Jackson Lynx always has a plan. He wouldn't be Vice President at Taylor Security if he wasn't steady, smart and reliable. But as capable as he is, he's not perfect. Approaching the one-year anniversary of kicking his prescription-drug habit, the last thing Lynx needs is temptation. Celibacy is part of his recovery plan. But then Jillian Murdoch asks for his help…
Jillian loves her job—managing pharmaceutical distribution—and she's suspicious when an unscheduled delivery shows up late on a Friday night. Then someone breaks into her home and, terrified, she asks Lynx to install a security system. Grateful for his help, she's wary of her attraction to him… She recognizes the Serenity Prayer on his mirror and can't get involved with an addict.
But when they uncover dangerous secrets they'll have to trust one another. Their lives, and their hearts, depend on it.
Go back to the beginning with Risking Trust, available now!
Adrienne Giordano is a USA Today bestselling author of over thirty romantic suspense and mystery novels. She is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Midwest with her ultimate supporter of a husband, sports-obsessed son and Elliot, a snuggle-happy rescue. Having grown up near the ocean, Adrienne enjoys paddleboarding, a nice float in a kayak and lounging on the beach with a good book.
Opposing Forces by Adrienne Giordano 6th book in the Private Protection series. Can be read as a stand-alone contemporary romance.
Jackson Lynx, fighting for his one-year mark from an over the counter drug addiction. Jillian, a child of adult alcohol syndrome. She’s spent her life disappointed by her father and his addiction. Can she ever trust Jack enough to have a relationship with him?
Deals with some deep issues all part of the cycle of addition, loss, disappointment and the need for approval. A bit sad. But it’s a romance so ....
Immediately engrossing and gripping. Nonstop action. Kick it heroine who can fight back when necessary. She just needs to deal with her trust issues. The hero is steady and reliable and worthy.
Adrienne Giordano has slowly become an author whose books I have come to like. The reason is simple I like her characters. The sixth book in the Private Protectors series Opposing Forces introduces us to two complex characters Jackson Lyn, kind of a new hire at Taylor Security and Jillian Murdoch.
Jackson Lyn was a perfectionist all his life, he was in the military and from there joined the State Department, a great job, girlfriend, everything was going well, then he blew out his knee and got addicted to his painkillers. Worse than the addiction was him losing control, so he moved away from his stressful life. He is about to complete his one year of sobriety and it hasn't been easy, he has also been keeping celibate but that has been a bit more difficult especially because of Jillian, who is in his yoga class.
Jillian doesn't understand Jackson, he seems to be interested in her but always moves away. However, circumstances brings their life closer together, a late night at her pharma company office to collect her beloved camera, puts into motion several unsettling events, her house is broken into, something that makes her go to Jackson and then her job keeps taking a weird turn.
Now, the path between Jillian and Jackson wasn't an easy one and I liked how the author didn't shy away from the painful nitty gritty details. Jillian grew up with addiction, her father was an alcoholic, who seldom accepted his problems, so knowing about the hero's problems makes her wary. The hero Jackson, over-thinks everything which can be kind of a problem.
The book was filled with emotional and sexual tension. There are trust problems of course, addiction is a life-long battle and the heroine has issues trusting people. The suspense is also well done, the hero/heroine keep on taking hits.
I liked how Jackson was shown as more of a diplomat/political player than a gun-totting alpha hero types. The book couldn't be complete without Vic of course.
I loved this story. It's a fast-paced, realistic read that I could not put down! Even though it's part of a series, and I've read them all, I believe it stands alone. I highly recommend it.
Jackson has fought his addiction for almost a year. He has been eyeing Jillian in yoga class for several months, but he won't start anything with anyone before that year is up. Then Jillian comes to him with a problem and just like that, he is involved. As Jillian faces more danger, Jackson gets more protective. Jillian refuses to get involved with someone who has an addiction problem, but she can's resist Jackson. Can he keep her safe? Will they finally trust each other?
