"Aye, she is large. Large of heart and large of mind."Drusilla loves Prince Aubrey, but can he requite her love? Her sister Margery is so very beautiful, and Drusilla is so very large. (Short story, 5,550 words)Drusilla loves Prince Aubrey, but can he requite her love? Her sister Margery is so very beautiful, and Drusilla is so very large. (Short story, 5,550 words)Excerpt: Her father met her with a frown. "Read this," he said, holding out a piece of parchment. "Excellent and most honored King Piers," the letter began. "I beseech your forgiveness for departing in such haste. Although I honor and admire Princess Drusilla, I regret that I am unable to offer for her hand. I am of only middling size, and Drusilla is such a very large princess...." Drusilla looked at her trembling hands. They were indeed very large, but she had hoped, nay believed, that he did not find them so. Had he always perceived her thus...e'en during the times he had seemed most tender? How soft his dark eyes had seemed to be when they looked on her.

Getting tangled up in Jamie Pearson's latest hot mess—or her sheets—is the very last thing Navy SEAL Leland Gates needs, but in close quarters like these, there's no denying the white-hot passion blazing between them.

There are moments in life that take you by surprise - an outcome you weren’t expecting, an instant connection with a virtual stranger, or those warm tingles of new love. No matter what happens, you are certain that you will never be the same. Step inside and join these best-selling authors as they offer you a glimpse into the hearts and minds of some of your favorite characters.A compilation of new adult and young adult contemporary and paranormal stories.There are moments in life that take you by surprise - an outcome you weren’t expecting, an instant connection with a virtual stranger, or those warm tingles of new love. No matter what happens, you are certain that you will never be the same. Step inside and join these best-selling authors as they offer you a glimpse into the hearts and minds of some of your favorite characters. From dystopian to paranormal to contemporary romance, this collection provides a taste of all that you love.Written by Anna Cruise, Carlyle Labuschagne, Charlotte Abel, C.L. Foster, Delphina Henley, E.L. Todd, Kelly Risser, Kristina Renee, N.L. Greene, Randi Cooley Wilson, Sharon Rose Mayes and Susan Burdorf

Millian and Angeli have been best friends since they were kids, thanks in part to their unusual ability to talk to each other over long distances. In school, they were at the top of the pack. Now they get to find out what the real world is like. Read it for free at https://stories.osterin.comRevolving peacefully around an alien sun lies the planet Xavier997, a final flicker of hope for the resource starved human race. With miraculous advances in technology, the product of the ruthless Great War, reaching this planet is suddenly a feat that mankind is able to achieve. Upon their arrival, however, they quickly learn that Xavier will not give up her treasures without a fight. Inhabited by five indigenous tribes—creatures whose merciless evolution has sharpened them into the universe’s most efficient killers—this treacherous planet proves at every turn to be mankind’s final downfall rather than their savior. Yet when a lost explorer stumbles upon a startling discovery at the planet’s North Pole, their situation turns even worse. In order to shed light on the ominous secrets of Xavier997, Captain Michael Dawn must lead a joint-operations mission across its globe in search of five ancient relics. Relics that would appear to hold the key to the mystery of the explorer and the chain of events that his find set into motion. Yet these relics, known as the Scrolls, are guarded by the very teeth of Xavier. To retrieve them, Captain Dawn must risk everything, including his love, his career, and his life. Without the Scrolls, mankind’s final hope is lost. With them, it might be even worse.

Copeland Steele was but a standard citizen in the Mullinix Empire when he was chosen out of citizenship school to be the next apprentice leader of the nation. A whole new world awaits the young man the world now knows as Medoferro as he navigates the waters of the new role thrust upon him, a role he never wanted and one he would have given most anything to avoid.The Mullinix Empire, an ancient land with an unusually stable line of rulers, was about to go through their succession process yet again. As had happened before and would undoubtedly happen again the Elder Mullinix Taliaferro is dying and the next apprentice will be chosen from the young men and women who are in their first semester of citizenship school. The main criteria other than competence is that the new apprentice should not want the job, as the ones who want it most are invariably the worst people for the job.Copeland Steele was a simple boy from the northeastern corner of the empire, a boy with a troubled family life and little ambition other than to avoid military service. He was in mortal terror of getting the Mullinix position that everyone knew was opening, so much so that when he was chosen he was given the Mullinix name of Medoferro, which translates to Iron Fear. It is a time of upheaval for the empire as enemies both without and within conspire to break the stability and peace that the Mullinix have lived in for centuries.

