You're someone who just wants to know a little bit more about the living world around you or your green neighborhood, plants. Good news . . . this book is your oyster! Read it at your leisure, starting with whatever topic fascinates you most. I include several examples of how biology impacts everyday life to help keep your interest piqued. If biology is the study of life and life is so complex, then you may be wondering where to even begin in your study of biology. Never fear. This part breaks down the all-encompassing field of biology into smaller, more palatable chunks. First, we take a look at the living world and then explain exactly how biology is studied (hint: the scientific method is a huge part of it). Next, we give you a review of the types of molecules that are important to a cell's functioning (yes, this means delving into some basic chemistry; sorry!). Then we spotlight the most basic unit of life - the cell. Every organism, whether it's a human, a dog, a flower, a strep throat bacterium, or an amoeba, has at least one cell (most actually have millions). Finally, because cells need energy to function, we explain just where that energy comes from. Biology is the study of living things - how they reproduce, how they change and respond to the environment, and how they obtain the energy and matter they need to grow. One goal of this part is to immerse you in the world of biology so you can understand how biologists go about studying living things and know what chemical components make up all forms of life. Living things with many cells, like you, are made up of organ systems, organs, tissues, and cells. Cells are the smallest entities that show all the properties of life, so that's where we begin zeroing in on things. The other goal of this part is to acquaint you with the structure of cells and how they obtain the energy they need to function.

Maya, an innocent nurse, finds herself forced to accept protection from the Phantoms motorcycle gang, specifically the dangerous, irresistible biker, Jake Ford. ***** Maya has a normal life and a normal boyfriend, Sebastian. But one day she drops off a letter to a prison for a patient under her care, and finds herself being watched over by a dangerous, handsome biker. It turns out Maya is under the protection of Jake Ford, and despite her feelings for Sebastian, she can't resist the pull of Jake's strong arms, dark looks and chequered past. Soon criminals are coming after her, and Jake is the only one who can keep her safe. Will Maya hide behind her good-girl reputation, or let go and lose herself in the passionate world of Jake Ford? Content and/or trigger warning: This story contains scenes of violence and sexual activity, which may be triggering for some readers. [[word count: 150,000-200,000 words]] Cover designer: Ren T. Photographer: Michelle Lancaster Model: Jaxon Human