When Lady Noelle is forced into an arranged marriage to a man she has never met, she convinces her lady's maid Hope to trade places with her so she can flee to America with the man she truly loves. Thrown into a life she has only ever viewed from the outside, Hope must convince everyone that she is a lady lest her farce be discovered. Guarding her heart will be the hardest challenge of all.Hope Hillburn was born to a life of servitude and never once questioned her role in society. As a lady's maid to Noelle Parrish, she had everything she wanted out of life; a secure and honorable post, a decent room to call her own, and ample time to write fantastical tales of winsome creatures while her mistress, Lady Noelle, attended the various society events offered by the ton. Lady Noelle Parrish knew that her father was anxious to see her wed but she never imagined he'd go behind her back and arrange for her to marry against her will, to a duke with a questionable reputation no less. Disheartened by the prospect of marrying a man she's never met and the possibility of foregoing a lifetime of love, Noelle makes the impulsive decision to flee England with an American gentleman she's only just met. There's only one problem...Lady Noelle's father, the Earl of Brattondale, would never permit her to marry an untitled American, nor was he willing to go back on his word to the duke. In her desperation, Lady Noelle convinces Hope to take her place after noticing an uncanny resemblance between them both. Against her own better judgment, Hope agrees to take Noelle's place when she realizes there's no other way for Noelle to flee to America without causing her family disgrace. Thrown into a life she has only ever viewed from the outside, Hope must convince everyone that she is a lady lest her farce be discovered. She is confident that she can handle society's strict rules of propriety but she soon learns that guarding her heart from falling in love with an incredibly handsome, self assured duke with a penchant for snarling isn't going to be quite as easy.

Alien creatures are set to invade and overrun Earth. The secret to stopping them may be hidden within a mysterious computer that can only be accessed through the use of a strange, sometimes deadly sensesuit. Join Cassiopia Cassell and Scott Markman as they are drawn into a dangerous world filled with mystery, intrigue, and well-kept secrets that could save Earth from a bizarre annihilation.Navy Seabee Brad Burgess landed on the island of Okinawa with no regrets and few expectations. He knew a chapter of his life had closed and a new and different life was beginning. Brad easily made friends with all he met and worked with the Okinawans as well as the American civilians who worked for the Army. He discovered the bar girls were not only friendly, but were caring women who through no fault of their own didn't quite fit into Okinawan society.After two short affairs with bar girls, Brad met Tomako Tomanaga an older Okinawan lady who managed a coffee house which was off limits to the GIs. Tomi's parents died during the invasion and she had several bad experiences growing up on war-torn Okinawa. When they first met, Brad and Tomi became close friends but not lovers though Brad stayed overnight in her apartment several times. With Vietnam looming on the horizon, concerned about Brad leaving the island and her, Tomi was forced to admit to herself, and finally to Brad, that they were very much in love and their destinies were connected to each other. Brad had honchoed several construction projects for the Navy and became involved with the US Army's 'People to People' construction projects which gave him a reputation in construction and leadership. With an increase in rank and a successful Seabee career ahead, he reenlisted going stateside then to Vietnam leaving Tomi on Okinawa. Tomi was pregnant but before she could write to Brad with the good news, disaster struck in Vietnam.An Okinawan Affair is a multi-cultural/historical novel of about 88,000 words telling of the plights of the Okinawan people and how their lives were under the rule of the US military following WWII.

An Okinawan Affair was written partly as a memoir and partly to tell about the people of Okinawa and what had happened on the island before repatriation back to Japan. And about the Americans who were stationed there in the military or chose to live on the island as civilians. Most of the characters are profiles of real people or composites of several people the author knew on the island.Navy Seabee Brad Burgess landed on the island of Okinawa with no regrets and few expectations. He knew a chapter of his life had closed and a new and different life was beginning. Brad easily made friends with all he met and worked with the Okinawans as well as the American civilians who worked for the Army. He discovered the bar girls were not only friendly, but were caring women who through no fault of their own didn't quite fit into Okinawan society.After two short affairs with bar girls, Brad met Tomako Tomanaga an older Okinawan lady who managed a coffee house which was off limits to the GIs. Tomi's parents died during the invasion and she had several bad experiences growing up on war-torn Okinawa. When they first met, Brad and Tomi became close friends but not lovers though Brad stayed overnight in her apartment several times. With Vietnam looming on the horizon, concerned about Brad leaving the island and her, Tomi was forced to admit to herself, and finally to Brad, that they were very much in love and their destinies were connected to each other. Brad had honchoed several construction projects for the Navy and became involved with the US Army's 'People to People' construction projects which gave him a reputation in construction and leadership. With an increase in rank and a successful Seabee career ahead, he reenlisted going stateside then to Vietnam leaving Tomi on Okinawa. Tomi was pregnant but before she could write to Brad with the good news, disaster struck in Vietnam.An Okinawan Affair is a multi-cultural/historical novel of about 88,000 words telling of the plights of the Okinawan people and how their lives were under the rule of the US military following WWII.