Maddog 1 is a fascinating detective story. Involving murder, sex, interwoven with mystery and suspense.It will keep you reading until your eyelids grow heavy.The action takes place on the mean streets of New York City. The main character is New York City’s most violent private investigator Mike Murdock. Mike through his early life experience is enraged against crime.Maddog 1 is a fascinating detective story. Involving murder, sex, interwoven with mystery and suspense.It will keep you reading until your eyelids grow heavy.The action takes place on the mean streets of New York City. The main character is New York City’s most violent private investigator Mike Murdock. Mike through his early life experience is enraged against crime. He is fearless in exploits defending the innocent. Sometimes known as Maddog, by both the police his enemies and his friends.It will magically transport you back to Yonkers in the 1940s. A time of public phone booths, and $0.10 phone calls. Where you opened your car door, with the key, metered parking was a nickel.Experience the thrill of following, Maddogs adventures. The action starts in chapter 1 and continues through chapter 17Written is in first person with a with an authentic York accent.Weeks after reading this book, you will find yourself thinking of the different encounters and imagining what you would have done.

Two great books in one:VETERANS DAY and KILO SIERRA ECHOVeterans Day:Kendra Hecksford was born into a family of Marines. When selected to "the program" she assumed that she would continue her family's tradition. Little did she know that she would be a part of something that would change the name of the arms race forever. Human weapons created to exhibit human potential at its finest.Two great books in one:VETERANS DAY and KILO SIERRA ECHOVeterans Day:Kendra Hecksford was born into a family of Marines. When selected to "the program" she assumed that she would continue her family's tradition. Little did she know that she would be a part of something that would change the name of the arms race forever. Human weapons created to exhibit human potential at its finest.Kilo Sierra Echo:Ronald Jones and his friend Tucker Raves went from being common criminals to the first graduates of a government funded program created to replace thousands of soldiers with a few dedicated men. How many men and women will die for this man, mysteriously known as "The Corps" to fulfill his dream of creating the deadliest weapons alive?

Santa, the Grim Reaper, and others scramble to find new careers and identities. Political and social satire. “A smorgasbord of paranoid ramblings.”Santa, the Grim Reaper, and others scramble to find new careers and identities. Outrageous political and social satire. Nothing is taken seriously in this book. “A smorgasbord of paranoid ramblings ideally suited to today's sensibilities.”

Safe and away from the city, the kids help Starr through a painful recovery. Never has she ever been so vulnerable. For the first time since being turned, she's forced to reconcile the relationships she's helped to destroy.Safe and away from the city, the kids help Starr through a painful recovery. Never has she ever been so vulnerable. For the first time since being turned, she's forced to reconcile the relationships she's helped to destroy. To her surprise, she's also visited by her parents who won't leave until they get answers, like why she's been away for a year and where her sister is. As they continue to hound her for answers, she's also forced to make responsible decisions regarding the man she likes.

Omega Dragon is the fourth book in Children of the Bard, a sequel series to the best-selling Dragons in our Midst and Oracles of Fire series. This book concludes the adventures of Matt and Lauren, twin siblings born to Billy and Bonnie Bannister.

Eile and Sunny decide to raid a legendary ruined temple dedicated to Ubasti, an avatar of Nyarlathotep, for treasure, with the help of Medb hErenn and her companions, but a booby trap separates Eile from the others. She now must find a way to rescue them before they are sacrificed to Nyarlathotep, but she'll need help, and it comes from the most unlikely of sources. This is a short story.During their first Dream-year in the Land of Dreams, Eile and Sunny were mentored by Medb hErenn, who taught them about the Dreamworld and trained them in how to conduct adventures and to defend themselves. By the end of that year they had learned enough and gained enough experience to adventure on their own, but Medb sometimes still accompanied them, both because she enjoyed their company, and because she found their choices of adventures intriguing.One of their favorite pastimes is looting lost and abandoned temples, castles, and other ruins, both because they tend to be lucrative, and for the excitement of discovering something no one else had. So when they heard about the legendary temple of Ubasti, they decided to try to find it, and Medb volunteered to come along.They did find it with relative ease, and discovered the treasure was real, but a booby trap separated Sunny and Medb from Eile, and guards attacked her, forcing her to flee for her life.Now she must find a way to save herself and rescue the others, before some awful fate befalls them, but she will need help. Fortunately, she is able to find some, but it comes from the most unlikely source imaginable.

