Another part of the series, this time with more welcoming material and a personal favorite (or at least one of the few).A retired MLB pitcher finds love and redemption via a hurled can of humble soup. Refusing to obey signals cost him his career, once--but this time--a beanball is exactly what's called for, and the signs all make sense. Making a hero often requires a "zero" to balance the equation. Seeing life from both sides of the fence, the protagonist reconciles his past, finds humility, and creates a new beginning. This story isn't about about baseball, though it makes significant commentary on contemporary status, thereof, and incisively nails what's wrong with the sport...where greed has driven it awry. This narrative is primarily about what's truly important in life--what's solidly pure and what's vacuously hollow--what's important when looming largely in front of us, but insignificant in the rear-view mirror with distance applied. Dreams and aspirations loudly drive us when young, while wisdom softly chuckles from the quiet perch of maturity. Each has its time and purpose. Views: 733
Maggie Jordan is not supposed to be having adventures. Her mission is to go to Gaia, a new, unpopulated world, and study the native life forms there. So how come she finds herself in on the female dominated Yonnie Six instead, rescuing a huge, muscular prisoner? The same prisoner she keeps seeing over and over again in her dreams…
Korexiroth—or Kor, as Maggie dubs him, is a slave who spent his life fighting in the savage arenas of the Blood Circuit. He’s got plenty of kills under his belt and more than enough reasons to run as soon as he gets free. But somehow he can’t make himself part from the girl who was brave enough to save him from certain death.
Now Maggie and Kor are on the run together, trying desperately to find someone to remove the alien device that was implanted in Maggie as punishment for her thievery of an expensive slave. The device, or “slut button” as it is called, forces Maggie to sexual excesses the shy scientist has never known before—and Kor is the only one who can help her control her new urges.
Kor is more than willing to help Maggie satisfy her new sexual hunger but his own appetites are not so easily satiated. For there is a dark secret, a shadow from his past that stalks him and whispers of power beyond belief if only he will give himself over to darkness.
Will they find a way to return Maggie to normal? Will Kor admit how he really feels for her? Or with the shadow from his past succeed is tearing them apart? Views: 733
While prospecting a creek in the Cariboo Mountains near Barkerville in 1866, Pete comes across the corpse of a murdered man clutching a gold watch in his hand. Pete decides to return the watch to Sylvia, the name engraved on the back, but the owner of the watch, even though he is dead, has vengeance in mind, and a job for Pete. This story first appeared in Crimson Online Magazine #13, 2000.She lay abandoned, moored to the south end of Luna Farside, left for scrap. Captain Dak Smith saw in her something special, an opportunity to burn for the far horizon as an independent, free from the gloms that hold known space in thrall – but he had to get her running first. Armed with a standard-issue captain's eyebrow and an infectious grin, Captain Smith and his hand-picked crew embark on an adventure through deep space filled with scoundrels, pirates, and some incredibly unfortunate peace-loving rocks that happened to be at the wrong place, at the worst time. Views: 733
Nothing up her sleeves...or so she’s been led to believe.
Showgirl Holly Starr is sick and tired of assisting her dad, a celebrity magician, in his Las Vegas casino magic show. As soon as he keeps his promise to her and shares the secrets to his tricks, she can break out on her own. But can she really make it? For years Holly has taken medication to stave off crazy hallucinations that she can levitate objects. Just when she thinks she’s ready to make a career and a life for herself, her medicine—and her luck—run out.
Elijah Brown suffers from a similar delusion—that he can read minds—and he’s out of medicine too. Determined to save himself and his old flame Holly, he kidnaps her and takes her straight to the source, a town high in the Rockies where their medicine is made. What they discover there leads them to suspect their powers are not imaginary after all...and neither is the intense attraction they feel for each other.
