Diversion Books

Presidential candidates are a breed apart, often propelled by traits that have shaped their careers and have deep roots in personal histories.Often their greatest strength can turn at supernova speed into their greatest weakness. The exact qualities that set them apart from the field trip them up eventually over the long haul of a presidential campaign.Rand Paul’s ability to sell himself as the most libertarian of the presidential candidates—defending civil liberties at home and opposing military adventurism and nation-building abroad—is what can set him apart. But those unconventional ideas could also box him in. Libertarians don’t win national elections, unless you count Thomas Jefferson in 1800 and 1804.In this series of eBooks, The Washington Post is exploring in-depth all these key characteristics of the leading presidential contenders, the very characteristics that could help make one of them the country’s next commander in chief—or forever sink their presidential ambitions.

Presidential candidates are a breed apart, often propelled by traits that have shaped their careers and have deep roots in personal histories.Often their greatest strength can turn at supernova speed into their greatest weakness. The exact qualities that set them apart from the field trip them up eventually over the long haul of a presidential campaign.New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s big personality and bold political instincts have put him on the national radar. His willingness to speak from the gut has enabled him to connect directly with voters on both sides of the aisle better than any of the other candidates. But that same bluntness sometimes jeopardizes the very agenda he wants to accomplish.In this series of eBooks, The Washington Post is exploring in-depth all these key characteristics of the leading presidential contenders, the very characteristics that could help make one of them the country’s next commander in chief—or forever sink their presidential ambitions.

Presidential candidates are a breed apart, often propelled by traits that have shaped their careers and have deep roots in personal histories.

Often their greatest strength can turn at supernova speed into their greatest weakness. The exact qualities that set them apart from the field trip them up eventually over the long haul of a presidential campaign.

Some see former Texas governor Rick Perry as one of the most instinctive retail politicians in the 2016 GOP field. Others see a glib pitchman who must overcome the perception that he's all flash and little substance. Four years after his famous 'oops' incident, can he persuade voters that he's the real deal?

In this series of eBooks, The Washington Post is exploring in-depth all these key characteristics of the leading presidential contenders, the very characteristics that could help make one of them the country's next commander in chief—or forever sink their presidential ambitions.

“…considerably more wit and pizazz than the legendary Georgette [Heyer] herself.” —Kirkus Reviews Lady Laura consents to give her hand to Thaddeus Grey, a man she has known all of her life. Perhaps there is some romantic ingredient missing from their relationship, but Thad is still an attractive man and a dear friend… As the wedding festivities were set to begin at Harkness Abbey the wedding gifts came pouring in, and the Baron Nathaniel Lowland, an old friend of Laura's father, sent the most surprising gift of all—his son Ashley. A painter of exquisite talent, Ashley has been sent to paint Lady Laura's portrait. It could hardly be expected that he would come to capture her heart as well.

After working thirteen years as a registered nurse, four of which she felt like “Hot Lips Houlihan” while serving in the United States Air Force, Lori Avocato picked up a book and said, “Hm. I can write one of these.” Yeah right! Oh, she wrote several all right—seventeen to be exact—but getting them published proved to be another matter. Throughout the years, she realized it was not an easy task to write a book, much less a short, concise one. However, now as an award-winning author, Lori is multi-published with fifteen books currently sold in which her humor lends itself to her comedic voice, including the wildly popular Pauline Sokol Mysteries. She writes contemporary novels and often uses her military, medical, or a combination of both backgrounds in her plots. As an Air Force veteran, Lori belongs to RomVets and The Nathan Hale Chapter of Military Officers Association. As a writer, she belongs to The Author's Guild, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America along with several local chapters. Lori lives in the New England area, raising two teenage sons (Heaven help her!), and, of course, continues to write novels.

The Shark Tank celebrity reveals how he became one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential businessmen.“Cuban [explains] what it means to have ‘the edge,’ the necessary drive to forego the confines of a comfortable job, triumph over setbacks, and build a successful company.” —Business Insider“Exceeded . . . expectations.” —Huffington PostIn How to Win at the Sport of Business, Mark Cuban collects his greatest lessons on what it takes to become a thriving entrepreneur. Drawing upon his profound insider knowledge, Cuban offers unconventional business tips and tells his stunning rags-to-riches tale from selling powdered milk and sleeping on friends’ couches to owning his own company and becoming a multi-billion-dollar success story. Mark shows how he puts his own advice into practice and how entrepreneurs at any stage of their careers can outmaneuver their competitors.

Grab your passport for a journey to the Deadlands and its collection of world-changing stories. Meet a young man with the power to destroy the world. Then walk among the living darkness of Purgatory Alley with a boy who was born without a shadow. Sneak into a cemetery with a twelve-year-old girl who gets paid to raise the dead. Chase terrorists in a steampunk future. Join a young hunter as he searches for a pair of vampires. Discover the lost secrets of Camelot beneath the waters of Loch Ness. And join a pair of dragons who police all manner of mythical creatures in London. Drawing on Bill Blume's inexhaustible wit and polished worldbuilding skill, these twelve tales of the fantastic will take you to the edge of imagination.