In The Fey, we meet Alexandra Hargreaves, the last surviving member of the Fey Special Forces Team, as she moves on from her loss. Haunted by the past and terrorized in the present, Alex must reach past pain, through memory and beyond the grave to find her self, and her future.In The Fey, we meet Alexandra Hargreaves, the last surviving member of the Fey Special Forces Team, as she comes to terms with her injuries and begins to deal with the loss of her team. But Alex was never supposed to survive. Her enemies torment and torture her until she’s lost almost everything important to her. Trapped in a dark, sensory deprivation room, Alex puts the pieces back together and comes out fighting. With the help of her friends, she takes a leap forward in her life.Back cover copy: Released from Walter Reed Hospital, Sergeant Alexandra Hargreaves settles in her hometown of Denver, Colorado. With her family and friend close, and her enemies even closer, she strives to collect the pieces of her shattered life.Then everything falls apart.Haunted by the past and terrorized in the present, Alex must reach past pain, through memory and beyond the grave to find her self, and her future.The Fey is the first book in the Fey series.“One of the best books I have every read.” – V.A., Escondido, CA“The Fey is a romance for people who hate romances; a thriller for people who hate thrillers. If I’d read this on a bus, I swear I’d have missed my stop.”–J. Creasey , Denver, CO“I love thrillers and this one ranks up there with James Patterson and Michael Palmer.”– K. Williams, Las Vegas, NM“A page-turner.”– S. W., Denver, CO

Denise Beverly Thomas... She hated her life, even with her brother and his best friend (that she may like). Her life never was perfect. Of course it turned worse when she found her mate. Who was he? Austin Lane. The Alpha of the pack, her brother's best friend...the guy who always made her life a living hell...and now to continue on with his accomplishment, he rejects her. Just is there a reason?For eleven years, Oakley Farrell has been silent. At the age of five, she stopped talking,and no one seems to know why. Refusing to communicate beyond a few physical actions, Oakley remains in her own little world. Bullied at school, she has just one friend, Cole Benson. Cole stands by her refusing to believe that she is not perfect the way she is. Over the years, they have developed their own version of a normal friendship. However, will it still work as they start to grow even closer? When Oakley is forced to face someone from her past, can she hold her secret in any longer?*Silence deals with a sensitive topic and is recommended for 16+

Oakley Farrell stopped talking at the age of 5 and has remained in her own little world since. Her mum is desperate to find out what is wrong with her daughter, but does she really want to know? Oakley's best friend, Cole has stuck by her. Their friendship is easy but as they start to become closer she is faced with a new set of issues to deal with.Deals with sensitive topic. Recommended for 16+For eleven years, Oakley Farrell has been silent. At the age of five, she stopped talking,and no one seems to know why. Refusing to communicate beyond a few physical actions, Oakley remains in her own little world. Bullied at school, she has just one friend, Cole Benson. Cole stands by her refusing to believe that she is not perfect the way she is. Over the years, they have developed their own version of a normal friendship. However, will it still work as they start to grow even closer? When Oakley is forced to face someone from her past, can she hold her secret in any longer?*Silence deals with a sensitive topic and is recommended for 16+

Copyright Cheryl Dyson and Xina Marie Uhl, 2012, Smashwords Edition. Brydon's quest was simple. Borrow the fabled Gauntlet of Ven-Kerrick, bring it home to prove his worth, marry the princess, and ascend the throne. He had planned for the dangerous terrain and assassins, but not the werewolves, slavers, and magical horse thieves. Luckily his worst enemy was there to help him out.Lady Araminta Ambleforth has been looking forward to her outing to Maidstone from the moment she'd thought of the idea yesterday. Sadly, it looked as if her journey would end almost before it began. Her brand new phaeton disabled, Araminta decides to enjoy the fine afternoon and walk home rather than wait by the dusty roadside. If only one handsome gentleman after another didn't distract her along the way. Will one of them steal the lady's heart?This Regency short story was originally written as a Round-Robin serial from some of your favorite authors on our website, www.harlequinhistoricalauthors.blogspot.com.

