[WINNER OF BEST HISTORICAL FICTION STORY IN THE FICTION AWARDS] There is a story that has been whispered into ear after ear across many countries. It's a sad but hopeful story, the story of The Lost Princess of Scotland. You should know that the story I am about to tell you is true. The horrific events within said story are real, however I should inform you that some details have been altered and exaggerated over the passing years so believe as much as you wish... ~~~ Seventeen years after the tragic attack on the Scottish Kingdom, Rosalie is leading a simple life with her Aunt and Uncle in England. Their lives are soon turned upside down when an unwelcome visitor calls upon their cottage. Running for her life Rose stumbles upon the help of Georgiana, Princess of England. Introduced to a whole new way of life, Rose finds herself falling for Georgiana's older brother, Alexander. Lust and power are a dangerous combination and Rose soon finds herself caught in the middle of a treacherous plot. The Kingdom may not be the safest place to stay after all. [[word count: 50,000-100,000 words]]

Kalen Mercer's Rules of Survival Rule #1: Don't get caught. Rule #2: Always get even. Rule #3: Trust Nobody. Survival isn't just a word to Ioney Mercer; it's a way of life. Having grown up in poverty in Chicago where some of the most ruthless gangs in the country preside, Ioney knows better than anyone what it takes to stay in the game. Or so she thought. When her older brother Kalen is brutally murdered and Ioney is left to take care of her younger siblings, she doesn't think things can get any worse. That is until in a cataclysmic turn of events, Ioney is thrown into a pit of danger her brother has left behind. Sinister people have suddenly developed an interest in her, she unwittingly falls into the middle of growing gang rivalries, and unfortunately manages to land herself under the scrutiny of Chicago Blood Kings Enforcer Justice Montoya. As things escalate rapidly, Ioney finds herself at a crossroads. Can she trust notoriously ruthless gangster Justice Montoya, or is he just another enemy she has to conquer in order to survive.

Nina Charlwood has known the Fraiser brothers, Mason and Dylan, her entire life. It has always been the three of them, Nina tagging along, making herself a bit of a tomboy when around them. She's light and fun and care-free. But when she turns sixteen, she suddenly wants to become a real girl. She wants to wear sexy dresses and pile on make-up. She bats her eyelashes and flips her straightened blonde hair. And maybe, the new boy next door, Ethan Hayes, is the reason for that. However, when Mason Fraiser, the older brother by twelve minutes, begins to hit it off well with one of Nina's good friends, Kathleen, Nina finds herself insanely jealous. She convinces herself it's because she doesn't like to share the twins with others, but maybe it's the way Mason gazes at her that makes her selfish. To add to that, the adorable Dylan might be onto something too. In Nina's sixteenth summer, there will be new boys, new relationships, and, the not so new crushes.

I gasp loudly, not hiding the dust of pink and red arising from embarrassment. "You just licked my cheek." He shrugs, as if it was the most normal thing in the universe. "You had ice cream on your face." "And?" "And I like ice cream." "But you licked me. And it felt. . .weird." He grins. "Weird but good." "True." I lick his face. "You had some icing. I love icing." Sophia and Cody are best friends. They're also each other's first kisses. And that didn't go too well. Although that first kiss does not give justice to their minds from frequent visits of nostalgia, they just cannot avoid one another. They're neighbours and childhood friends, keeping one another company because of their parents neglect. They have practically memorized one another. So they made an unwritten rule not to speak of it, or ever get into the situation again. This is Sophia's seventeenth summer. There are new friendships, new experiences, and new boys just around the corner. Especially Liam, who's taking an obvious interest in Sophia. And who definitely deserves her attention. Yet despite all these distractions, why is it that her gazes lead back to Cody? He gave her the horrors of a first kiss, and also all the smiles, all the laughs, and all the memories. There are still many summers awaiting right? So maybe there's still time for second kisses. Maybe infinite.

"Who are you, really?" I look at the scenery, forcing myself not to meet his eyes. "Colin Soares. Seventeen years old, turning eighteen this September. Lead singer and guitarist of a band." "That doesn't really tell me anything." "Maybe that's because you already know me, and you just don't know it yet." "Why is it that from all the people I may have encountered today, I always come across you?" This time I lock my gaze with his, for the millionth time in a day. And it's like we're the only two people in existence once again, but now in this place, it really is just us. Me in front of him. Him in front of me. His expression an expression of yearning and sincerity and hope. Without words I sense his vulnerability, his eyes giving way to his soul. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I whisper. "You're beauty never fails to bewilder me." Claire Mintz has soft, hazel eyes, and long auburn hair with hints of blonde when it reflects the sunlight. Her smile is her trademark: the warm, gentle smile that can attract anyone who captures it. She has gone a long way to become this beautiful young woman, and so far she is managing her image and her life well. Amazingly well. Her neighbour, the sly yet awfully attractive Eli Wolfsfeld seems to be her match, her should be other half, her saviour and prince. But then what happens when Colin comes into her life, and everything goes downhill? She remembers her past, and finds herself doubting her feelings for Eli and the person she portrays in the present. Will she choose her path to perfection, or break some beauty (and life) rules to be with Colin who she's finding herself slowly falling for? Author's note: To my readers, I promise if you stick with me I'll give you chapters that will be seriously worth it. And I swear I keep my promises.

Abby Elliott and Van Taylor have been close for years. Close in friendship, close to killing each other when they disagree, and they even live across the street from each other. But one affair, a drunken kiss, and not to mention their whole group of friends that's been together for years, could really change things....