Challenging conventional notions of "normal," Cryle and Stephens trace the term's historical evolution since its emergence around 1820. They delve into the cultural and intellectual debates surrounding identity—encompassing disability, gender, race, and sexuality—through a series of intriguing case studies. The authors examine the term's origins in scientific fields like medicine and its transformation over time, highlighting the complexities of normality versus abnormality. This comprehensive exploration reveals the cultural struggles that have shaped the concept of normality and its societal implications.
KikiThere's no way I'm letting this alien who calls me his Xiveri mate claim me as his. He may say the right things and stir emotions in me I never expected to feel again for any male, but his kind has already taken too much from me as is.Trapped now on his harsh, snow-consumed planet waiting to be hunted, with no way of escape, I'll do the only thing I can. The one thing I've been training for since the aliens first came to the human moon colony to hurt us. I'll fight.?Va'RakuNobu has never seen a queen before who is able to wield sword and staff, fist and tongue. A warrior queen, and mine to claim. But when her hate puts the entire village at risk, I finally come to understand the provenance of her pain.While she is the only one who can unravel it, I can teach her control, acceptance, release. But first I will need her trust. And only then can we fight together against our shared enemy and bring him to his knees.
DeenaRhork. He's a space pirate. The bad kind. But he's also been my only source of company for the past rotation that I've been held captive.Halfway across the galaxy, I'm happy to have finally escaped and found more humans...well, I was.But now, I'm not so sure that people are so much better than pirates. And I'm very sure that I'll need Rhork's help to get out of this. But Rhork thinks I'm a defective female because of my twisted leg. What if he's not willing to give it?RhorkCommunicating with the human female for almost a rotation was, in retrospect, a poor choice. Now, she seems to be the ever-present voice in my head, distracting me, making me want things I shouldn't.To make her a pirate.To show her the universe.And most of all, to keep her for myself.
Svera is caught in a complicated relationship with Krisxox, her protector and tormentor, which defies her religious beliefs about spending time with males. Despite his disdain for humans, he joins her on a mission to a human colony, where they face deception, betrayal, and pirates. This mission is particularly dangerous as they possess coordinates to an unprotected human space station that the pirate king desires. As they navigate this perilous situation, the tension between them escalates—Krisxox is a short-tempered brute who wants to keep her alive, but their conflicting natures threaten their survival.
Krisxox struggles with his feelings for her, wanting to break their bond while simultaneously protecting her from the pirates who aim to exploit her. As they find themselves trapped together in a dungeon, he realizes that keeping her safe becomes increasingly difficult. The story unfolds with themes of fated mates and enemies-to-lovers, featuring a possessive alpha alien and a resilient heroine. This standalone SciFi romance promises an engaging blend of epic world-building and steamy interactions. Readers can expect a thrilling narrative filled with action and a guaranteed happy ending, while the intense scenes may be unsettling for some.