Lady Araminta Ambleforth has been looking forward to her outing. Sadly, her brand new phaeton breaks, and Araminta decides to enjoy the fine afternoon and walk home rather than wait by the dusty roadside. If only one handsome gentleman after another didn't distract her along the way. Will one of them steal the lady's heart? This Regency short story was originally written as a round-robin story.Lady Araminta Ambleforth has been looking forward to her outing to Maidstone from the moment she'd thought of the idea yesterday. Sadly, it looked as if her journey would end almost before it began. Her brand new phaeton disabled, Araminta decides to enjoy the fine afternoon and walk home rather than wait by the dusty roadside. If only one handsome gentleman after another didn't distract her along the way. Will one of them steal the lady's heart?This Regency short story was originally written as a Round-Robin serial from some of your favorite authors on our website, www.harlequinhistoricalauthors.blogspot.com.

When Jack Duncan finds out his wife changed the terms of her life insurance policy, he’s not a happy man. Instead of a cash payout, he gets a clone. His wife is back and all his planning has gone for naught.When Jack Duncan finds out his wife changed the terms of her life insurance policy, he’s not a happy man. Instead of a cash payout, he gets a clone. His wife is back and all his planning has gone for naught.He is tasked with helping her adjust and re-assume her life. But maybe all is not lost. Perhaps she will have problems adjusting. Maybe she'll commit suicide.

The prisoner knew that the Eternal Dungeon was a place where suspected criminals were broken by torture, and he was prepared to hold out against any methods used against him - except the method he could not anticipate. . . . A winner of the 2011 Rainbow Awards, this suspenseful novella is the introductory story for the alternate history series The Eternal Dungeon."'Do you have any questions?' the Seeker asked. 'About the routine of the dungeon? The times you will be fed? The questions you will be asked? The instruments of torture I use?'"The prisoner knew that the Eternal Dungeon was a place where suspected criminals were broken by torture, and he was prepared to hold out against any methods used against him – except the method he could not anticipate.Arrested on the charge of committing a particularly horrendous murder, Elsdon Taylor arrives at the Eternal Dungeon in fear of the harsh methods used by the torturers, called Seekers, to draw confessions from their prisoners.But his Seeker's methods are for more devious than Elsdon had expected. Now Elsdon is faced with a choice that will shape his future . . . as well as the future of his Seeker.A winner of the 2011 Rainbow Awards (within the "Eternal Dungeon" omnibus), this suspenseful novella (short novel) can be read on its own or as the introductory story for The Eternal Dungeon, an alternate history series set in a nineteenth-century prison where the psychologists wield whips.The Eternal Dungeon series is part of Turn-of-the-Century Toughs, a cycle of diverse alternate history series (The Eternal Dungeon, Dungeon Guards, Michael's House, Life Prison, Commando, Waterman, Young Toughs, and Dark Light) about adults and youths on the margins of society, and the people who love them. Set in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the novels and stories take place in an alternative version of America that was settled by inhabitants of the Old World in ancient times. As a result, the New World retains certain classical and medieval customs.

Noah has a fierce crush on a hot jock on the high school football team whose locker is fifteen down from Noah's in the hall. When Melissa Bradshaw, only the most popular girl in school, suddenly shows an interest in Noah, he suspects he's being set up for a cruel joke.Noah Lipinski has a fierce crush on Doug Hathaway, a hot jock on the high school football team whose locker is fifteen down from Noah's in the hall. When Melissa Bradshaw, only the most popular girl in school, suddenly shows an interest in Noah, he suspects he's being set up for a cruel joke. She asks him to Homecoming and he refuses to go.After school, the doorbell rings and Noah's sure she's back to pester him about the dance. But when he opens the door, he finds Doug there instead, with an explanation and a much better offer than Melissa's.

