma gives us a unique insight into Boy George's incredible story and the true evolution of a music icon.'Culture Club is always going to be one of those lovers I go back to. I've railed against it and that Boy George character I created. For years I convinced myself I was a creature of habit, unchangeable, immovable. But eventually you have to look in the mirror. Not looking for spots, looking for something deeper. Why the hell am I here? I would say life is the point of life.' Read more

**AS SEEN ON BBC2's BETWEEN THE COVERS**A Guardian Book of the YearMaggie Nelson is one of the most electrifying writers at work in America today, among the sharpest and most supple thinkers of her generation - Olivia LaingBluets winds its way through depression, divinity, alcohol, and desire, visiting along the way with famous blue figures, including Joni Mitchell, Billie Holiday, Yves Klein, Leonard Cohen and Andy Warhol. While its narrator sets out to construct a sort of 'pillow book' about her lifelong obsession with the colour blue, she ends up facing down both the painful end of an affair and the grievous injury of a dear friend. The combination produces a raw, cerebral work devoted to the inextricability of pleasure and pain, and to the question of what role, if any, aesthetic beauty can play in times of great heartache or grief.Much like Roland Barthes's A Lover's Discourse, Bluets has passed between lovers in the ecstasy of new love, and been pressed into the hands of the heartbroken. Visceral, learned, and acutely lucid, Bluets is a slim feat of literary innovation and grace, never before published in the UK. Read more

New York Times Bestseller“Just because everything appears to be a mess doesn’t mean you have to be one. Mark Manson’s book is a call to arms for a better life and better world and could not be more needed right now.” — Ryan Holiday, bestselling author of The Obstacle is the Way and Ego is the EnemyFrom the author of the international mega-bestseller The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck comes a counterintuitive guide to the problems of hope. We live in an interesting time. Materially, everything is the best it’s ever been—we are freer, healthier and wealthier than any people in human history. Yet, somehow everything seems to be irreparably and horribly f*cked—the planet is warming, governments are failing, economies are collapsing, and everyone is perpetually offended on Twitter. At this moment in history, when we have access to technology, education and communication our ancestors couldn’t even dream of, so many of us come back to an overriding feeling of hopelessness.What’s going on? If anyone can put a name to our current malaise and help fix it, it’s Mark Manson. In 2016, Manson published The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck, a book that brilliantly gave shape to the ever-present, low-level hum of anxiety that permeates modern living. He showed us that technology had made it too easy to care about the wrong things, that our culture had convinced us that the world owed us something when it didn’t—and worst of all, that our modern and maddening urge to always find happiness only served to make us unhappier. Instead, the “subtle art” of that title turned out to be a bold challenge: to choose your struggle; to narrow and focus and find the pain you want to sustain. The result was a book that became an international phenomenon, selling millions of copies worldwide while becoming the #1 bestseller in 13 different countries.In Everthing Is F*cked, Manson turns his gaze from the inevitable flaws within each individual self to the endless calamities taking place in the world around us. Drawing from the pool of psychological research on these topics, as well as the timeless wisdom of philosophers such as Plato, Nietzsche, and Tom Waits, he dissects religion and politics and the uncomfortable ways they have come to resemble one another. He looks at our relationships with money, entertainment and the internet, and how too much of a good thing can psychologically eat us alive. He openly defies our definitions of faith, happiness, freedom—and even of hope itself.With his usual mix of erudition and where-the-f*ck-did-that-come-from humor, Manson takes us by the collar and challenges us to be more honest with ourselves and connected with the world in ways we probably haven’t considered before. It’s another counterintuitive romp through the pain in our hearts and the stress of our soul. One of the great modern writers has produced another book that will set the agenda for years to come. Read more