A collection of 28 weird and unusual Flash length stories covering various genres."It’s common knowledge that everyone dies. Just recently I’ve discovered everyone dies more than once." Michael Graves is on his way to a graduation party. He wasn't expecting much, especially not the horrifying sight he finds in the bathroom... Will he discover what happened?Soon to become a full length novel titled Deathly Vortex by AshleyNicole Shelton. Result of a short-story writing contest.

A collection of ten chilling stories that will not give sleepless nights. These stories contain unexpected endings and are meant for young adults and teens. ***Free for a limited period of time!***10 horror stories that will not give you sleepless nights. They include ghosts, zombies, werewolves and other scary creatures all woven into daily events. Like trick or treat, first day of school or walking through the woods. Each story can be read within five to ten minutes and are meant for young adults and teens. The contents include1. Trick or Treat?2. The Demon with my Brother's Face3. Lake of Bones4. The Forest of Death5. Dead Mine6. The Haunted Book7. My Teacher's Grave8. Let's Play Hide and Seek9. Painting of the Dead10. The Haunted Doll

Love the Institute for the Preservation of Magical Artifacts cameos in "The Old Silk Hat: A Frosty The Snowman Prequel" and "Troll Brother"? Then give this Halloween 2013 creepy story a try. Find out what it is IPMA Special Agent Jackson Davison's been unable to see since he was a child.Jackson Davison has long wanted to prove the existence of Imps among the other Faerie Folk but hasn't had the right opportunity. Until now, Halloween 2013. This is the second of shorts stories about the IPMA and their adventures. Squirm as Agent Davison tries to learn the truth behind the nature of Imps and other "unseen" faeries and creatures. Written for children and adolescents, but definitely not for the weak of heart. Be prepared to stay awake all night.

This essay examines the roles of luck and hard work in determining lifetime earnings, and summarizes research showing that at least half of what we earn is explained by the "birth accidents" of gender, genes and parents. The implication for tax policy is that a sharply progressive income tax--a "Fortune Tax"--passes the tests for both fairness and efficiency. (18,000 words, 18 charts)Three different short stories, all with a wizard theme.Wilfred the Wizard and the Big Exam The day of Wilfred’s wizard exam has arrived but he is so nervous he pours milk on his toast, puts butter in his tea and then tea in his jam! But what about Wanda and her Witchy Warehouse? Will she spoil the day?The Olde Shoe Shoppe A shoe shop that never seems to sell any shoes? There must be a reason...when people try on the shoes, they find they don't fit. No matter what size they try. No matter how many sizes too big they try; the shoes are always the wrong size! But this is only half the reason... Peta and her Missing ParentsPeta's parents went on holiday but didn't come back! Did their plane really crash land on a very tiny desert island, somewhere in the middle of nowhere? Is it all her uncle’s fault? And what about her friend Marcie?

Achil and the Dragon Lord of Osgaroth, chronicles the histories of the continent of Suberia and one of its key protagonists:- Achil. It is a tale of intrigue and heroism that spans the dying days of that continent.In the land of Findolin a grief stricken man named Achil is descending into madness and his only answer is to free himself of everything that he holds dear. Bereft of the world he once knew he sets out on a journey to meet the Dragon People of Osgaroth across many leagues of untamed lands. And so begins an epic quest, a story of redemption and absolution set in a beguiling world of magic and mystery.He encounters on his travels friend and foe alike but determining which is which could be what saves his life or ends it, for Osgaroth is far away and the continent of Suberia is a wild perilous place.Achil & the Dragon Lord of Osgaroth is the first of a remarkable new fantasy epic story that will leave the reader spell bound and aching for more. It is both familiar and alien; a fable that punctuates time so much so that you will want to believe that such a world existed. After much intrigue and adventure our protagonist arrives at Dragon City only to find that the most desperate journeys are not the ones left behind, but the ones yet to be faced.

A week is a long time in politics. In diary format, one political candidate chronicles his drastic change of fortune as he goes from the potential Prime Minister to a pariah within his own party.An alien race keeps social order in the galaxy by guiding new, intelligent life to the stars. Uric is the Great Organizer and in his illustrious career he has never failed a mission. However, he soon realizes that this species called man refuses to unite as one benevolent race. How long will his patience last?Spanning from the receding glaciers of Europe to the dying throes of New York, The Great Organizer uses his extensive knowledge to influence history in his attempt to organize humanity into one society.