Drekken is a dragon warrior. Bonded to his dragon, Miri, together they lead a squadron of fliers. Yet, nothing in his life could have prepared Drekken for his greatest challenge: babysitting.Stranded after a deadly battle, separated from his squadron and Miri, Drekken finds himself the only hope for two young empaths and their nursery group of hatchling dragons. It is a challenge he cannot fail.Drekken is a dragon warrior. Bonded to his dragon, Miri, together they lead a squadron of fliers. His fliers respect him, his enemies fear him, his reputation precedes him. Yet, nothing in his life could have prepared Drekken for his greatest challenge: babysitting.Stranded after a deadly battle, separated from his squadron and Miri, Drekken finds himself the only hope for two young empaths and their nursery group of hatchlings. He must lead them all to safety and, along the way, discover some truths about himself.

Kelsie Newman meets the man of her dreams at the beginning of a really, really bad day, so excuse her for not recognizing him. Good thing she's a smart girl and a quick learner. When he rescues her from her Good Samaritan act gone bad later that same day, she doesn't make the same mistake twice.After a stolen, illicit night of passion, will Victoria's life ever be the same again?Freshly dumped by her boyfriend, and thinking more and more about the things she has to do with her life before it's too late, Victoria is having a bad day at work. Alexander Reigns, dashing billionaire and gorgeously handsome boss of Victoria, has too much on his mind; an upcoming divorce with a wife he does not love, and the stresses of business are taking a heavy toll. But he'll soon find a distraction... One teary night of soul-searching, unlikely bonding between maid and master, and forbidden passions is enough to change both their lives in cataclysmic ways. Will Alexander do the right thing and commit to his unborn child? And will the birth of their baby uncover strengths and passions neither of them knew they had? One thing is for sure; it will be worth it in the end...

Freshly dumped by her boyfriend, and thinking more and more about the things she has to do with her life before it's too late, Victoria is having a bad day at work. Alexander Reigns, dashing billionaire and gorgeously handsome boss of Victoria, has too much on his mind; an upcoming divorce with a wife he does not love, and the stresses of business are taking a heavy toll...After a stolen, illicit night of passion, will Victoria's life ever be the same again?Freshly dumped by her boyfriend, and thinking more and more about the things she has to do with her life before it's too late, Victoria is having a bad day at work. Alexander Reigns, dashing billionaire and gorgeously handsome boss of Victoria, has too much on his mind; an upcoming divorce with a wife he does not love, and the stresses of business are taking a heavy toll. But he'll soon find a distraction... One teary night of soul-searching, unlikely bonding between maid and master, and forbidden passions is enough to change both their lives in cataclysmic ways. Will Alexander do the right thing and commit to his unborn child? And will the birth of their baby uncover strengths and passions neither of them knew they had? One thing is for sure; it will be worth it in the end...

Cassiopia Cassell’s high IQ had always been too much for the men she’d dated. But now her beloved father was missing, and the only way to rescue him required she retain the services of a man with special abilities, a man she did not care for, and one she would have to convince to accompany her through an unexplained portal that led to dangers beyond imagination.Sixfold.org is an all-writer-voted journal. All writers who upload their manuscripts vote to select the highest-voted $1000 prize-winning manuscripts and all the short stories and poetry published in each issue. In Sixfold Fiction Winter 2013: Tristen Chang Bellasylva; John Shortino Final Notice; Chris Belden The Woodpecker Problem; Naima Lynch And I Will Bring You Oranges; Daniel C. Bryant Balzac; Susannah Carlson Killing Methuselah; Afia Atakora Phoenix; Mackenzie E. Smith Mines; Sabra Waldfogel Yemaya; Lainey Bolen Burdge Paper Thin; Erin Rodoni Crossing the Street in Hanoi; Tim Weed The Afternoon Client; Rick Kast Of Wolves and Men; Andy Jameson Tail; Thea Johnson Baby Doll; Charles Alden Holy Orders; Julie Zuckerman Birthday Bash; Kathryn Shaver The Fourth Monkey; Chip Houser The Goatherd of Naxos