A disturbing patient interrupts psychiatrist Dr. Pierce's Thanksgiving dinner at the asylum. He'll need help from unlikely allies if he's to make it back in time for dessert.Don't let us fool you; the following stories are all fictitious in nature. We recently received several lawsuits on behalf of people who claim we have left them bereft of peace and solace, simply because they couldn't handle the idea of killer robots featured in one of our stories. Of course, we take no responsibility for mental or physical discomfort of any kind resulting from the reading of these stories. To those experiencing physical discomfort, we advise you to stop reading in bed; you'll just keep dropping your e-reading device on your face as you doze off. To those experiencing emotional or mental discomfort, we advise you to begin a course of treatment that will help you come to terms with the fantastical nature of these stories. For instance, if stories about killer robots worry you, one need only to read news stories about the drone strikes killing dozens of people around the world every day. After a few doses of this, one inevitably becomes immune to science fiction and fantasy because the real world is already so dangerous and terrifying.At which point we'll gladly welcome you back to the caring embrace of our publication where you can read about things that are gloriously untrue in peace.

Freshman Matt James attempts to unite his high school to bring down the villainous Joey FontaneQuiet and reserved student Matt James is preparing to start his high school career. Though anxious about beginning high school and getting closer to entering "the real world", he feels at ease knowing that he won't be facing high school alone, until his first true love Victoria unsuspectingly breaks up with him a week before the new year begins. Matt will be tested in his freshman year as he tries to unite the school against drug dealer Joey Fontane and his gang, who have control of the school out of fear. Uniting the school against Fontane won't be easy and will test him and the entire school, but stopping Fontane is something that must be done. Only question is at what cost and how far do you go in an attempt to do what's right?

Not everyone was meant to live the family life; especially not Jack, but a day at the market changes everything. All of a sudden he's being protective instead of destructive. Could it be curiosity or is it somehow the grey eyed girl that smiles so easily? He'll have to figure it out fast or else he might lose his reason for stepping out of the shadows.Jack lived a simple life before Natalie walked into it. His quiet existence and same day to day routine is now changing. Now he finds himself living two lives; one in the light and one in the shadows. His nature calls him to the darkness but something about Natalie makes him want to stay in the sun just a little longer. He isn't sure if she will accept him for what he is or even if he wants her to know. His secret isn't his only problem though. In a world where it's easy to be dark; Jack will have to find a way to protect his constantly smiling book nerd from harm. His fellow shadow brothers are watchful and if he's to keep her safe, he'll have to hide her and the changes in himself well; or else the light and dark may be separated forever.

This is a continuation of the 8 short stories for children. Included in this is a short section of a short story called 1812 for adults. This version will be the last of the free stories.This is a continuation of the 8 short stories for children. Included in this is a short section of a short story called 1812 for adults.

Unable to get his old position back, ex-detective Jimmy Warren is forced to open an office as a private investigator. His first case, a young woman who had gone missing five years before, twists and turns until it seems like everyone he knows is involved. And out to get him. This is the first book of the Jimmy Warren, P.I. series.What would you do if a witch wanted to eat you? Where would you run? Where would you hide?The streets of Cutopia are no longer safe. The Ten Minute Witch is in town and she is looking for one last ingredient to put in her omelette: a little girl or a little boy!You had better hope she doesn't find you, because she may well give you ten minutes to play the scariest game of hide and seek in your life! Maybe it's best to stay inside today.Written by Geraldine Aegerter, edited by Pete Malicki, illustrated by Hannah Neale.The first book in the Cutopia series.