I’ll admit when I read the first book in this series I didn’t realize it would be more suspense than romance but once I read it, I was thoroughly hooked. Great thing was, I was able to read the next three immediately and have since had to wait for the next release which isn’t always easy to do. I’ve grown to love the romantic suspense genre and in my opinion Adrienne Giordano is one of the best writers of this genre. She always has a great plot, interesting characters, hunky hot as hell heroes, and heroines who find out they don’t always need a man to help them out of a tight spot. They are spunky, smart, and downright savvy. I so love strong female characters! Opposing Forces pairs recovering prescription drug addict Jackson Lynx who also happens to be Vice President at Taylor Security with Jillian Murdoch who accidentally stumbles on some strange incidents at her job at a major pharmaceutical company. Strange bedfellows to say the least!
First off I’ll come straight out and say I admire anyone who has the courage and strength to kick any habit and that makes Lynx a hero in my book from the start. The fact that in addition to kicking his habit, he’s also following the prescribed recommendation of no women, thus no sex makes me understand this is a commitment he was willing to make no matter the sacrifice. However despite all that when a woman he’s noticed has a security question, he can’t ignore her safety or the fact that she threatens his commitment.
Jillian is one of those female characters you can’t help but love. She’s independent and hates having to ask anyone for help. But following a home invasion in which she scares off the perpetrator she asks a favor of a man in her yoga class that she knows works security. She gets way more than she bargains for when Lynx basically takes over but she soon finds out his deep dark secrets and because of her past she’s leery about having any kind of a relationship with him.
From start to finish this book has some blood pumping action scenes that I could easily see translating on the big screen. While each book in this series has dealt with some suspense and action this one is jammed pack and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the next shoe to drop and let me warn you there’s a whole closet full of shoe dropping! Each time I would think we were nearing the end of the threat something else would happen to send me back into a tailspin, some seriously fantastic writing.
I loved that we got to see quite a bit of Vic from Man Law as well as his wife, Gina. Vic is one of those characters that is larger than life and cracks me up at almost every turn. The way he and Lynx bicker remind me of an old married couple and you can really understand how important they are to one another. We also get to spend some time with Gavin and Janet from Negotiating Point and see how their relationship is progressing. While they were important to this story, you do not have to read their books in order to enjoy this one. Each of the books in this series is related but they aren’t dependent on one another for the story to make sense.
It would be remiss of me not to mention that in addition to the awesome action scenes there are also some very hot and heavy sex scenes as well. Remember Lynx has been celibate for almost a year….yes, think on that my dears but be aware it takes them awhile to get to this point but the build-up is way worth the wait!
As much as I’ve enjoyed the other books in the Private Protectors series, I have to say this one is my favorite. It felt deeper, richer, and seemed way more intense in all instances. I flat out loved these characters, their easy and teasing banter, and their extended foreplay. Opposing Forces is a book that is not to be missed and honestly, Hollywood should be knocking on Adrienne Giordano’s door asking to make this one into a movie…it’s that good!
Opposing Forces is another adventure driven by Adrienne Giordano in her Private Protectors series. In this story we are introduced to Jackson Lynx and Jillian Murdoch. As with the other books in the series, Adrienne has come up with a fantastic plot with plenty of mystery, suspense, and romance to engage you from the beginning and keep you reading until you smile and sigh at the last page when all is said and done.
Jack has decided to switch jobs from the State Department to work for Taylor Security. We get a glimpse of Jack in Man Law as Vic Andrews' go-to guy at State. I wasn't sure I was able to trust him back then, but obviously we can all rest assured knowing Jack is one of the good guys. Jack is the man with the plan. He doesn't fly off the handle or operate by the seat of his pants. I have a feeling he and Gavin from Negotiating Point get along well. Jack has a plan for his life and in that plan, it does not include starting any relationships until his one year of addiction recovery is up. Too bad he has been eyeing Jillian from his Sunday morning yoga class for the past three months and now she has come to him for help. He has a problem saying no to people in need.
Jillian is used to being on her own. She likes to keep people at arms length so they don't get close enough to disappoint her. All she has ever known is disappointment growing up. Jillian works hard and strives for perfection and approval, especially in her job in pharmaceutical distribution. Unfortunately she is in the wrong place at the wrong time and sees a suspicious shipment of drugs. Things at work take a turn for the worse and are never the same after that.
