The Billionaire Shell Game

Witty, brilliantly reported, and wickedly revealing, "The Billionaire Shell Game" follows the best and brightest of the information age as they enthusiastically spend their stockholders' money in the pursuit of the glittering future.

"An alarming, fact-driven jeremiad urging change and action." –Kirkus The first comprehensive look at how politicians let the entertainment industry bilk taxpayers, hijack public policy and hurt economic investment, starting and ending with Trump. From stadiums and movie productions to casinos and mega-malls to convention centers and hotels, cities and states have paid out billions of dollars in tax breaks, subsidies, and grants to the world's corporate titans. They hope to boost their economies, create new and better jobs, and lure well-known events such as the Super Bowl--not to mention give their officials the chance to meet celebrities. That Big Entertainment drives bigger economies is a myth, however. Overwhelming evidence shows catering public policy to its promises results in a raw deal for the taxpaying public. In The Billionaire Boondoggle, Garofalo takes readers on a tour of publicly-subsidized corporate America to explain how that myth came to be, how much money America's elected officials throw away, and why courting Big Entertainment just courts disaster. You’ll learn how Maryland gave millions of dollars to Netflix to make House of Cards, and Nevada spent hundreds of millions on a new home for the NFL’s Raiders. New Mexico paid big money to host The Avengers, while city after city fell prey to the debt trap that is the Olympics. You’ll see how big sporting goods stores like Bass Pro Shops and big casinos across the country all get in on the subsidy scam. And you’ll see how many cities got in bed with hotel titans, including Donald J. Trump himself. This book is the go-to guide for the many ways in which American taxpayers unknowingly subsidize the TV shows they watch, the sports teams they root for and the hotels they sleep in, all based on an economic theory that only adds up for CEOs and bigwigs.

A Spanish billionaire’s steamy dalliance makes him a father and perhaps a husband in this contemporary romance by a USA Today–bestselling author. Lola Price didn’t dare tell Rodrigo Cabrera she was pregnant, after he spurned her. But now that he’s discovered her secret, he’s determined his child will take his name! While their mutual desire in the marriage bed is undeniable, Rodrigo keeps himself at a distance. Yet fiery Lola won’t be pushed away again. She’ll show Rodrigo that their son and their relationship are worth fighting for! Indulge in this dramatic secret-baby story!

Abbie has just broken some surprising news to Thomas—they're expecting their first child. With their fake marriage only one month away and Thomas's inheritance to be decided soon, Abbie and Thomas now face the prospect of parenthood. While Abbie is fearful that a baby will take away her identity, she wants to keep their child. But Thomas harbors an even greater fear, something he has hidden from Abbie, and it just may rip the two of them apart. Can Abbie and Thomas's love for each other conquer everything that life has thrown at them?

USA Today bestselling author Chris Keniston is back with another page turning series set in the rolling hills of Texas Ranch country. Meet the Barons; handsome, beautiful, smart, ambitious, and did we mention wealthy? If you love big families, fast cars, romance, and puppies, then join us at Paradise Ridge, but be warned, once you fall in love with the billionaire Barons of Texas, you may never want to leave. This collection includes books 1-3 of the series. Just One Date : Home for a family wedding, Chase Baron has a plan to avoid his grandfather’s matchmaking—hire an actress to be his date. No strings and no commitments is just the ticket for no complications. When CJ Lawson’s ditzy sister takes a last minute acting role out of town, CJ has to take over her sister’s local job —cozying up to a wealthy and sinfully handsome billionaire. What could possibly go wrong? Just One Spark : A race car driver at the peak of his career, Kyle Baron is forced to put the brakes on his fast-paced life after a broken wrist sidelines him from the track. Meanwhile, Addison Raymond, an engineer who's always played it safe, finds herself in need of a change after a corporate cutback. The two couldn't be more different. But despite their differences, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never expected. Will they discover that love can be the biggest adventure of all. Just One Dance : When hardworking perfume chemist and billionaire philanthropist Eve Baron meets the family’s wealthy and charming ranching neighbor Jared Gold at a charity gala, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. But her hands-on philosophy for charity and Jared’s preference to simply cut a check is only one thing they don’t see eye to eye on. With their busy lives and Jared’s playboy past between them, can they make a relationship work? A heartwarming and romantic tale of two people finding love while making a difference in the world. Also in the Billionaire Barons of Texas Series: Just One Take Just One Taste Just One Shot Just One Chance Just One Mistake Just One Family Just One Rodeo Just One Surprise Just One Look

Abbie Tell has had it with men, especially since the last one she dated kept track of the miles on her car with a spreadsheet. After leaving her oppressive home behind to make it as an artist, Abbie has sworn that she will remain single and create a life for herself. But when she risks losing her art gallery and having to go back home, Abbie is desperate. To pay her bills, she must become an artist to the stunning billionaire Thomas Maxwell. That's fine—except that it turns out Thomas is also in trouble. Known for being hot, single, and adventurous, Thomas must look like he's settling down with a woman in order to inherit the family business. And Abbie's the best candidate. So what's the solution? Fake dating! It's only an act, after all, and Abbie swears she will never fall for Thomas...

To describe Donald J. Trump as unfit for office is not sufficient unless you can also explain in detail exactly why. That is what this book is intended to do and in great detail as captured in a series of columns written by the author. Paul Schwartz is a political columnist and has focused on the Trump administration and its mismanagement, from Trump’s misunderstanding of import tariffs to his total lack of understanding of how illegal drugs are smuggled into our country across the southern border to his embarrassing July 4 speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial during which he referred to George Washington’s use of air power. If you want to reminisce about Trump’s miscues, this is the book for you. It is a time capsule of that administration from inauguration to impeachment.