Without Wade and Yori to protect her, Kaela must face the enchantress Mavyn alone and determine what to do next. But as the city's guards close in, Kaela is forced to once again find help from an unexpected source.Without Wade and Yori to protect her, Kaela must face the enchantress Mavyn alone and determine what to do next. But as the city's guards close in, Kaela is forced to once again find help from an unexpected source.The Outcast and the Survivor is a chapter-series that follows Kaela, a princess of the mythical kingdom of Kalepo. After her father's sudden death, Kaela is exiled from the kingdom by her older sister Mariam, who claims their father's throne within moments of his passing. By being made an outcast, Kaela is forced not only to say goodbye to her homeland, but also to all of civilization. Kalepo is known only to itself, meaning that Kaela should expect to find a world devoid of humanity beyond the kingdom's borders, but because of something her father whispered to her on his deathbed, she knows that there is more out there, a world of dark secrets for her to discover. The Outcast and the Survivor is released one chapter at a time at the start of each month. There were times in the past when writers would release stories as a series, often for newspapers or magazines. It's not much different from TV series in that each chapter often has its own sort of conclusion, though the larger story is not completed until the end. The series is being written with the intent of ending it at chapter 36, which is scheduled for December of 2017, though this could change as the story develops.

When Brandon’s wife Marilyn fails to pick him up after work, he begins a long trail of “Really Bad Days.” He finds that his wife is drunk and she begins a long series of what would be considered at best, “acting up.” For months, Brandon tries to figure out what is going on with his wife, then he decides to divorce her. Then he meets Julie and has the ultimate Bad Day!Brandon and Marilyn have been married for eight years, they have the perfect life, then one day she doesn’t show up to pick him up after work. A strange man calls Brandon and tells him that his wife is okay but that she is afraid to pick him up. Brandon has no idea what has happened, but apparently his wife has done something that prevents her from wanting to see her husband or family. She comes home two days later, drunk and confessing that she has had an affair with her boss. Brandon begins a long series of “very bad days.” At best his wife is acting out, at worst she is seeing other men, drinking and doing drugs.” For months, Brandon tries to figure out what is going on with his wife, then he decides to divorce her. He goes through a string of girl friends, then he meets Julie, the most beautiful woman that he has ever seen. They fall in love with each other and soon marry. Brandon’s two small children fall in love with Julie and his life seems to have turned around. But, more bad days. Then the ultimate bad day happens!

Things aren't looking particularly rosy for Corrigan, Lord Alpha of the Brethren. Just when he'd thought that Mack was going to be his forever, she dumped him front of half the Otherworld leaders. With the growing threat of the necromancer, Endor, to deal with, not to mention his turbulent feelings concerning the fiery, red-headed dragon, Corrigan is going to have a lot on his plate. This is the fifth and final book in the Corrigan series, re-telling the events of Bloodlust from Corrigan's point of view.

The Pioneers: The Sources of the Susquehanna; a Descriptive Tale is a historical novel, the first published of the Leatherstocking Tales, a series of five novels by American writer James Fenimore Cooper. While The Pioneers was published in 1823, before any of the other Leatherstocking Tales, the period of time it covers makes it the fourth chronologically. The story takes place on the rapidly advancing frontier of New York State and features a middle-aged Leatherstocking (Natty Bumppo), Judge Marmaduke Temple of Templeton, whose life parallels that of the author's father Judge William Cooper, and Elizabeth Temple (the author's sister Susan Cooper), of Cooperstown. The story begins with an argument between the Judge and the Leatherstocking over who killed a buck, and as Cooper reviews many of the changes to New York's Lake Otsego, questions of environmental stewardship, conservation, and use prevail. The plot develops as the Leatherstocking and Chingachgook begin to compete with the Temples for the loyalties of a mysterious young visitor, "Oliver Edwards," the "young hunter," who eventually marries Elizabeth. Chingachgook dies, exemplifying the vexed figure of the "dying Indian," and Natty vanishes into the sunset. For all its strange twists and turns, 'The Pioneers' may be considered one of the first ecological novels in the United States.

*This diary of a runaway girl and her search for a home celebrates hope, resilience, and happy endings. Holly's run away before, but this time she actually gets away—and what felt like an escape at first soon becomes a daily struggle for survival. She is smart and resourceful, and she manages to make it across the country on her own. But how long can this go on? It's getting harder to avoid the truth—Holly is now homeless. Runaway is a remarkably uplifting portrait of a girl still young and stubborn and naive enough to believe there's a better place for her in the world. From the Hardcover edition.