Jack and Jillian have flaws that a reader can relate to, even if they have not been in the same situation as the characters. Adrienne does such a good job of describing Jack and Jillian's feelings that you really understand them. She also does a great job of research for her books. Addiction recovery and the pharmaceutical industry are both things I am not familiar with, but by the end of the book I had a greater appreciation for both. I love when a book can both entertain and educate me!
Because of the more serious tone in Opposing Forces (due to Jack's seriousness), I enjoyed the comedic relief that only Vic can bring. Janet Fink, another employee at Taylor Security had me laughing as well. They both need a better brain to mouth filter. I found it funny that Vic was shocked that Jillian was not intimidated by him. One of my favorite quotes from Jillian was when Jack and Vic were letting their egos get the best of them in a situation in which they were under a time crunch. Jillian yells at them, "What is wrong with you two? Forget the pissing match and open the damned safe." It sums her up very well.
The build up of the the romance in the story is perfect. It is very believable and fits the characters very well. Adrienne writes intimate scenes perfectly for romantic suspense - giving way just enough to use your imagination but not too many details. If you enjoy romantic suspense with a solid plot, relatable characters, humorous banter, and a great balance between the romance and edge-of-your seat action, you need to read Opposing Forces.
Opposing Forces by Adrienne Giordano Private Protectors Series #6
Two people that should not have found one another do so in this book in which Jack is avoiding relationships but has a skillset that Jillian needs to feel secure. Whether or not Jack can achieve his goals regarding his addiction, and she can overcome her aversion to people with such problems is only part of this action-packed thrill ride that includes a big helping of romance.
What I liked: * Jack’s integrity, honesty, and team spirit. He has plenty of confidence and seems to know himself well. He is perfect in many ways but does have a flaw that could pose a problem to any woman, and especially to Jillian. * Jillian’s desire to succeed professionally, work hard, and do what is right. Her background has created trust issues and a need to run rather than confront. If she can overcome and grow then she and Jack might have a future together * The story’s plot, timing and the way it was told. * Learning a bit about big pharmaceutical companies and how things can be “fiddled” * The supporting characters that work with Jack * That Jack and Jillian together were able to overcome just about everything thrown at them * That the story ended on a happy note with a HFN ending and positive potential for the couple
What I didn’t like: * The bad guys…wasn’t supposed to like them and it was easy to do just that * Knowing that addiction is a big issue in the world, it impacts the addicted and also impacts the family and those close to the person with the addiction.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
I received an ARC of Opposing Forces (Private Protectors #6)
This is the first book in the Private Protectors series I have read and I immediately went and bought the first 5. I was concerned that picking up a book in a series would cause a lot of confusion but it did not.
Opposing Forces is about Jackson Lynx. A former officer in the military and then worked for the Secretary of State until a prescription drug habit changed his life. He moved to Chicago and became the Vice President of Taylor Security and has focused on almost nothing but work, and his recovery. He however has found his weakness. Jillian Murdoch is in Lynx's yoga class and turns to him for help after a break in at her home. They both slowly start to uncover something going on at her pharmaceutical distribution job.
I had not read any suspense romance novels prior to Opposing Forces and I am now kicking myself for not having tried new things. This story was fast paced and kept my interest the entire time. You never knew what to expect around every curve and goodness what a hot romance. Throughout the story I become so invested in Lynx and Jillian. Would they ever come to terms with their growing feelings for each other? Would Lynx maintain such a almost stick in the mud mentality about his recovery even with his friends pushing him our of his comfort zone? Most of all would Lynx be able to keep Jillian safe?
There were so many layers to this story that I felt like I was on an adrenaline high while reading. I don't think I put it down unless I actually had to.
If you enjoy a little mystery, suspense, romance and a very well told story make sure you read this.
