A solo holiday in rural France improves dramatically when artist Harriet Sommers meets Jean-Jacques, a gorgeous gardener with a passion for spanking. A relaxing break in rural France becomes a working holiday when artist Harriet Sommers accepts a last-minute commission to illustrate a new edition of the Kama Sutra. Unfortunately, Harriet's love life is so empty she can scarcely remember what naked people do together, and she's fresh out of creative juice. Help arrives when a mysterious, muscular Frenchman appears in the garden of her holiday home, offering to remove his clothes. Before long, Harriet and Jean-Jacques are showing the Kama Sutra a thing or two. But is this just a holiday fling? Or can a French fancy last longer?

The book will enlarge, complicate, and challenge our understanding of the eighteenth-century European and Atlantic worlds.

Critical Acclaim for TOP SECRET TALES of World War II "A book for rainy days and long solitary nights by the fire. If there were a genre for cozy nonfiction, this would be the template."-Publishers Weekly "Perfect for the curious and adventure readers and those who love exotic tales and especially history buffs who will be surprised at what they didn't know. Recommended for nearly everyone."-Kirkus Reviews This war was fought by soldiers out of uniform. Stealth and ingenuity were their weapons. Victory was their only code of conduct. In Top Secret Tales of World War II, noted military historian William Breuer documents espionage-in all its forms-as it evolved in the hands of both Allied and Axis agents of intelligence and counterintelligence. Here you'll find riveting tales of patriotism and treachery, subversion and sabotage, kidnappings and assassinations, and bribes and blackmailing-with frequently startling revelations about the secret wars behind both the battlefields and the headlines.

In an era where traditional investment paradigms are being constantly redefined by technological innovation and the global push towards sustainability, Themes in Alternative Investments emerges as a seminal volume designed to guide investors, finance professionals, and scholars through the complex terrain of non-traditional financial vehicles. This volume presents a thorough exploration of the interconnections between cutting-edge technology, dynamic market forces, and the intricate regulatory landscapes shaping the future of finance. With a spotlight on burgeoning investment mediums such as cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), private equity, and fine wine, it provides a critical analysis of the burgeoning domain of sustainable finance solutions amidst the digital revolution. The contributors to this volume undertake a meticulous examination of alternative investments, presenting a nuanced narrative that spans from the infamous Tuna Bonds scandal to the high-profile downfalls of Silicon Valley Bank and the FTX exchange. This narrative delves into the profound implications of technological advancements on market infrastructures, scrutinising the shifting contours of financial fraud and the paramount importance of robust regulatory frameworks in upholding market integrity. Themes in Alternative Investments not only dissects the allure and pitfalls of these emergent investment avenues but also casts a critical eye on the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping investment strategies and market operations. The discussion transcends the mere identification of opportunities and challenges, offering a deep dive into the mechanisms by which technology and AI are becoming pivotal in the detection and prevention of market manipulation and fraud. As the landscape of alternative investments expands, driven by investor appetite for innovation and higher yields, this volume serves as an indispensable resource. It equips stakeholders with the analytical tools and insights needed to discern the complexities of these investment strategies, navigate their risks, and harness the potential of financial markets evolving under the influence of digital transformation and sustainability imperatives.

A thoroughly detailed guide to this region of France, with full information on where to stay, how to get around, the history & culture, sights to see, and what to do. Following are a few excerpts from the guide. Some of Europe''s most beautiful cities, stunning beaches and serene, vineyard-dotted countryside are in the Aquitaine region, yet it remains underrated and undiscovered by most tourists. Bordeaux, an epicenter for wonderful wine, is an amazingly vast and entertaining city that is constantly abuzz. To the south lies the enchanting Basque Country, a region crossing into Spain whose borders are not official, but whose people are vehemently (and sometimes violently) proud and independent. Much of the Aquitaine region is a national park. Along the Pyrenees and the Spanish border are several quaint mountain and seaside villages, such as St-Jean-Pied-au-Port and Oloron-Sainte-Marie. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, practically kissing the Spanish border, is one of the prettiest small cities in all of France. The Aquitaine is a place to indulge, be it in wine, fabulous food, relaxing spa therapies, ocean breezes or incredible shopping. The outdoor adventures here are one of the main attractions. The Basque Country attracts visitors from around the globe for its year-round surfing. The national park, spanning a massive stretch of Atlantic coast, beckons those interested in watersports. The Pyrenees to the south of the region offer splendid hiking and skiing opportunities. Tip: To see Aquitaine arts and crafts in the creation stage, and to buy great locally-made wares, make stops along the Route des M(r)tiers d''Arts (contact the Association pour la Promotion des M(r)tiers d''Art d''Aquitaine, tel. 33-05-57-22-57-36, 353 Boulevard du Pr(r)sident Wilson in Bordeaux, www.route- metiers-d-art-aquitaine.com). They have maps and a book on various artists in the region. Popular in France since the 1960s, thalassotherapy means sea-water cure. It was discovered by a Tour de France cyclist healed from his injuries by seawater in his Brittany home. Today, there are numerous thalassotherapy treatment centers in the Aquitaine. Treatments are catered to each visitor, and can be used to address any number of ailments. Or just go for the sake of relaxation, a noble cause indeed. A new trend has been combining spa treatments with vinotherapy, or wine treatments. What could possibly be more indulgent, or uniquely French? Additionally, many of these treatment centers have their own upscale accommodations and gourmet restaurants (although most allow for booking of just therapies without overnight stays). Bordeaux is an absolute paradise for shopaholics and wine aficionados. Easily one of France''s most beautiful and interesting cities, Bordeaux''s pedestrian shopping zone is constantly filled with tourists and locals alike. As a hub of the Bordeaux wine-producing region, there are numerous shops selling high-quality wines at low prices. There are many tours to the area''s grandiose wine choteaux for tastings in stunning settings. The city''s shopping options are vast, ranging from small malls to tiny locally-owned boutiques.