Pevan's rescue mission finally arrives at the Court of the Children of the Wild, where the Gift-Givers are about to put Rel on trial for almost destroying the First Realm. Chag, distracted by the mixed messages Pevan's sending him, needs Rel to stay true to their Separatist masters, but the Clearseer may have other ideas, and Taslin is determined to see Chag face his own reckoning.Have you ever out of anger wished someone dead or hurt in some way?This is exactly what happened in the town of Deadington. Sarah Phillips was teased by the townspeople because of her hideous face from a fire that destroyed her family. Sarah was placed in a foster home where she was abused on a constant basis by the sons of the family she was living with. Sarah finally reached her boiling point, and one late night when she was running from her foster brothers fearing for her life. Sarah came upon a cabin in the woods and fell to her knees out of breath knowing in her heart this was probably the last time she would take her last breath. The brothers were hot on her trail and wanted her dead because their parents were spending more time with her and the boy’s jealousy took over and they both snapped and planned for this night to be Sarah's last. Just as the two brothers were ready to pounce on Sarah and do her in an old woman stepped in front of the two boys and said "Is there something I can help you with?"The two boys laughed and said "Don't you have some knitting to do?"The old lady looked over at Sarah and said "What would you like me to do with these two boys?"Sarah replied "I want them dead!!" Views: 704
A free Weather Warden short story. Views: 704
A few days before the 25th of December, a vicious killer roams the town, targeting men in Santa Claus costume. Clueless, the police gropes in the red.Ned Ryder studied lost monsters. The modern label, cryptozoology was a flimsy profession in world of camcorders and digital photography, but Ned soon found himself with a fairway pass to the icy arctic where a special sort of giant slept after its long trip across a vast ocean of starlight. He gazed upon the hulking heap of otherworldly metal, a damaged vessel, but the first proof that something more than our little rock buzzed about in the void. Views: 704
Giulia is fifteen-years old and she has the doubts of all teenagers, a nickname given her by her father, "cheeky fa ce", and a present-day family, with recently split-up parents, dealing with the economic crisis. Her rebellious presonality and innate sense of humor make of her a character waiting to be discovered. Also for her psychoanalyst.A collection of lyrics and poetry inspired by our debut, this booklet is the companion to Hobbes feat. Kuderski's album: "Voices of Reasons". Our debut is a concept album by nature. When I wrote the lyrics, what I had in mind is that each song represents a person, with their personal point of view, stemming from their "Voice of Reason" in their mind. A few poems will be lyrics on our upcoming album.To me, it's all about the interplay among people. Mom always used to say to me "It takes two to tango", and "There are two sides to every story." For me, it's about all of us being our own individual selves, communicating it to others as best we can, while really listening to the other "Voices of Reasons" out there. That works on building a sense of understanding, acceptance of, and mutual respect for one another.A few poems will be lyrics on our upcoming 2-disc album: "At This Point". I hope that you, in your lifetime, are moved to create something beautiful of your own, and that you then share it with the world. Views: 704
They made Griffin Fawkes a killer.They made him ruthless, callous, efficient.And now, he knows he’s too damaged to ever be with a woman.Especially not one as beautiful as Leigh Thorn.He might want to press her into the wall, claim her lips and touch her skin, but he won’t.Instead, he will use his skills to protect her. Nothing more.Griffin Fawkes:They made him a killer.They made him ruthless, callous, efficient.And now, he knows he’s too damaged to ever be with a woman.Especially not one as beautiful as Leigh Thorn.He might want to press her into the wall, claim her lips and touch her skin, but he won’t.Instead, he will use his skills to protect her. Nothing more.Leigh Thorn:If the wrong people find her, she’s dead.But all she wants to do is snort lines and shoot marshmallow-flavored vodka until everything’s bliss.Griffin says he’s there to protect her.Near as she can tell, he’s only raining on her parade.Sure, he’s gorgeous. Solid and taut and rippling and…That doesn't give him the right to order her around. Views: 704
It’s Christmas Eve and college student Jamison Riley has chosen to spend the holiday alone, in Sigma Mu Pi’s just-off-campus frat house. Of course the fact he’s arranged a blind date for tonight had something to do with turning down several relatives' offers. The date is after all, the first such opportunity - of any "acuity" - he’s had all semester.When Jamison’s date bails he’s sure he knows why, and it has nothing to do with Fate. He’s certain it’s got frat-brothers’ fingerprints all over it. The last laugh will be on them, though. Their housemother has just made the 21-year-old an eleventh hour offer he wouldn’t dream of refusing. On this night, of all nights, book learning will take a back seat to the timeless fundamentals of Hope, Life, Innocence, and Faith...all wrapped up in new beginnings. Views: 703