When Charlotte Lucas’s twin brother returns to Meryton after four years in the navy, he rivals even Mrs. Bennet as a meddling matchmaker. Captain Oliver Lucas introduces his two dearest friends, Elizabeth Bennet and Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy, and their discreet courtship begins on the very same night that Elizabeth discovers her childhood friend harbors a secret which will later alter the course of their lives.As Elizabeth’s romance blooms, Jane faces an ultimatum from her mother, and takes drastic measures to secure her engagement to Mr. Bingley. Jane’s collusion with Caroline Bingley estranges her from her sisters when she causes a calamitous chain reaction that jeopardizes the happiness of more than one of her sisters, and has even more disastrous results for the Darcy family.In the two years that Elizabeth and Captain Darcy are separated, their lives are consumed by tragedy and despair, though neither can let go of their memories of the love they once shared. Meanwhile, the Bingley marriage flounders when both Jane and Charles Bingley are haunted by the mistakes of their past, led afoul by a cruel and conniving Caroline.When Elizabeth & Captain Darcy are finally reunited, they must confront their painful history before they can begin anew together, and in doing so give hope to those they love. The long-suffering Bingleys attempt their own reconciliation with help from an older and wiser Lydia Bennet, as well as the charming and mischievous Colonel Fitzwilliam. A house party full of familiar faces and new characters alike sets the scene for romance, and amidst the revelry and reminiscing, more than one couple finds their happily ever after, proving that time does heal all wounds. Read more

Pattie Boyd was the super model who married the Beatle, George Harrison. Together they were the most glamorous couple in the world. Eric Clapton became infatuated with her and triggered the most famous love triangle in history. Pattie Boyd is Layla. She inspired many classic songs including 'Something', 'Wonderful Tonight', and of course, Layla. Pattie's tale is one of ecstasy and agony, of carefree excess, the definitive story of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll - told by the woman who was the envy of every woman on the planet for twenty years. Exclusive to this version of Wonderful Tonight, Pattie reveals never seen before photos of The Beatles, of Eric Clapton and other legends of rock. The book also includes many drawings by George, Eric and even Rolling Stone, Ronnie Wood. Read for yourself the 'Layla letters' penned by Eric as he worked to woo Pattie away from George. There's a personal letter from George to Pattie which he wrote whilst in New York and a hilarious surprise from John Lennon! This book is essential reading for all fans of The Beatles, Eric Clapton and the heady days of wild rock 'n' roll! Read more

A white lie.A secret boyfriend.And a house with a mystery…Second-grade teacher Ivy Marsh hits rock bottom when she finds herself homeless and secretly living in her car. When her Gran gifts her a run-down house, Ivy gets a shot at a fresh start. Determined not to disappoint her Gran, Ivy moves in and tackles the renovations herself.Enter Ethan King—adventure-seeking contractor, flirtatious life of the party, and future brother-in-law to Ivy’s best friend. Once he gets roped into helping with Ivy’s fixer-upper, Ethan's playful charm turns insufferably bossy whenever she’s around. Their constant bickering heats up as they uncover the house's decades-old secrets together.Ethan is determined to show Ivy she’s capable of more than she realizes, But Ivy fears disappointing her Gran and letting her life unravel even further. As tempting as Ethan’s promises sound, the walls around her heart threaten to keep her from taking risks and building their happily ever after. Read more

Join the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the wizard and the Company of Dwarves on their Quest to recover treasure stolen by the Dragon, Smaug the Magnificent. Leaving the comfort of Bilbo’s home they must face many perils before they can claim their long-lost gold – Trolls, Elves, Goblins, Wargs, and worse…Richly illustrated with more than 100 colour high-resolution images from the film, easily accessible through a set of beautiful galleries, and featuring a brand new interactive map charting the journey from Bag End to Wilderland, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Visual Companion begins the Quest for the Lonely Mountain in spectacular style, set off with a variety of exclusive interactive features. Read more