They make a pact to stick together as they return to Vegas to confront the people who kept them in the dark so long. But soon they’re pitting their powers against each other in a dangerous world where the nightlife is seductive, domination is addictive, the sex is beyond belief...and falling in love is murder. Views: 733
Three comrades from a reconnaissance space ship go against orders and end up crashing their rover on Planet Argel. Their little jaunt thrusts them into life changing experiences. The three face death by the planet’s royal government and reassessment of their own values. They must make the decision to stay or return to ship. However, it may not be their call.Strange sounds emanating from the swamp startled Jack during the night. Alone in the house, he wondered what was outside. Would he determine what was tormenting him before it was too late?A short story with about 2300 words. Views: 733
Aern's only job is to protect the chosen. Things are tricky enough, but when her sister shows up to take Aern hostage, all bets are off. He discovers she's working toward her own prophecy, and he's got no choice but to keep her safe. When the opposition descends, their only hope is to stick together, but the truth unravels, and together might prove the biggest complication of them all.Twenty-two-year-old Aern is done watching his brother destroy the only thing that matters. He never wanted to take Morgan’s place among council, never wanted to rule their hidden world. But when the key to the prophecy is found, a young girl named Brianna whom Morgan will destroy, Aern knows he has to take action.What he really wants, is for things to go back to normal. But now he’s kidnapped a girl, and his brother’s men are after him. His only hope is to join with the Division, but they have plans of their own, and it’s the last thing Aern is willing to do.Emily just wants her sister back. She doesn't care about the prophecy, or realize what’s at stake. But when she goes after Aern, the truth of the matter uncoils, and Brianna isn't the only one who’s in danger.Suddenly, they’re at the center of a secret war, and unless they can work together, they’ll both have a sacrifice too big to make. Views: 733
How is an overworked homicide investigator supposed to find a killer when she's so distracted by her own family problems? As things heat up at work, little things start to suggest that Larry's got something bigger than bickering parents to worry about. Secrets from her past begin to creep in, putting everyone in danger. Who can she trust when the chips are down? It's time to turn to Miz Scarlet!The third book in the popular Scarlet Wilson Mystery Series....The time-honored Red Sox versus Yankees rivalry...bitter, divorced parents who can't stop bickering...a challenging teenage daughter who questions everything her mother tells her....These are the least of overworked homicide investigator Laurencia Rivera's troubles when she's stalked during an important case.A teenager turns up dead in the woods, brutally murdered, and it looks like it might be politically motivated....the short-handed homicide team can't seem to get a handle on the case...things just keep going wrong....Is someone trying to intimidate Laurencia Rivera and her investigators, to protect the killer and prevent him from being caught?Better known as Larry, the gutsy, romance-challenged Connecticut state trooper is desperate to avoid World War III when her parents announce they are both coming for the holidays. She thinks that renting a room for her father at the Four Acorns Inn will solve the problem, but it just makes everything worse. -- Larry's mother is offended that her ex-husband, a Boston Red Sox assistant coach, gets all the pampering; she's determined to kick up a fuss. When Mama's unhappy, everyone is going to hear about it!Sometimes the only thing for a good friend to do at a time like this is to offer respite from a quickly unraveling family life by stepping in and taking charge of the care and feeding of the entire Rivera family. Scarlet Wilson, innkeeper at the Four Acorns Inn and amateur sleuth, is the perfect person for the task. If only she stuck to guest services...."Miz Scarlet" may not have Larry's professional cop training, but that doesn't stop her from going head to head with a killer bent on revenge! Her boyfriend, Kenny Tolliver, happens to be a public safety expert and he's got some tricks up his sleeve. But it's Larry's former partner, Max, who rallies the troops with an amazing effort to rescue the uncooperative damsel in distress....What will a guy in love do to save the woman he adores? Can love save the day?Before the Rivera visit to the Four Acorns Inn ends, not only will a killer be sent packing, everyone will learn the shocking reason for the bitter divorce of "The Spitball King" and the "Queen of Clean", and the mystery will finally be solved as to how the granddaughter of a Red Sox assistant coach came to be named after a famous Yankee center fielder. (Novella) Views: 733