The only burden heavier than past regrets is to forget them.After her father's sudden death, Charlotte Winslow must give up her highborn lifestyle to fend for herself on the outskirts of London. Painting under an assumed name, Charlotte makes just enough to live happily in a humble cottage—just herself and a cat named Rex.But her peaceful world is turned upside down when a carriage accident leaves Lord Rexford in her care. The very man who scorned her years before and his meddling mother make themselves comfortable in Charlotte’s small house as he recovers his health and memory. But the longer they stay in her cottage, the more Lord Rexford's thoughts seem to linger on his self-sufficient, no-nonsense host. Could it be that he remembers more than he lets on?

«This is a brave rollercoaster ride that made me laugh and cry…By the end, I wanted to ride the rollercoaster again.» —Claire Johnston, lead singer of Mango GrooveLife is hitting Emma Caine hard. Her husband is suffering from brain damage, she’s lost her job, and soon may lose her home. Determined not to reach rock bottom, she draws inspiration from her misspent youth and opens a domination dungeon equipped with whips and chains. Before she can say “foreclosure,” a wealth of rich men line up at the door to be dominated by her.She doesn’t have sex with her clients, and she certainly doesn’t have feelings for them—not until the handsome and charming Simon Nel steps into her lair. Before long, she finds herself falling for a man she can never dare to love, and questioning everything she thought she knew about love, sexuality, and herself.

The daughter of an uncommonly rich commoner, Leah Cole is sure that the combination of her father's vast wealth and her own stunning beauty will snare the Viscount Lyndon. But even though the handsome nobleman is a notorious rake, having Leah's hand and her money isn't enough—he wants her heart as well, and sets out to prove it with all his seductive skills.“Ms. Mills demonstrates an incredible range of talent…quick-witted humor and panache—and electrifying passion that enhances the Regency format…such virtuosity makes her a treasure trove of superlative writing.” —RT Book Review“The touch of greatness is unmistakable. Anita Mills shows it in every word, every phrase, every sentence she writes…Once again, Ms. Mills has created an exquisite love story that touches us deeply. While the story line is more conventional than her previous books, the freshness, delicacy and vibrant sense of romance make this one of the most memorable books in the genre ”—RT Book Review

A lady in danger.Verena Howard's mother taught her some very good lessons, including never to fall for a darkly handsome man with something to hide. Now on a journey alone across the Texas frontier, Verena has had more than one run-in with ruffians intent on more than just her cash. Before she could get in over her head with the last run-in, a smooth-talking, darkly handsome gambler stepped in to come to her rescue, immediately putting Verena at risk of not listening to her mother's advice.A man on the run.When Matthew Morgan first lays eyes on pretty Verena Howard, he instantly realizes the lonely and vulnerable woman will be the perfect cover as he flees the hangman. Originally planning on a partnership of convenience, his heart apparently has other plans as he and Verena grow closer. Risking everything might just be worth it in order to keep Verena in his life…for however long that lasts.«A fast-paced, frolicking duel of wits that keeps you guessing…Anita Mills at her best!» —Patricia Rice

Left destitute after the death of her father, Sarah Spender can barely believe the good fortune that brings the handsome Captain Adam Hastings into her life. When Adam is sent overseas to tame the American Wilderness, even the distance between them cannot tame Sarah's love for him. They are bound together for better, for worse, and forever…

Patrick Danvers, the Viscount Westover, was known by another name among the people of society: Devil Danvers. No young lady dared to be seen in public with this man whose startling good looks were overshadowed by his scandalous escapades.Caroline Ashley was a very respectable young lady, but with no one to protect her and no money to call her own. How could she resist Devil Danvers' offer to be the wife he needed to win a wager and claim a fortune that hung on his producing an heir?And so the battle begins between the dazzling lord who has every means to make a young lady say yes to his every desire, and the young lady determined not to surrender her pride, no matter the cost.

A headstrong woman more than meets her match in an unexpected inheritance. From national bestselling romance author Raine Cantrell.When she inherits her father’s sprawling Texas ranch, the Reina, Lacey Garrett is determined to run it on her own. With a long line of men waiting to wrestle control of the land away from the willful young woman, many with dreams of winning her hand as well, Lacey has her work cut out for her. But of all the difficulties Lacey foresaw, never could she imagine a last minute change in her father’s will that leaves part of the Reina to another heir.Rafe Parrish is a loner with a dark past, and no happier to be sharing control of the homestead with Lacey than she is. Angered by her arrogance, Rafe is determined to have it all: the Reina and Lacey herself. Lacey will have to fight for what is hers, or risk surrendering to Rafe’s dominance, losing control of her heart in order to stay on the land she loves.