"A witty, intelligent page-turner."- LJ RossIt’s 1989, and Tommy Collins is young, hungry for a better life – and flat broke.After years scraping by on the dole, Tommy has found his ticket out of the crushing poverty of Newcastle’s Valley Park Estate: through the pulsing, underground rave scene that is sweeping the nation. But his newfound freedom comes at a price.Detective Chief Inspector Peach is determined to crush the movement – and anyone involved. When Tommy lands on his radar, the chase becomes personal, and Peach won’t rest until Tommy is behind bars.Tommy has one shot to escape Peach’s grasp. His only hope is a daring plan – one that could either secure his future or destroy it completely. With the law closing in and everything on the line, one wrong move could cost him everything. Including his life…The Rave is a fast-paced, gritty portrayal of life on the edges of society at the end of a decade that changed Britain forever.What readers, reviewers and authors are saying:“Nicky Black has done it again! I couldn’t wait to read her hotly-anticipated follow-up to The Prodigal and I wasn’t disappointed. The Rave is a witty, intelligent page-turner woven with brilliant insights into the human condition and I couldn’t put it down!” - LJ Ross, bestselling author of the DCI Ryan mysteries and Dr Alexander Gregory thrillers."Intense, gritty, and a riveting read." -CrimeBookJunkie"A brilliant, gritty crime novel." - Bookliterati"Hard-hitting and authentic." - Chapter in my Life"Completely hooked from the first page." - The Haphazardous Hippo"Addictive fiction." - Bookstormer"A great story that doesn't let up for an instant." - Joel Hames, author of the Sam Williams series. Read more

SPECTATOR BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2015Britain's empire has gone. Our manufacturing base is a shadow of its former self; the Royal Navy has been reduced to a skeleton. In military, diplomatic and economic terms, we no longer matter as we once did. And yet there is still one area in which we can legitimately claim superpower status: our popular culture. It is extraordinary to think that one British writer, J. K. Rowling, has sold more than 400 million books; that Doctor Who is watched in almost every developed country in the world; that James Bond has been the central character in the longest-running film series in history; that The Lord of the Rings is the second best-selling novel ever written (behind only A Tale of Two Cities); that the Beatles are still the best-selling musical group of all time; and that only Shakespeare and the Bible have sold more books than Agatha Christie. To put it simply, no country on earth, relative to its size, has contributed more to the modern imagination.This is a book about the success and the meaning of Britain's modern popular culture, from Bond and the Beatles to heavy metal and Coronation Street, from the Angry Young Men to Harry Potter, from Damien Hirst toThe X Factor. Read more

I'm not ready to be a single dad...I had my life all figured out.Hockey. A revolving door of women. No strings. No worries.Until my sister runs off with a man she's just met and leaves my nine-year-old niece in my living room with nothing but a backpack, a stuffed snake named Leo, and a broken heart.I need help.Elle Hurst was only supposed to be in my life for one night--a curvy distraction with a big heart and a wicked sense of humor. But she's volunteered to watch Chloe while she's in town, and I have no choice but to let her.It can't last.She has an expiration date, a life to get back to in Savannah, and I don't do relationships. I know people don't stick around no matter how much you want them to--it's a lesson I've been taught my whole life.I won't risk losing my heart...or will I?Untamed Devil is laugh out loud, pucking steamy, single dad, forced proximity, curvy girl sports romance. This book is a full-length standalone with no cheating, cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Read more