Pilot Light suffers a breakdown following a string of personal losses. His grief leads him to commit a crime that doesn’t go to plan. Whilst delirious he attempts to cover his tracks. Through a sequence of flashbacks we understand how a nice, ordinary bloke has come to be feeding hacked up body parts to the hunting dogs at London Zoo.A shattered, battered and bruised Pilot Light collapses, trapped in a reed bed. He has just committed a truly terrible crime. His getaway vehicle, the canal boat, is moored up only a few meters away. Weak and bloodied having been wounded and suffering the after effects of a drug fuelled comedown Pilot Light drifts away having become stuck, he then loses consciousness.How he came to be in that predicament is then revealed to the reader through a succession of flash backs chronicling his life and the lead up to his ultimate guilt induced breakdown and rampage. After suffering the final straw Pilot Light seeks his revenge on the world by plotting the burglary which he figured will right a few wrongs and provide all the wealth and happiness he had aspired to give Chloe during their normal life together. All he has to do is get home following the heist but first he must drop someone off at London Zoo whilst overcoming riding a bike, hiding the stolen goods and driving a car and a canal boat all whilst being one handed. Will this prove to be the last time the Pilot Light goes out? Views: 733
After failing to commit suicide Gabriel heads out in search of death. Instead of death he finds the king of lies himself, Apollyon. Using sang real, Apollyon traps Gabriel immortally in a religious war. The grail reveals the sins and dark secrets surrounding Gabriel and his hometown. But why did Apollyon choose Gabriel to be his saint, in the war with the heavens and earth?Martin West is a new believer looking forward to his new life in Christ, but he’s having a hard time convincing the people from his past that he’s changed. His parents still don’t trust him, and his friends think he’s pretending. He wants to prove himself, but it seems like all his efforts backfire. Martin tries to help his best friend Max, who’s struggling with a powerful addiction, but none of his words come out quite right. Martin truly wants his family and friends to hear what he’s trying to say. Is anybody listening? Views: 732
Five old-fashioned ghost stories, by the author of Xanadu and People Like Us. From Edwardian England to modern Hong Kong, encountering succubi, noppera-bo and (possibly) the Antichrist along the way...Five old-fashioned ghost stories, by the author of Xanadu and People Like Us.The Opportunists: A professor of theology and his wife take a trip to Lake Tiberias, but it seems that their apocalypse-obsessed tour guide may have something to hide. And she's not the only one...As You're Pretty, So Be Wise: A disenchanted young wife uses her dog as an excuse to get out of the house and meet new people... and other creatures.The Legend of Good Women: As the summer shadows lengthen, an academic discusses succubi and witch-hunting at an Edwardian house party, but has one of the other guests turned theory into practice?Gwai Gusi: Lucy Lau Ying missed ghost story night at Hong Kong University, but her new neighbour has some tales to share, and not all of them may be as fictional as they seem...A Siamese Ghost Story: In a sleepy, colonial hotel in Vientiane, two old friends share a shaggy dog story about a vengeful cat. Views: 732
Short story (12,442 words) The first night she meets Jo, Sophie realizes there are complications in Jo’s life. Jo doesn’t drink, and doesn’t kiss Sophie after Sophie has been drinking, and does both like it is something terribly serious. Sophie decides she likes Jo enough she will manage, whatever Jo’s problem is. This is the story of a few particular nights at the start of one relationship.Short story (12,442 words)The first night she meets Jo, Sophie realizes there are complications in Jo’s life. Jo doesn’t drink, and doesn’t kiss Sophie after Sophie has been drinking, and does both like it is something terribly serious. Sophie decides she likes Jo enough she is happy to work around whatever Jo’s problem is. Over time, as they get to know one another, Sophie learns about Jo’s past, and her drinking, and how she is managing to overcome it. Sophie does her best to support Jo when she can, and find what she needs herself as well. This story concentrates on a few particular nights in the first six months of Sophie and Jo’s relationship, those that are pivotal to their lives. This is not erotica, as the title says. I wanted this to be clear. There is no sex at all in this story, and it is barely a romance either. It’s a story about how people meet, and the problems they have staying together, and how they manage to overcome these problems. Views: 732
A motivational play that emphasises using your talents to acquire success instead of illegal means.Historic Heroines is pleased to release its first original fiction series: Daughter of Sparta by Kristen LePine. In Chapter Three, Gorgo, the daughter of King Cleomenes I, journeys through the Spartan village to meet her friend Phoebe, who is a priestess at the sanctuary of Artemis at Orthia. Each month, Historic Heroines will release a new chapter in the novel.Historic Heroines is an independent publisher of historical fiction and nonfiction that champions the female perspective. Views: 732