Acts of charity quickly lead to a flirtation with the deadliest of sins in DARLING ANNIE, from national bestselling romance author Raine Cantrell.Kellian York has big plans for the brothel he’s inherited in Loving, Texas. Too bad that just days after his arrival the Legion for Decency has burned it to the ground, citing their mission to rid the town of drinking, gambling, and “loose women.” Set on vengeance, Kellian targets the spinster leader, Annie Muldoon, never expecting that the beautiful young woman would let Kellian and his girls move into her boarding house.Believing she has a responsibility to protect and redeem the women formerly in Kellian’s employ, Annie soon realizes she’s made a terrible mistake inviting them, and especially Kellian, into her home. Unsure whether he’s trying to torture her or seduce her, Kellian’s striking presence is beginning to rouse the passionate nature she’s tried to hide. Annie decides to take her fate, and Kellian’s, into her own hands, and learns a few tricks of the trade from her boarders, before turning the tables on Kellian. Will the saint redeem the sinner? Or the sinner seduce the saint?

The final collapse of trust between the ruled and the rulers has happened in an America where civil war rages again. From bestselling author Ian Slater.«As impelling a storyteller as you're likely to encounter.»—Clive CusslerThe Federals drew first blood as battalions of freedom fighters went tank-to-tank with the National Guard in the Northwest. Though the President declares the area secure, top officials know the truth: The Militia movement is spreading from the fringes like wildfire, now more organized, committed, and violent than ever, and hellbent on an armed victory over the United States.No matter how desperately the government tries to regain its hold, the roads of America are shuddering under the columns of tanks, the skies throbbing with Blackhawks. Two hundred thousand trained militiamen are armed with high-tech killing tools and the courage of true believers. And after a spark ignites the Everglades, the USA takes the most explosive hit of all.

In the idyllic mountains of Colorado, a woman will risk her life to save the ones she loves. From national bestselling romance author Raine Cantrell.“A story to treasure.” —RT BOOK REVIEWSFor two years Jenny Latham has lived alone with her young son in the Colorado mountains, trying to manage her guilt over letting an abusive husband control her for too long. Her beauty makes her the object of many men’s desires, but with a broken heart and an independent streak as strong as the mountains themselves, Jenny refuses them all. But when she accidentally shoots a stranger and takes it upon herself to nurse him back to health, she finds all of her defenses wavering.The stranger is a handsome man named Charmas, but he claims to remember little else, having lost his memory after the accident that led him to be in Jenny’s care. Overcome by Charmas’ allure, Jenny begins to succumb to her feelings of passion, until her world is shattered by the reappearance of her violent husband. Jenny will gamble with her very life in order to protect her son and Charmas from harm.

The Nazis’ dark secrets are revealed, in a tense and compelling thriller from bestselling author Ian Slater.June 1944. The moment has come. The Allied pincers are closing in. Hitler has already ordered his jet fighters, V-1 flying bombs, and V-2 rockets into action. Now, in a desperate bid to keep his war machine churning, it is time for the führer to use the most secret weapon of all.For G.I. David Adam, it's a mission into hell. To stop Hitler’s mad plan will take him and others into the lion’s den, under the shadow of the SS—where exposure means death, but being killed is better than being taken alive…Only a handful of courageous men and women can stop Hitler’s terrifying superweapon, and helped by French resistance fighters, Jewish slave laborers, and members of the Polish underground, these few will fight the most critical battle of the entire war.

In the civil war that has gripped America, there are no more neighbors, only side against side, in an increasingly vicious battle for what is left of the country. From bestselling author Ian Slater.«As impelling a storyteller as you're likely to encounter.»—Clive CusslerUnder an iron fist, the militia movement has mushroomed. Now legendary leaders have been liberated from a heavily guarded Phoenix hospital—and hostages taken for a furious, bloody ride to the California border. It’s the spark the armies needed and an excuse for the Federals to unleash Patton reincarnate, Gen. Douglas Freeman.In a once peaceful corner, from Sacramento to Seattle, America now burns. A new generation of automated weapons has been brought to the field, the skies split by artillery and the desert nights lit up by infrared. With Americans facing off against Americans, the fight for the USA has reached a turning point.But from the other side of the globe, a new enemy prepares to tip the scales of battle with the ultimate killing tool…

“Don’t get me wrong. I loved my sister. I never, not once, wished her dead.”Brady and Sabine Wilson are sisters born eleven months apart, but they couldn’t be more different. Popular Sabine, the head cheerleader dating the high school hunk, seems to have all the luck, while her younger, artsy sister “Brady Brooder” is a loner who prefers the sidelines to the limelight.After Sabine dies in a horrific cheerleading accident, grief unravels Brady and her family. Once recognized for her artistic talent, 17-year-old Brady finds herself questioning the value of everything she once held dear. Her best friend betrays her. Her parents’ marriage is crumbling. And the boy everyone blames for the accident seems to be her only ally in the search for answers in the wake of her sister’s death. As an unlikely friendship emerges, Brady learns more about Sabine—and love—than she bargained for.