MARY

Adel always wanted a family to love her, and she may be close to getting her wish. Upon realizing she’s the Child of Prophecy destined to lead the empire, Duke Aizen adopts Adel—but only for a month! Given an uncertain future, Adel tries to win over the hearts of as many of her found family as she can: her reserved adoptive father, the reluctant maid, even the colorful group that makes up her guards. Will it take more than being good (and eating those yucky bell peppers) to stay in this castle she now considers home?

“So you’re that gay guy, huh?”Stefan has flown all the way to Texas for his best friend Charlotte’s four-day wedding extravaganza! Unfortunately for him, that also means spending time with his nemesis of 10 years – Charlotte’s brother, Rand. But why is Rand acting so nice? Something strange is going on… (Manta Comics)

Millionaires prefer blondes!It was certainly the case for Luke Cunningham. The American tycoon had seen Angelica Lonsdale in a crowded street and followed her, mesmerized by her long blonde hair. He would stop at nothing until he had her!But Angelica had more pressing problems than dealing with infatuated millionaires–however gorgeous. To save her family home she needed nothing short of a miracle.Luke Cunningham didn’t consider himself hero material, but if the only way he could get Angelica into his bed was by assuming the role of a knight in shining armor …he was quite prepared to dust off his shield! He had an ideal solution to her problem and his–marriage! She’d get to keep her home, he’d get the woman he wanted right where he wanted her! But lust wasn’t any basis for matrimony …was it?

Canadian comics publisher Drawn & Quarterly has distinguished itself during its four years of publishing by releasing a wonderfully idiosyncratic series of comic book serials notable for an emphasis on autobiographical stories, loose expressive drawing styles and characters either stuck on or passing through the social margins. This beautifully produced trade paperback collects work from D&Q's equally quirky, eponymous quarterly anthology and presents shorter pieces by some of the best young comic artists of the moment. Michael Dougan ( I Can't Tell You Anything ) contributes ``Black Cherry,'' another of his ``dumb job'' stories that recreates the parade of oddballs and crazies that frequent an ice cream parlour where he used to work. Maurice Vellekoops (who contributed the richly colored, ``scandalously'' funny cover art) presents ``The 8 pillars of Gay Culture'' and ``Homoman,'' both of which happily exploit gay sterotypes (`` `did you hire a decorator?' `Of course not; I'm a homosexual.' '') with mischievous, politically incorrect wit. Also note Debbie Drechsler's disturbing (and nicely drawn) ``Visitors in the Night'' on child sexual exploitation; and Joe Matt, Mr. Peep Show himself, who would like to share his darkest secret with us--it's crude and very funny--whether we want to know it or not. Also includes Carol Tyler, Roberta Gregory, David Mazzucchelli, Mary Fleener and others.

Harriet can’t believe it when a handsome lawyer steals a kiss from her and tells her that her lips are sweet. How had this happened? Upon inheriting a mansion from her great-aunt, Harriet had considered selling it, but in the end she decided to renovate and rent out the upper floors. Her tenant is Finn, the man who kissed her. He’s a troublemaker, hosting one party after another with countless women coming and going. Harriet goes to tell him that enough is enough! But Finn has other plans…