Twice the Prince Charming, twice the happy ever after. Right? They’re rich, gorgeous, and dominantly possessive. Their name is Charming, and they’re actual, honest-to-goodness royal princes. Oh, and they’re twins. It’s every princess’s fantasy to think about finding her prince charming, but what happens when she finds two of them? Literally. They both want me. And they’ve made it perfectly clear that they come as a package deal. Two mouths. Four demanding, powerful hands. Two huge -uh- crown jewels? “Scandalous” doesn’t even begin to cover what the tabloids would say about this. I was burned one time before, but maybe “one” is my problem. Maybe it takes twice the man, or men, to make this fairytale complete? Maybe I’m about to take on more trouble than I know what to do with, and maybe I’ll just end up getting royally screwed. No, scratch that. I’m definitely about to get royally screwed… *Please note that each of the Possessing Beauty books are completely standalone stories centered around one couple, with no cliffhangers. Sharing Beauty is a quicky modern fairytale involving two utterly obsessed alpha heroes and enough insta-love, kindle-melting steam, and sugary-sweetness to keep you up far past your bedtime. This mfm romance is all about her – no m/m. If you love over-the-top, slightly unrealistic, and wildly dirty stories, this one’s for you! HEA with NO CHEATING!

Funny, moving and sharply observed, these stories are confirmation of Boyd's status os one of English fiction's finest writers. Here are twenty-two gripping tales told in bold, distinct voices from Brazil to Africa and from Nice to Hollywood. The eclectic omnibus, previously published as the collections On the Yankee Station and The Destiny of Nathalie 'X', is a must read for any lover of the short story. Killing lizards -- Not yet, Jayette -- Bizarre situations -- Hardly ever -- The care and attention of swimming pools -- Next boat from Douala -- Gifts -- My girl in skin-tight jeans -- Histoire vache -- On the Yankee Station -- Bat-girl! -- Love hurts -- Extracts from the journal of Flying Officer J. -- The coup -- Long story short -- The destiny of Nathalie 'X' -- Transfigured night -- Hotel des Voyageurs -- Never saw Brazil -- The dream lover -- Alpes Maritimes -- N is for N -- The persistence of vision -- Cork.

A man without a past. A woman who lost her future. Together they'll push each other to the farthest edge and ignite a passion that's harder and deeper than they ever imagined. But is it strong enough to turn into something real and lasting? In the second highly anticipated book in the Honey series, New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley once again delivers a smoldering hot story that is achingly romantic and populated with intensely raw characters that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

In this tense, riveting mind game, New York Times bestselling novelist Nelson DeMille delivers a suspenseful short story in the tradition of his classic military novels The General's Daughter and Word of Honor. A band of troops in its last month of service in Vietnam goes out on a patrol through enemy territory with a female sniper in its path. Recounting the mission in gruesome detail, DeMille — who served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and saw combat in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader, and earned a Bronze Star — creates a concise masterpiece of moody suspense.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is no longer a Jedi. He has chosen instead to be a part of the revolution on the planet Melida/Daan. His Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, has gone back to Coruscant, where trouble is stirring inside the Jedi Temple. Obi-Wan takes comfort in his friends, the other leaders of the revolution. Together they have power--perhaps too much power. As the revolution continues, friends become enemies, and Obi-Wan's path grows more and more uncertain. Qui-Gon is no longer around to help him. Obi-Wan is on his own.

A fifth-grade genius turns the spotlight on grades - good and bad - in this novel from Andrew Clements, the author of Frindle. Nora Rose Rowley is a genius, but don't tell anyone. She's managed to make it to the fifth grade without anyone figuring out that she's not just an ordinary kid, and she wants to keep it that way. But then Nora gets fed up with the importance everyone attaches to test scores and grades, and she purposely brings home a terrible report card just to prove a point. Suddenly the attention she's successfully avoided all her life is focused on her, and her secret is out. And that's when things start to get really complicated....