Grace has been watching the cute guy in the vampire costume long enough to know he isn’t just role playing: dude’s the real thing. So what do the only zombie and the only vampire – both sworn enemies – do in a town like Nightshade on the night called Halloween? Become better acquainted, of course. But their friendship is tested when another monster crashes their party – in a costume all his own!This short story is written by francis chang a resident of chiang mai, the mountain city in north thailand. it concerns two western tourists on a rail journey between bangkok and chiang mai, their experiences and what could be a disatrous end to their holiday in chiang mai Views: 703
Scott Markham has no recollection of events leading up to his arrival at The Help Clinic. It is Spires’ job to help him to remember, but perhaps Scott doesn’t want to do that. Perhaps the reality of his situation is too much for Scott to bear.Please review my free story.In the sixth episode of Earth, Book One of The Hrwang Incursion, the stakes are higher for Eva as she tries to insinuate herself into the Lord Admiral’s inner circle. Other survivors prepare for war. Wolfgang’s newly found sniper skills are tested and 1804 learns the fateful outcome of its decision.Acting President Hollis takes an experimental rocket the aliens missed into orbit to discuss terms, while Stanley continues to feel helpless and stuck at Hearst.Don’t miss a single episode! Each one can be downloaded for free at www.smashwords.com. Views: 703
Shadow Assassins, radical separatists created at the onset of the Great Conflict, have been made obsolete by years of peace. They live in their subterranean Shadow Maze and only emerge when it’s time to breed. For Varrik, the current commander, that time is now.Shadow Assassins, Book One: Radical separatists, created at the onset of the Great Conflict, have been made obsolete by years of peace. They live in their subterranean Shadow Maze and only emerge when it’s time to breed. For Varrik, that time is now.Varrik, current leader of the Shadow Assassins, knows his people are on the verge of extinction. If they cannot adapt, they will die. Yet if his son were a direct descendant of the High Queen it would secure a place for future generations. Protecting his people is his first priority, so Varrik assembles a hunting party and kidnaps the royal twins. He is determined to claim the eldest for his own.Echo, the younger princess, knows her pampered sister will never survive the sexual appetites of their virile captor. Echo doesn't understand the powerful attraction she feels for Varrik, but drawing his attention is a far better choice than allowing him to overwhelm her twin. She doesn't expect to find him fascinating or to crave the demanding passion he ignites. Can a dominating warrior and his willing captive bring light to the Shadow Maze?Note to Readers: This book contains detailed descriptions of sizzling passion only suitable for mature readers.From Cyndi: I introduced Shadow Assassins clear back in Taken by Storm. Tal mentions, almost in passing, that his mother was killed by one. Years passed as the concept churned away in the back of my mind. Who were the Shadow Assassins and what became of them after the Great Conflict? As I answered these questions, Royal Obsession was born. Then it became apparent that I didn't have one new book; I had a new series. Royal Obsession is part paranormal romance, part capture fantasy. It’s hot and unapologetically sexual. Varrik simply wouldn’t be tamed and Echo was more than happy to revel in his carnality. Though this story has sci-fi elements, it’s less space opera than my previous books. It’s always risky when an author shifts gears, but I hope you enjoy the new series! Views: 703
It's 2004 in America and Quentin Ross does not elect to visit Chile with his new girlfriend for spring break. Instead he finds himself criss-crossing the country with his roommate and with fellow travelers of various persuasions. However, it is through Olivia Dupree that Quentin might wonder about the narrowness of his own perspective in this novella with picaresque and coming-of-age elements.Quentin Ross is twenty-one years old and approaching the end of his college years. His (nominal) girlfriend Marcela is decidedly out of his pay grade on the scale of life ambition. In lieu of visiting her family for spring break, he crosses from one side to the other of 2004 America, with all of the anti-turmoil that implies. There are the regressive jokes and diatribes of Kjell as well as the adderall-induced conniving and philosophizing of Carson. But it is truly through Olivia Dupree, vivacious and tormented, worldly and aesthetic, that Quentin might wonder about the narrowness of his own perspective.The Glow touches on the nature of responsibility, relationships, redemption, and repetition. It contains historical, picaresque, coming-of-age, and romantic elements, and it is the first work of Dan Bryan. Views: 703
Laura Jessop is less than impressed when Detective Inspector Dave Jenkins arrives to investigate the discovery of a dead body on her school’s sports’ field.Laura is Headmistress of a large girls' school in Newcastle and any hint of a scandal could ruin its reputation. DI Dave Jenkins reminds Laura of Columbo, the bumbling and untidy TV detective. She has little faith that the inspector will understand the need for discretion but when she decides to help him by carrying out her own investigations she doesn't appreciate how it will change her life. Always one to see the best in people, she is shocked by some of the secrets she uncovers. This is the first in a series of Laura Jessop novels. Views: 702