'A rich history… Harding writes with energy and insight, wearing a tremendous amount of learning lightly' - Rana Mitter, Financial Times This rich and enjoyable book by the acclaimed author of Japan Story explores the many ways in which Asia has influenced Europe and North America over centuries of tangled, dynamic encountersFrom the time of the ancient Greeks onwards the West's relationship with Asia consisted for the most part of outrageous tales of strange beasts and monsters, of silk and spices shipped over vast distances and an uneasy sense of unknowable empires fantastically far away. By the twentieth century much of Asia might have come under Western rule after centuries of warfare, but its intellectual, artistic and spiritual influence was fighting back.The Light of Asia is a wonderfully varied and entertaining history of the many ways in which Asia has shaped European and North American culture over centuries of tangled, dynamic encounters, and the central importance of this vexed, often confused relationship. From Marco Polo onwards Asia has been both a source of genuine fascination and equally genuine failures of comprehension. China, India and Japan were all acknowledged to be both great civilizations and in crude ways seen as superseded by the West. From Chicago to Calcutta, and from antiquity to the new millennium, this is a rich, involving story of misunderstandings and sincere connection, of inspiration and falsehood, of geniuses, adventurers and con-men.Christopher Harding's captivating gallery of people and places celebrates Asia's impact on the West in all its variety. Read more

The nineties was the decade when British culture reclaimed its position at the artistic centre of the world. Not since the 'Swinging Sixties' had art, comedy, fashion, film, football, literature and music interwoven into a blooming of national self-confidence. It was the decade of Lad Culture and Girl Power; of Blur vs Oasis. When fashion runways shone with British talent, Young British Artists became household names, football was 'coming home' and British film went worldwide. From Old Labour's defeat in 1992 through to New Labour's historic landslide in 1997, Don't Look Back In Anger chronicles the Cool Britannia age when the country united through a resurgence of patriotism and a celebration of all things British. But it was also an era of false promises and misplaced trust, when the weight of substance was based on the airlessness of branding, spin and the first stirrings of celebrity culture. A decade that started with hope then ended with the death of the 'people's princess' and 9/11 - an event that redefined a new world order. Through sixty-eight voices that epitomise the decade - including Tony Blair, John Major, Noel Gallagher, Damon Albarn, Tracey Emin, Keith Allen, Meera Syal, David Baddiel, Irvine Welsh and Steve Coogan - we re-live the epic highs and crashing lows of one of the most eventful periods in British history. Today, in an age where identity dominates the national agenda, Don't Look Back In Anger is a necessary and compelling historical document. Read more

A new steamy second chance hockey romcom standalone!There’s absolutely no way I’d ever work for my ex-boyfriend. Besides, the only thing he needs help with is pulling the stick from his perfectly sculpted backside.Gordon Benson is the one man I never wanted to see again. He’s grumpy, antagonistic, and so irritatingly more attractive than he was 12 years ago. Those biceps, that muscular chest, those dark green eyes that still manage to get me all twisted up…it’s not fair.I broke up with him. He demolished my heart. End of story.Or at least it was until I ran into him after a figure skating gig. And then his sister offered me a job as their executive assistant —a job I didn’t need until the company I worked for went bankrupt.So, here I am, selling my soul to the actual Devil to make sure me and my daughter are taken care of. The daughter who shares his DNA and yet he acts like she doesn’t exist. I keep telling myself this job is only temporary, that I’ll find something else, but the more I stay here, the more the Nashville Devils feel like family.And maybe there’s more to Gordon than insults and a prickly exterior. Maybe he’s not quite the villain I made him out to be but there’s still too much at stake. He could lose his hockey team and I could lose the only thing I have left. My heart. What to expect in Bossy Devil…*Second Chance*Surprise Child*Enemies to Lovers*Workplace Romance*A Team Full of Hockey Players Who Can't Mind Their Business*It's Always Been Her*Sassy Single Mom Heroine*Dirty Talking Hockey Owner With Eyes For Only Her*All The Possessive Vibes*LOL Banter*HEA*No Cheating Read more