This was the first book of Adrienne Giordano's that I've ever read...and now I MUST buy the rest of the series. Her characters were perfectly flawed, honest and so much fun to read! Jackson Lynx is the man with a plan. It's a plan that he's determined to follow through with, until he helps out Jillian. Despite their issues concerning addiction, the two came together to solve the mystery of "who is destroying Jillian's life". My favorite quote from the book, that I think sums it up nicely: "The man had a way about him, all blue-eyed and baby-faced, yet so intense. A deadly combo slowly chipping away at the number one reason she shouldn't allow herself to get emotional about him." -Location 842 If you're a fun of witty dialogue, intense action, and great romance...this is definitely a book you'll want to read. Yes, it's part of a series, but it's perfectly suitable to read as a stand-alone. Thank you to Adrienne Giordano and The Dangerous Darlings for providing me a copy of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Another private protector to add to my favorites list. First there was Vic, then I fell for Michael. Now it's Lynx.
I've enjoyed the entire series, and this book was no exception. It starts off with a bang and the action continues to come at a breakneck pace. Meanwhile, the hero and heroine struggle with Lynx's former addiction to pain killers. This part of the story was handled very well by the author.
One of these days, I'm going to start with book one and read the series straight through. I enjoy seeing the progression of characters and how the Taylor Security's alpha guys are all brought to heel by their women!
Once again I loved this next book in the Private Protectors series. I so look forward to each book and I just love keeping up with Vic and his growing family. Lynx and Jillian were fantastic and I'm so happy with their happily-ever-after. I know this book hasn't been out long but how soon before the next book? :)
I'm a big fan of Adrienne Giordano's heroes. Jackson Lynx of Opposing Forces is no exception. Giordano did a masterful job with Lynx's journey. LOVE, love, love!
I love that Ms Giordano's re-releasing of this series is giving me an excuse to read the books that I've missed from it (or re-read, as the case may be)! Lynx and Jillian's story was unputdownable--I read it in a single day!
Both Lynx and Jillian felt so real--they each have their own plans for their lives--which, of course, do not include finding a relationship!--and though their chemistry is undeniable, they also have very solid reasons why a relationship between them can't possibly work.
And then you throw in the very real danger that Lisa is in, the danger that Lynx and his coworkers are soon drawn into--and suddenly the question changes from will their relationship survive? to will they survive to have a relationship?
Like the other books in the series, Opposing Forces is full of twists and turns--just when the characters (and the reader!) think they *might* know what is going on, everything changes yet again, leaving you on the edge of your seat. Ms Giordano does a great job of keeping the reader at the edge of their seat, rooting not only for Jillian and Lynx to figure out the mystery, but for them to find an HEA together in the end.
Which they--spoiler alert!--do. But she makes them work for it...and it's worth it in the end. I finished this one with a smile on my face and a happy sigh :)
It definitely didn't hurt that Lynx is good friends with Vic (Man Law) as well as his coworker, so we see plenty of Vic (and Gina!) here...
If you enjoy romantic suspense, this is the series for you! Opposing Forces *could* work as a standalone, but why would you want to just read one? ;)
Rating: 4 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
What a ride Ms. Giordano takes you on in this book. There were so many twists and turns I got whiplash! I love this type of book with action, suspense, mystery, and attraction thrown in. I loved Jack’s character and the effort that he put in to maintain his sobriety. He had a one year goal. I will say that I didn’t like the fact that his friends pressured him into not reaching the goal he set for himself. I think for someone coming out of an addiction problem, no matter how crazy this friends thought this particular goal was, they should have supported him in this and helped him to reach his goal. For addicts, reaching milestones are extremely important and this is one area of the book that I did not like. Jillian was relatable and one of those who had to really did deep to find her strength amidst of unsurmountable challenges. Although she had her reasons for being skeptical with entertaining a relationship with an addict, Jack had proven time and time again that he was trustworthy. He was also honest from the beginning about his addiction problem and recovery efforts. However, she was less forthcoming and honest which is what I didn’t like about her. She wanted him to put it all out there but she wasn’t willing to do the same or acknowledge the issues that she had and be willing to deal with them like Jack was. All in all, I loved this story and the crazy secondary characters from Taylor Security. I highly recommend this book.
Adrienne Giordano has done it once again with the last installment of her Private Protectors Series, Opposing Forces...I was captivated, drawn in, and lost track of time from the Prologue. With such dynamic stories, this author is able to breath 3D life into 2D characters. Through her gift for the written word, Ms Giordano created a story that nearly turns the pages by itself...even my iPad could barely keep up with the speed to which I was plowing through the story.
