Kirjahaku

An honest, inspiring, and laugh-out-loud funny memoir about re-energizing our politics and standing up to corporate America--while carting three kids around in a minivan. Never having run for office before, Katie Porter charted a new path in 2018 when she was elected to Congress as a Democrat in historically conservative Orange County, California. Underestimated as a single mom and chided for her progressive values, Katie defied expectations. Then, using her signature whiteboard, she began to take CEOs and corrupt government officials to task in Congressional hearings. The videos went viral, introducing Americans to her no-bullshit style, and making her a coveted guest on cable news and late-night television. I SWEAR: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan is a witty, down-to-earth exploration of what it's really like to serve in Congress, particularly as a single mom. Katie offers Americans a clear picture of what their elected leaders are doing--and how they're doing it--exposing the gaps between politicians' press conferences and real people's lives. Katie reveals how her challenges as an Iowa farmgirl diverted her to the Ivy League and how she came to see herself as a Californian, teaching law and raising three kids in Orange County. She shares why she made the jump from academia to politics and how she quickly mastered the art of making CEOs and cabinet members squirm when they bluff and bloviate instead of doing the job for America. With the same clarity she demonstrates in Congressional hearings, Katie makes the case for consumer protection, corporate accountability, and anti-corruption reforms. She pulls back the curtain on the political messaging machine, campaign fundraising, and Congress' traditions, showing that the way things have always worked, in fact, does not work for a Congressperson without someone at home to do the shopping and take care of the kids. Along the way, she provides whiteboard lessons on where your campaign donations go, how to fight the corporations that cheat you, and how to conduct her trademark robust oversight. Full of candid and inspiring stories--from how Katie lent Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a pair of sneakers during the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, to her kids' lightly illegal campaign hijinks--this is a book by an exhausted, committed parent who just doesn't have the time for nonsense in her house or in the House of Representatives.

Alec Davies is an aging-out rock star. He's twenty years older than me. He's also my father's ex-best friend. Dad used to be the lead guitarist of The Skies, an icon of the 90s British music scene. His fights with lead singer Alec were legendary, and so was the band's self-destruction. I've hunted down Alec to tell him that Dad is back in England and determined to die at home. That's when things get messy. Ending our first encounter by riding Alec's face is not the smart thing. Saying "yes" when he wants to reconcile with my dad and offers his townhouse as hospice - it's not the smart thing either, but I do that too. This is a full-length, stand-alone novel. An HEA is guaranteed, but I do need to give a content warning for parental death.

As part of the 64th Aggressor Squadron, Major Ryan "Fang" Haverty flies like the enemy to teach Allied pilots how not to die. The glittering excess of the Strip can't compare to the glowing jet engines of his F-16. But a sexy, redheaded waitress in seamed stockings? Now she gets his blood pumping.Cassandra Whitman's good-girl ways haven't earned any slack from her manager ex-boyfriend, or prevented a bad case of frazzle from holding down two and a half jobs. She sure wouldn't mind letting the handsome Southern charmer shake up her routine.Their wild weekend lives up to Sin City's reputation. Especially when they discover a matched passion for roleplaying. For Cass, it's an exciting departure from her normal, shy persona. But for Ryan, it triggers memories of a time when his fetish drove away the woman he loved--leaving him reluctant to risk a repeat performance.Except Cass refuses to settle for ordinary ever again. She's about to show the man with hair-trigger hands that she's got a few surprise moves of her own.Though this book is the beginning of a series about badass pilots, it can be read as a stand alone.

After a near-fatal plane crash, fighter pilot Captain Eric "Kisser" Donaghue is a changed man. By day he labors to regain his confidence in the cockpit. By night he moonlights as an off-Strip boxer, fighting for prize money to pay for his younger brother's third stint in rehab.In the ring, no one cares he once had a face that launched a thousand one-night stands--and neither does Eric. He's only there to win. Yet he can't take his eyes off the new ring girl, a glitz-meets-pageant-queen vision of blonde perfection.Down on her luck but not quite out, Vegas showgirl Trish Monroe lives for the spotlight. The scarred, steely-eyed loner who stares at her from his corner of the ring gives Trish an extra reason to strut her stuff.Curiosity and the temptation of a no-strings good time bring them together. The discovery of their secret fetishes--she likes to show off, he likes to watch--turns mere sexual chemistry into a fiery exploration of matched passions. They're a natural fit. Trust in love, however, is harder to earn than trust in bed, especially when this beauty and beast hide even from themselves.Though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.