Annie Parker came to Silver Mesa, Arizona, because it was the only place she'd found where folks thought a woman doctor was better than no doctor at all. Her lonely life became harder still on the winter night Rafe McCay broke into her office with a bullet in his side and a bounty hunter at his back. With a gun aimed at her heart, he led her deep into the Arizona mountains, and into a world of danger and passion, for Annie discovered in Rafe not only a wounded man, but a soul betrayed...and Rafe, healed by her skill and the magic in her hands, awakened in Annie a woman's tender longing and hungry desire. Pursued by dangerous secrets of the past, they are swept into a thrilling odyssey of the heart -- a bold, exhilarating journey that rekindles Rafe's lost hope and transforms Annie's healing gift into a deep, enduring love.

Books by Clive Cussler, grand master of adventure, have been published in over 40 languages and 100 countries, appearing more than nineteen times on The New York Times bestseller list. Set against a backdrop of the world's mysterious, uncharted, and treacherous oceans, his intrepid protagonists battle megalomaniacal villains intent on world domination. In addition to his flagship Dirk Pitt Adventure series, Cussler has enlisted a coterie of talented co-authors to work with him on the NUMA Files, Oregon Files, Isaac Bell Adventures, and Fargo Adventures.Stuart Leuthner's biography of Cussler follows the author's journey from his early life as manager of a California dive shop to his position as the icon of a publishing empire Forbes described as a "the literary equivalent of a theme park."Based on extensive conversations with Cussler, as well as interviews with more than 100 relatives, employees, business associates, and friends, this biography reveals the fascinating man...

Voices invade a young woman’s head, compelling her to kill When Nancy Kincaid comes into work, an unfamiliar woman tells her to leave. This is Nancy Kincaid’s office, the woman says, but you are not Nancy Kincaid. As Nancy protests, her memory grows fuzzy and her reason seems to slip away. None of her workmates recognize her, and she is distracted by a voice in her head that suggests she shoot them all. Ejected from her office, she collects herself in the park. A homeless man pesters her, mumbling that at eight o’clock—the animal hour—there is someone she has to kill. Over and over she tells him to leave, until she finds the pistol in her purse. She kills the bum and sets off a whirlwind of insane violence that will not stop until the animal hour comes to pass.

Harry Keogh, the first Necroscope, is arguably Brian Lumley’s greatest creation.  In the Necroscope series, readers saw Harry learn to use his powers to talk with the dead and travel instantaneously to any point in space and time.  They saw him take arms against the evil, twisted, metamorphic alien vampires who sought to feed off humans and enslave mankind.  They saw him suffer a great personal loss and then recover his family, and later his humanity, through a new love.  And they saw Harry wage the grimmest battle of his life—against the vampire he himself was becoming! Even after Harry’s story was done, Brian Lumley continued to write books about Harry’s legacy—the other Necroscopes who inherited his weird talents.  But Harry himself would not go quietly into that darkness that lies beyond an author’s imagination . . . and now Brian Lumley has written three new novellas about Harry and his supernatural adventures, which are published for the first time in the United States in Harry and the Pirates.

SLADE: I was known as "The Peacemaker", the laid-back brother who never felt emotions as deeply as everyone else. Except I did. I'd just always hide them. Not anymore. After she walked into my life, all I want now is to become the man she needs me to be. If only she'll trust me enough to tell me who that is. CHYENNE: There was certain lines I would never cross, but when my mom’s drug dealer told me that I’d inherited her debt, I knew I’d do whatever it took to keep Austin safe. Even making a deal with the devil. Then, he comes along, and for the first time, I feel hope. I just don’t know if I'm brave enough to reach for it. When impossible circumstances pushes together, DEA agent Slade Hunter, and the colorful waitress Cheyenne Lamont, they have to decide if genuine happiness is worth the vulnerability that comes with true intimacy. Don't miss the Slade's story, His Hunger, the third book in the Hunter Brothers series.