Faulty Tales is an original script that recreates the comedy style of John Cleese and Connie Booth in their British Comedy series, Fawlty Towers. If you enjoyed the television series you should find this script entertaining. Download this free script and enjoy written work that recreates the magic and humor of the original series.I have watched the Fawlty Towers series more often than any other television show. What a pity only twelve episodes were ever created.Since then, I attended a few Fawlty Towers live theater/restaurant events and was disappointed the actors were mainly repeating lines from the television series. It was at one of these events I got the idea to write original material.I spent years writing these scripts in my spare time. It was fun thinking up crazy new scenarios for Basil, Manuel and Sybil. I eventually completed four scripts and after that, they simple sat in a directory on my computer. Sometimes, I would go back and re-read them, making slight modifications.I think anyone who was a fan of the original series will enjoy these scripts. I have made this first one available free to give readers a chance to evaluate my writing style. If you like the first, then perhaps you will be happy to pay a small price for each of the others in Faulty Tales 2.I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

The 8th issue of Successful Startup 101, a magazine for budding entrepreneurs, startup founders and small business owners that covers business planning, strategy, management, accounting, finance, sales and marketing.In this month's issue:* Busting the Lean Startup Myth, by Howard Tullman* Tips from the Startup Fundraising Playbook, by Nathan Beckord* 80 Ways to Find Your Next Big Startup Idea, by Thomas Oppong* Entrepreneur, Fire Thyself - by Kerrie MacPherson* 5 Podcasts Every Small Business Owner Should Consider Listening To, by Rob Marsh* 2 Startup Expenses You Should Never Shortcut, by AJ Agrawal* 5 Ways for Bootstrapped Startups to Get Through the First Year, by Zach Cutler* Why Startups Sell For Millions with No Business Model, by Dev Aujla* What Does It Mean To Lead With Trust? - by Randy Conley* 9 Lessons From a 10-Time Startup Failure, by Eric T. Wagner* The 14 Steps Needed to Recruit Your Early Startup Team, by Paul Ruderman* 3 Ways to Use Social Media to Align Your Team, by Andre Lavoie* Entrepreneurs! Take a Break: It Can Help Your Business - by Cristopher Ramirez* The Three Bandits of Change Leadership, by Jim Haudan* How Good Management Stifles Breakthrough Innovation, by Markus Lorenz* Small Business Tips from a Successful Entrepreneur, by Lyve Alexis Pleshette* Think You Know What Venture Capitalists Look For In New Start-Ups? Think Again - by Patrick Hanlon* How to Make Your Product Look Sexy on Facebook, by Aaron Lee* Why You Should Never Give Up On Your Dreams, by Adriana Langford* The Quest for the “Easy” Startup, by Tabitha Jean Naylor

In his famous Gulliver's Travels, Gulliver described the quaint politics of the tiny people of Lilliput. In this sequel he adds his account of their equally quaint economy. He tells us the Lilliputians, bored with the endless prosperity of a Garden of Eden, reorganized their economy as an exciting game of chance controlled by the mysterious invisible hand of The Almighty Sprug.Luke Rosenhart is your average straight-A student, always trying to do things the right way, always reliable, always responsible.He’s just an average kid, and doesn’t want that to change.But one field trip, on a rainy Autumn day, to a still-under-construction zoo turns his life and the lives of Ned Detwiler, his best pal, Brooke O’Mackey, the girl from across the road, Robyn Diaz, the quiet bookworm from the country outskirts of town and Smithy, the new kid in town who doesn’t talk very much, upside down.An alien, who crash-landed into the unfinished hippo habitat, tells the five fourteen-year-olds that their planet is under threat by the Intergalactic criminal Gemini who intends to completely wipe out the entire human race, with help from some other aliens who want nothing more than to have the beautiful planet Earth all to themselves.So what can a straight-A student, a class clown, a girl from across the road, a bookworm and a loner, do about that?Well, with the powers the alien gives them, they can do lots!Save a little girl from a burning building, mess up the dentist’s office, and aid in a school food fight!Now they have to figure out how to stop Gemini before it’s too late! On top of that, they have to find out what powers they have, how to use them, how not to use them, how to keep everything a secret so as not to panic everyone and, most important of all, learn to work as a team.If you are in the mood for jokes, super powers, hilarious situations, ordinary kids turned superheroes, a save-the-day story and aliens (both good and bad), then the Upbeats is sure to brighten your day!