This illustrated history of hand-lettered painted signs across America, and the craftspeople who created them, is“a lovely paean to a vanishing art” (TheNew York Times).   There was a time—as recently as the 1980s—when storefronts, murals, banners, barn signs, billboards, and even street signs were all hand-lettered with brush and paint. But, like many skilled trades, the sign industry has been overrun by the techno-fueled promise of quicker and cheaper. The resulting proliferation of computer-designed, die-cut vinyl lettering and inkjet printers has ushered a creeping sameness into our visual landscape.   Fortunately, there is a growing trend to seek out traditional sign painters and a renaissance in the trade. In 2010 filmmakers Faythe Levine, coauthor of Handmade Nation, and Sam Macon began documenting these dedicated practitioners, their time-honored methods, and their appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. Sign Painters, the first anecdotal history of the craft, features stories and photographs of more than two dozen sign painters working in cities throughout the United States.   “This is not only a wonderful book, a delight to take in, rich and telling in its details and a visual pleasure with its gorgeous photography. It’s an important book that captures a largely untold story.” —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Read more

Peaky Blinders, a gangster family epic, set in the lawless streets of Birmingham post the First World War, has gained fans and admirers the world over. The iconic costumes, scenery, characters and plot lines keep millions coming back time after time. In addition, the stellar quality of the writing has produced some instantly recognizable quotes and phrases. Here, in the Peaky Blinders: Official Wit & Wisdom, the best of these quotes have been gathered together alongside stylish photography and illustrations, giving fans of the show the perfect opportunity to relive their favourite moments. Read more

Rule number one of hockey team ownership: don't sleep with the players. Growing up Oliver Benson's daughter, I've known this rule all my life. And when I unexpectedly inherit the Nashville Devils, his hockey team, all eyes are on me--waiting for me to fail.My eyes?They're on Lincoln Dallas, team captain and star right winger.Who could blame me? That body. Those eyes. The way he moves on and off the ice. And when he gives me even the slightest touch, I find myself giving in.But he's completely forbidden.Not only would dating destroy both our careers, but our history left a bruise on my heart, and I never want to make that mistake again. Especially when it would compromise everything I've worked for.He says he's willing to break the rules and risk it all.Am I?Forbidden Devil is a laugh out loud, pucking steamy, second chance, off-limits, office sports romance. This book is a full-length standalone with no cheating, cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Read more

A runaway bride. A grumpy 600-year-old vampire pretending to be human. A disaster waiting to happen.What could possibly be the most infuriating thing to a vampire disgusted by the internet? A twenty-six-year-old social media influencer that just ran out on her cheating ex fiancé and insists on staying in Vlad’s quiet castle.But he needs money to repair his ancestral home, and Aubrey needs a place to lick her wounds after getting her heart broken.He is ready to have humans invading his space. He is not, however, ready for her.She wants to feed him garlic, parades around in tiny shorts, and incenses him at every turn. Can he really play house with a human? Especially one he just can’t seem to fight the urge to stay away from?The Holiday meets Dark Shadows in this “grumpy sunshine” romance.This is a spicy paranormal romcom featuring the grumpy/sunshine tropes. It is a full length romance with a Happily Ever After that features sexually explicit material and profanity. This book is intended for adults 18+. Read more

'Never does that old maxim "the harder I practice, the luckier I get" ring truer.' - Matt StuartStreet photography may look like luck, but you have to get out there and hone your craft if you want to shake up those luck vibes. Matt Stuart never goes out without his trusty Leica and, in a career spanning twenty years, has taken some of the most accomplished, witty and well-known photographs of the streets.From understanding how to be invisible on a busy street, to anticipating a great image in the chaos of a crowd, Matt Stuart reveals in over 20 chapters the hard-won skills and secrets that have led to his greatest shots. He explains his purist and uniquely playful approach to street photography leaving the reader full of ideas to use in their own photography. Illustrated throughout with 100 of Stuart's images, this is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the finest street photographers around. Read more