With the perfect combination of intrigue, greed, tension, suspense, and of course romance...not to mention wry bantering and quips that’ll keep you in stitches (thanks Vic)...all the bases (yes a baseball metaphor in honor for this author’s love of the game) are covered in keeping the story riveting and exciting. Bringing back previous characters, love, love, love Gavin and Janet (they are still probably my favorite couple...sorry Jack and Jillian) keeps the series as a whole alive and current.
Ms Giordano is not only a gifted suspense/intrigue author, but her lighter, laughter filled cozy mysteries are also ones that’ll demonstrate just what a versatile author she is. I’m certainly hoping there’s still more goodness to come from this series, I’ve been hooked from the first book.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the author. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well. The story has laughs, pain, suspense and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first Risking Trust (Private Protectors, #1) Man Law (Private Protectors, #2) A Just Deception (Private Protectors, #3) Negotiating Point (Private Protectors, #4) Relentless Pursuit (Private Protectors, #5)
This is Jillian and Jackson’s story. Jackson is getting his life back together and has just finished his first-year anniversary of kicking his prescription drug habit. Jillian loves her job but gets into a little trouble when a weird delivery comes to her work which leaves her unsettled. Then her hoe is broken into and she needs help. Jackson is going to help her but with that help she brings a lot of temptation in the form of attraction. She can feel the chemistry, but she can’t under any circumstances get involved with an addict. But what happens when she needs more protection then just a security system and is around him a lot. Secrets are reveled which could make or break them. Can they really have a future?
I loved these characters. This book had a ton of laughs. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
Jillian has grown up with an alcoholic father and doesn’t trust many people, especially ones with addiction. I can’t imagine what she went through growing up. At least it has made her a hard worker which she is hoping will get her a better job at the pharmaceutical company she works at.
Jillian has noticed that the handsome Jack Lynx stares at her at times during yoga class. She has stayed away from relationships since she does not trust most people. When Jillian has a break in at her home, she remembers Jack works for a security company so she asks him for help. This is the beginning of a scary and dangerous time for Jillian and Jack. I couldn’t believe that Jack has went for almost a year without a relationship with a woman. After he got hooked on Vicodin because of a messed up knee, he is determined to kick the habit. It was great the determination Jack had to kick his habit. But when he ends up telling Jillian about it, she doesn’t know if she can have a relationship with him because of her father. The two needed better communication, but then again don’t most of us? There are some really dicey situations that had me on the edge of my seat. This is a good book that I encourage you to read. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
.The much-anticipated Opposing Forces is the 6th installment of the Private Protector series, and it does not disappoint! From the chilling opening chapter I was hooked. Jillian Murdoch works for a pharmaceutical company, and she’s eager to move up the corporate ladder. A series of mysterious events at work, followed by a frightening break-in at her home lead her to ask the sexy guy from her yoga class for help. Said sexy guy, Jack, works in the protection industry. A recovering pill addict, he’s had his eye on Jillian for a while, but has resisted making any moves until his self-imposed year of celibacy (part of his recovery) has expired. But when Jillian asks him for help installing an alarm system in her home, he can’t refuse her. The situation quickly escalates as the danger to Jillian intensifies, and Jack and Jillian find themselves in the middle of a DEA investigation with international implications, while fighting their immense attraction to each other and their own internal demons. This book rolls right along at a good pace, with a great story and truly relatable characters. I especially love how the author brings back other characters from earlier books in the series. What a fun way to add continuity and keep us up to date on folks we grew to care about!!
I think this is a series that was written several years ago, maybe before ebooks, and I believe I read some of this series before. All the characters and their names were very familiar to me, however, if I really did read this series before, I don’t remember this book or story. Therefore, it was a fun book for me to read. Romantic suspense is my catnip and I think this story held up very well. Jack Lynx has gone to work for the security business which is glue throughout this series, and has gotten out of the political world of D.C. He is fighting some demons but has noticed Jillian in his yoga class. Jillian works for a Pharmaceutical company, and sees something she was not supposed to see. Naturally both characters have demons especially when it comes to relationships. This story really kept my interest between the mystery going on when Jillian asked Jack for help, and watching them navigate a relationship. This was an easy read for me, and when I have time, I may go back and re read the other books in this series. I always like Ms. Giordano’s writing, and thought this was a particularly well written book.