Young history-buff Mark Moran and mysterious and determined Tatiana Byrd become friends, and she introduced him to a world beneath his familiar city that he had never known existed, where they stumble upon a fantastic, reptilian creature. They find themselves falling into an even deeper, dangerous world never before seen by humans...From the Publisher that brought you popular short story series Witching Call, Hostile Hearts, Earthbound Angels, The January Morrison Files Psychic Series, Ralph's Gift, Children of Time, Chains of Darkness, Tropical Storms and Friend Zone...Urban Legends—real or not?SOME LEGENDS ARE TRUEThe modern city of Fontel, South Carolina, has a lost history hidden beneath centuries of time and layers of darkness…Young history buff Mark Moran is just trying to get through the everyday struggles of high school, a neglectful family, and a thankless job when he meets a young woman who fills his life with a new enthusiasm. Tatiana Byrd is mysterious and determined, and Mark finds himself unwittingly drawn to her snappy intelligence and untamed beauty.As the two become friends, Tatiana introduces Mark to a world beneath his familiar city that he had never known existed. A secret, closed-off city beneath the city becomes their private source of exploration and excitement. Even as his home life continues to degrade, Mark finds himself engaged more and more with Tatiana’s lifelong search for possible truths to a legend of bizarre crocodiles in the underground river. This search has isolated her from her family and peers, but Mark is bewitched by her intensity and independent spirit. While they discover a passion sparking between themselves, they also make a different kind of discovery. When they stumble upon a fantastic, reptilian creature, they find themselves falling into an even deeper, dangerous world never before seen by humansIf you wish to read more, download now!FREE BONUS FOR YOU AT THE END OF THE BOOK!EXCERPTThe two stared at each other, barely breathing; Mark did not even notice when Tatiana grabbed his hand until the cold from her fingers seeped into his palm.Smoothly, the note changed, rising up by a perfect third. Then more quickly, it slid down half an octave. Varied tones held long, snipped short, moved up and down like chimes, and continuously grew louder. At the same moment, Tatiana and Mark realized together that they were listening to a song. Invisible, something close was singing.Suddenly, the singing stopped, and in the vacuum left by its absence, they heard a soft breath exhale. Terrified and astounded, Mark and Tatiana turned their heads towards the spring. As one, their lights captured a pair of eyes so intensely white they were pink, floating on the surface of the water.Download and discover why readers are raving about Eve Hathaway.Scroll up and get the book now! Views: 732
Crystal hates alcoholics, and how lucky for her she lives with two. Her parents Bruce and Ronnie have been drinking even more ever since they moved to Montana. Crystal is only a fifteen year old girl and she has to take care of her alcoholic parents and her older brother Grant. She does this because she knows it’s the only way to keep herself somewhat sane. She relieves all her pain by poetry, anIt is the autumn of 1864 in Richmond, Virginia. The great and glorious capitol of the Confederacy is surrounded on three sides by Union troops. This time the Yankees are not going away.Thirteen year-old Ryan and eleven year-old Matthew O’Toole, having moved from Boston to Richmond with their father, mother and big sister only a little more than three years earlier, find themselves in a dangerous predicament. As the war rages on around Richmond and it looks as if finally the Union might prevail, some of their southern friends turn against them. The two boys are considered "dirty Yankees" now and their loyalty is suspect. When the two boys help a freeman and his son to escape Richmond, the situation only becomes worse for the O’Toole family until they too must abandon their home and begin a danger-filled flight to the north and freedom. Views: 732
Gloria saw the sky come to life the last time the comet was over. She was lying out here at the end of the pier looking up on a night just like this when the meteor passed overhead, shedding falling stars in its wake. As each star fell she said that it lit up people hidden in the constellations, people no astronomer had ever seen before. She said that when they were revealed they came to life.“Gloria saw the sky come to life the last time the comet was over. She was lying out here at the end of the pier looking up on a night just like this when the meteor passed overhead, shedding falling stars in its wake. As each star fell she said that it lit up people hidden in the constellations, people no astronomer had ever seen before. She said that when they were revealed they came to life.He looked up and watched as the comet peeled back the stratosphere. The stars grew bright and then dim, bursting and popping like a rack of fused lights. When the fiery touch of the comet moved out of reach, it left silvery trails of light joining up the puncture marks it had stamped in the blistered sky. Something moved.”This free sample contains a taster of the first two shorts of Russell Taylor's book "Falling Stars". The full book with all 10 short stories can be found on Amazon. Views: 732