From the very first book publication in 1920 to the recent film release of Death on the Nile, this investigation into Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot celebrates a century of probably the world’s favourite fictional detective.This book tells his story decade-by-decade, exploring his appearances not only in the original novels, short stories and plays but also across stage, screen and radio productions.Poirot has had near-permanent presence in the public eye ever since the 1920 publication of The Mysterious Affair at Styles. From character development, publication history and private discussion concerning the original stories themselves, to early forays on to the stage and screen, the story of Poirot is as fascinating as it is enduring.Based on the author’s original research, review excerpts and original Agatha Christie correspondence, Poirot: The Greatest Detective in the World is a lively and accessible history of the character, offering new information and helpful pieces of context, that will delight all Agatha Christie fans, from a new generation of readers to those already highly familiar with the canon. Read more

"I adore DCI Miller" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"An excellent series" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"You cannot put these books down! Absolutely brilliant" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐DCI Miller is faced with a head-ache and a half in GONE TOO FAR.Kathy Hopkirk, the nation's most detested "celebrity" has disappeared. Famed for her outrageous remarks and nasty observations about ordinary people in the street and stars from the showbiz world, Kathy has always taken great delight in grabbing the headlines and causing as much controversy as possible. But now she is in the news for a different reason. She is missing.While visiting Manchester for work, she was staying at The Midland. The iconic, world famous hotel was the last place Kathy was seen, CCTV recorded her leaving on foot. Her destination was unknown. Three days later, her disappearance was reported to police by her manager. The sensational news was met with great interest by the British public, though very little surprise or sympathy. Kathy Hopkirk had been pushing it for years. It looks like this time, she may just have gone too far. DCI Miller and his team are overwhelmed by the amount of vitriol and hatred which surrounds the missing woman. Where do they possibly start with this one? Kathy has had thousands of death threats on Twitter alone.DCI Miller is back with another roller-coaster case.Gone Too Far is the fourth DCI Miller story from popular British indie author Steven Suttie.“Another fantastic read by Steven Suttie, crime drama at its best!!”“Absolutely brilliant, couldn’t put it down. Read it in a day!”“I absolutely loved this book, couldn't put it down, then of course sad that I'd finished it.”Miller 1 is "One Man Crusade"Miller 2 is "Neighbours From Hell"Miller 3 is "Road To Nowhere"Miller 4 is "Gone Too Far"WARNING, Contains bad language, including the worst one a few times. Please do not purchase if offended by swearing. On Amazon's "customers also bought" function, Steven Suttie's books are ranked alongside titles by Kerry Wilkinson, Ben Cheetham, Martina Cole, Karen Woods, Paul Finch, Heather Burnside, Rachel Abbott, Kimberley Chambers, Anna Smith, David Menon, Ed James, Robin Roughley. Lisa Hartley, D.S. Butler, Helen Durrant, RC Bridgestock, Col Bury, Lisa Hall, Pam Howes, Iain Cameron, Jessie Keane, Val McDermid, Adam Croft, P.F Ford, Matt Brolly, Mel Sherratt, Angela Clarke, Leigh Russell, Derek Fee, Janice Frost, Paul Gitsham, Steven Dunne, Katherine Pathak, Oliver Tidy, T.M.E Walsh, Peter Grainger, Dave Sivers, Tony Black, Mike Craven, Peter Grainger, Angie Smith, Stephen Puleston, Michael Murray, Angela Marsons, Mark Edwards, LJ Ross, Kathryn Croft, Graham Masterton, Caroline Mitchell, Nick Alexander, CL Taylor, Louise Voss, Jenny Blackhurst, Marnie Riches, Michael Wood, Luca Veste, Damien Boyd, Paula Hawkins, Lynwood Barclay, Ann Cleeves, M.A. Comley, Mark Sennen, Tara Lyons, Louise Voss, Squid McFinnigan, Rob Sinclair, Jane Isaac, Nicky Black, Faith Mortimer, Dreda Say Mitchell, Michael Kerr, Stephen Edger, John Nicholl, Ruth Dugdall, Robert Bryndza, B.A. Paris, Katerina Diamond, Maggie James, Lisa Hall, Georgie Logan, Tammy Robinson and Linda Tweedie Read more