The Orchid Thief is Susan Orlean’s tale of an amazing obsession. Determined to clone an endangered flower—the rare ghost orchid Polyrrhiza lindenii—a deeply eccentric and oddly attractive man named John Laroche leads Orlean on an unforgettable tour of America’s strange flower-selling subculture, through Florida’s swamps and beyond, along with the Seminoles who help him and the forces of justice who fight him.

In the end, Orlean—and the reader—will have more respect for underdog determination and a powerful new definition of passion.

In this edition, Orlean revisits this unforgettable world, and the route by which it was brought to the screen in the film Adaptation, in a new retrospective essay.

Ridin' the edge of lust is fun until someone falls in love. Goody-two boots AJ Foster has waited her entire life for her dream cowboy Cord McKay to see her as more than the neighbor girl in pigtails. Now that she's old enough to stake her claim on him, she's pulling out all the sexual stops and riding hell-bent for leather straight for his libido.

Divorced rancher Cord has sworn off all women until innocent AJ suggests he teach her how to ride bareback—and she realizes she doesn't mean horses or bulls. Between his responsibilities running his massive ranch, missing his young son, and dealing with the sexual shenanigans of his brother and cousins, Cord is more than willing to take AJ up on her offer. On a trial basis.

The fun and games tie them both up in knots. AJ isn't willing to settle for less than the whole shootin' match with her western knight. But for Cord, even though the sexy cowgirl sets his blood ablaze, he's determined to resist her efforts to lasso his battered heart. Sweet, determined AJ has the power to heal or heel the gruff cowboy—unless Cord's pride keeps him from admitting their relationship is more than a simple roll in the hay.

Born to be His Bride?

It is said that Braden MacAllister, an English baron and proud Highlander warrior, can fell an enemy with a single blow—and a woman with a single kiss. But not Maggie, it seems. For the fire-haired beauty, determined to end the long-running feud that rages between their clan and its common foe, is immune to Braden's attempts to stop her foolishness.

But stop her he will, once he gets the meddling minx alone and favors her with a passionate caress and an irresistible kiss.

No matter how she trembles beneath Braden's sensuous touch... he has given his heart to none. But dare she dream that by assuring peace for her clan she may also be claiming the most magnificent Highlander for herself?