Jack Lynx left a important position in DC to work for Taylor Security in Chicago. He was burned out and turned to a prescription drug for escape. With his one year anniversary of sobriety days away, Jillian, a Yoga classmate, asks for help getting a security system. Her home was broken into. Jack likes her and wants to protect her. Unfortunately Jillian saw something at work that puts her in danger. Can Jack save her from a ruthless enemy that will destroy anyone who stands in their way? The attraction between these two is powerful but they both have emotional baggage that overshadows their desire for each other. I wasn't sure that they could reconcile their feelings and have a future together. I couldn't put down Opposing Forces. Jillian and Jack are strong and won't back down when faced with a difficult situation. The other members of Taylor Security are there to back them up. This story is action packed and relevant in today's world. I enjoyed this latest book in The Private Protectors series. I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I have enjoyed books by this author, and though I had not read this series, I thought I would give this book a try. The main characters are Jack Lynx, and Jillian Murdock. Jack is VP at Taylor Security. He’s had a tough year with his health and has taken a hiatus with women due to his past addiction with pain killers. Jillian, works at a pharmaceutical company and met Jack during yoga practice. When she needs help with a home security he helps and needless to say, the attraction is there. When her life is in danger, it’s Jack whom she seeks. The story was filled with suspense and of course, romance. I have to confess that I feel I would have benefited more if I had read the previous stories and that the characters were not my favorite. Because of that, for me , it was more a 3.5 stars story, but I respect this author and for that , I will give it a 4 stars review. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Jillian saw a late delivery at work that she was not supposed to see. Her home broken into right after that, she asks Lynx about a home security system. From there, things snowballed as they work to uncover the dark secrets of her employer.
I loved the flow of this book. It was like a roller coaster. You go up and up and then holy sh*t, hold on to your glasses! Then you’d have a nice mellow ride for a bit before you are suddenly on a corkscrew that seemingly has no end! You catch your breath before you’re jackknifed back and slung forward so fast that you fear you’ll need a neck brace!
I loved Lynx & Jillian. Their inner demons and how they worked through them. How they worked things out - as a couple. It is how relationships should be, and I loved to see that.
Opposing Forces is a great book, it moved quickly from the beginning. It’s filled with suspense, action, intrigue and enough plot twists that I wasn’t able to guess what was coming next. I enjoyed the story between Jillian and Jackson. I thought Adrienne Giordano did a great job describing Jack’s struggle with his addiction. I also liked the relationship Jack had with Vic. This is the first book I have read in this series. I now have to start at the beginning to see what I’ve missed! I’m looking forward to reading more about Vic and Gina as well as Gavin and Janet. I definitely recommend this book.
A yoga teacher is in need for protection when a shipment goes missing. She turns to one of her clients for help in setting up security for her studio and ends up needing protection as someone is out to get her.
The sparks will heat up as the two will not be able to deny their hidden attraction. It will be more than her body that will require protection as hearts will be on the line.
This is another winner in this series that combine love and danger together.
Addiction, suicide, big pharma, romance, and action. Wow! The reason for four stars instead of five is actually a personal preference for no foul language. Most people will not even notice. There is humor, suspense, personal growth, and strong friendships. Thanks to the author for providing a copy.
Found this to be a fast paced adventure that keeps you enthralled throughout. The characters are endearing with obstacles to overcome and personal struggle to concur. They are strong and have intense connections. This author always brings us a great story. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
From start to finish this is a action packed story that throws in a lot of roadblocks for Jack and Jillian to transverse before they can make sense of what is going on. Strong characters who have personal issues that could derail their efforts. Can they overcome in time to keep everyone safe. Can there be a happy ever after? A definite late night read.
This book has a lot of mystery and a lot about the workings of addiction. The romance is complicated for them. Enjoyable but not as enjoyable for me as the other books in this series.
This is a great series I'm going to read them all. I'm on #3 can't wait to read the rest and hope there are at least ten in this series. Adrienne Giordano is one of my favorite authors. Thank you for great books.