Daughter of a world-famous motocross champion, and head-on competitor with three brothers, Captain Leah "Princess" Girardi was born with a need for speed. No one tells her what to do, especially not men with chauvinistic "girls can't be fighter pilots" attitudes.That's what ended her brief relationship with Captain Mike "Strap Happy" Templeton. Now, six years later, he's been assigned to her squadron, and whoa damn, he's filled out nicely. Plus he's cultivated a Zen-like chill factor that pulls at her hormones.Even after four tours, Mike's the new kid in the 64th Aggressor Squadron. That's not the only thing new. Since he last saw Leah, he's learned a few things about himself. A female who outranks him still makes his teeth grind, but in the bedroom he craves the rush of pain inflicted by an adoring, powerful woman.Their reunion is an explosive revelation. Leah is the beautiful mistress he's been searching for, and she takes to her new role like a natural. But Leah's aware one thing hasn't changed. Loving him is still an all-or-nothing proposition. She's not sure her reckless streak is wide enough to risk her career--and her heart.Though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.

As assistant director in an accounting firm, Heather Morris is at the top of her game. Her straight-laced colleagues wouldn't believe the secrets she hides: her wild teenage past, work-of-art tattoo and nipple ring.Her orderly life veers off course when she's approached at a wine tasting by an arrogant pretty boy with a dirty mind and a hardcore dangerous profession. She finds herself tempted to step outside her respectable fa ade for some well-deserved excitement.Captain Jon "Tin Tin" Carlisle knows women. Loves women. One glimpse of the nipple ring under Heather's conservative blazer lights up all his instincts. He's stumbled upon a rare treasure: an exotic beauty with a sexy laugh and a taste for dares.After a red-hot hour of roulette, their simmering attraction bursts into an exploration of mutual passion that tests even Jon's erotic limits. Soon he craves something he's never desired before. More. But for Heather, more means trusting, and trusting leads to trouble.Now Jon must decide if the best sex of his life is worth chancing his heart on a woman who shields hers so well.Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.

Throughout their eight-year marriage, U.S. Air Force Captain Liam "Dash" Christiansen and his wife, Sunita, stayed strong through long separations. However Sunny's new job as a high-profile legal advisor puts a severe strain on their enduring bond.Her abrupt announcement that she wants a divorce is like a missile to Dash's gut--but her confession that she's met another man is what unleashes his shocking passion. Sunny is surprised and nearly repulsed by her body's reaction to Dash's animalistic attempt at complete possession. That doesn't stop her from craving more.With Sunny's whispered approval, their sex life explodes. Not only does Dash's aggression tap into dark fantasies, she's hopeful that now, at last, she'll get what she's always wanted from her devil-may-care, don't-give-a-damn husband. Something honest and candid. Something real.Yet fiery, carnal encounters won't heal two long-broken hearts. Their bodies are finally speaking the same forbidden language, but it will take more than taboo desires to learn each other for the first time--and to save a marriage that's only just begun.Warning: Time to put the kidding aside. Although 100% consensual between a husband and wife, this book contains violent sex that, in some scenes, will appear forced. Readers sensitive to rape scenarios should proceed with caution.Though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone OR SKIPPED if you are uncomfortable with the subject matter.

Up-and-coming film producer Kyle Wakefield lives in the closet rather than risk the wrath of his influential, conservative parents. The only time he took a chance on love was a tempestuous teenage affair with Nathan Carnes. But when Nathan proved himself hell-bent on self-destruction and wound up in prison, Kyle closed off his heart. Almost a decade later, Kyle's production partner hires Nathan's stunt company, Second Chances, to work on a big-budget action film in London. Nate is floored by his explosive reunion with Kyle. But he sure as hell isn't surprised that Kyle still treats their mutual needs--and Nate--like dirty little secrets. As the London holiday season casts its dazzling spell, the two men find themselves falling in love again. Kyle is one breathless kiss away from declaring himself to Nate--and to the world--but they cannot ignore secrets borne of youthful mistakes. To protect their bright new future, Kyle and Nathan will need all their passion and trust . . . and a little Christmas magic.