"Heart of Iron is so impressive, it deserves a seal of excellence! Like moths to a flame, readers will be drawn to the world and characters McMaster has created. Make room on your keeper shelves..."―Fresh FictionSecond in a thrilling steampunk paranormal romance series, Lena Todd is pretty and vivacious, which makes her the perfect spy against the Echelon. But when she finds herself in too deep, she\'ll find herself at the mercy of Will Carver, the only man she can\'t wrap around her finger and whose kiss she can\'t forget. Lena Todd makes the perfect spy. Nobody suspects the flirtatious debutante could be a sympathizer for the humanist movement haunting London\'s vicious blue blood elite. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can\'t twist around her little finger, and the one man whose kiss she can\'t forget...Stricken with the loupe and considered little more than a slave-without-a-collar to the blue bloods, Will wants nothing to do with the Echelon or the dangerous beauty who drives him to the very edge of control. But when he finds a coded letter on Lena―a code that matches one he saw on a fire-bombing suspect―he realizes she\'s in trouble. To protect her, he must seduce the truth from her.With London on the brink of revolution, Lena and Will must race against time―and an automaton army―to stop the humanist plot before it\'s too late. But as they fight to save a city, the greatest danger might just be to their hearts... A fresh, suspensful paranormal romance, Bec McMaster\'s London Steampunk novels will appeal to fans of Gail Carriger, Kristen Callihan\'s Darkest London series, and the Blud series by Delilah Dawson.London Steampunk Series:Kiss of Steel (Book 1)Heart of Iron (Book 2)My Lady Quicksilver (Book 3)Forged by Desire (Book 4)Of Silk and Steam (Book 5)What readers are saying about Heart of Iron:"A clever and entertaining combination of historical romance, steampunk, paranormal and alternate history.""a vastly unique and utterly vivid world that transports readers into another place.""a perfect mix of action, romance and steampunk!""a little dark and a lot dangerous.""Steampunk, romance, paranormal, suspense this book literally had it all."What reviewers are saying about Heart of Iron:"An engrossing, thrilling sequel." ― Tynga\'s Reviews"Intriguing... [readers will] love the sexy, action-packed narrative. " ― Publishers Weekly"McMaster\'s second London Steampunk Book dazzles and seduces... will leave readers breathless. 4 ½ Stars, Top Pick of the Month! " ― RT Book Reviews What everyone is saying about Bec McMaster: "a must read for paranormal fans and steampunk fans alike. 5/5 Stars, Reviewer Top Pick" ― Night Owl Reviews"richly imagined, gritty and dark, and full of hot heroes and hot sex... utterly delicious. " ―Smart Bitches, Trashy Books"Action, adventure, steampunk, and blazing hot seduction...Bec McMaster offers it all."―Eve Silver, author of Sins of the Flesh Views: 702
Jane gets to taste for the first time when she and Remi go to dinner with Allison and Mark! There are after dinner antics at a nearby nightclub as well when a bunch of guys end up hitting on Jane! Will Jane enjoy the food? Will Remi have enough money for the bill? Will the shadowy strangers finally reveal themselves? Find out in Jane 8086 Part Four!In "Toby's Big Surprise" Toby learns that it is not what you have that makes people like you but who you are..Toby receives a new bell and as a result thinks that people will like him more because of it..Maggie the motor yacht feels hurt when Toby says that his bell is far better than her shiny foghorns..The two set off to ask Mr. Brightly the lighthouse which is better, Toby's new bell or Maggie's foghorns..In this they both learn a very important lesson about life.. Views: 702
A body was found in the living room of a concert pianist, shot to death. Yi-yun Lin, the deceased, was a foreign student from China. No murder weapon was found on the scene, no sign of forced entry.
It was seemingly a homicide, but who was the killer? All the evidence points to her boyfriend, the concert pianist, but Detective Paul Winderman of the Boston Police Department has his doubts. The victim's ex-husband has vowed revenge on several occasions. Someone from her past might also want her dead.
The tale of the Mystery of Revenge is a melting pot of love, desire, jealousy and greed. Proceed with caution; the facts could be deceiving. Views: 702
Emi Nakano just wants to eat carrion in peace. And thanks to a business deal she had going with Goro Nanase, that was possible...until a group of teenagers posed a threat to her way of life. No big deal, though. She'll just scare them off; how hard can it be? Jikininki is eighth story in the Bestiary Tales.In Prohibition-Era Kansas City, being a part of the underworld was sometimes both a figurative and literal concept. In an underground speakeasy located just outside of the metropolis, Paul Verconi was already aware of the risks involved in simply being where he was and who he was. On this rainy night, he'd been looking for nothing more than a few drinks to soothe his nerves before heading home. However, what came looking for Paul would prove to be even tougher to swallow than the diluted bootleg whiskey swirling in his dirty glass: a drop-dead gorgeous dame that was enigmatic, curiously silent ... and perhaps even dangerous. Views: 702
