Short Story / 8000 words Detective Amber Dunne hates Christmas. The holiday brings back unhappy memories. She just wants to get through her shift on the gritty streets of Providence, maybe grab up some criminals, and get to bed. But when local thugs try to destroy Meiying's herbal shop, Amber's mood takes a turn for the worse ... * * * Half of all proceeds of the The Year of the Forgotten Secrets short stories benefit battered women's shelters. Due to the strong sexual content and adult situations, this romantic suspense story is recommended for readers aged 17+. The series is structured for readers to read along as I write them to offer feedback and suggestions on the complex storyline. If you're the style of reader who would prefer to wait until the entire series is finished before you tackle it, that is fine! Simply wait until the series is complete and I'll offer the boxed set. I do that with all of my books. The reason I publish as I write is that I don't write full time and it can sometimes take months for me to finish up a storyline. There are readers who don't want to wait - who would rather read along as I go and stay engaged in the process. That way they can provide feedback and suggestions on the storyline. Whichever way works well for you, I provide an option. I'd love to hear from you at my website at OpheliaSikes.com.

SHORT STORY / 5000 Words Kat knew the chance of success was near zero. Nobody had ever infiltrated the top-security prison deep in Colombian Territory. Even if she made it in, she still had to get the prisoner out of his cell. The only possible escape route was through a six-inch-wide drainage pipe. Kat could make that trip - she was one of the precious few Africans who had the genetic compatibility to take the nanos which shifted her into cat form. But Nash and his Navajo blood lent a different direction. To the Puma. And that was far too large. What she was about to do was all but scientifically impossible. Unless every single moment went exactly right, they would both be trapped. Excruciatingly tortured. And then they would die. * * * I support battered women's shelters. Due to the strong sexual content and adult situations of the full series, this paranormal suspense short story is recommended for readers aged 17+. I always write books in series. This first book is free to let you try it out and see if you like the style and storyline. I release in stages so fans can read along as I write it, to offer feedback and suggestions! Many of my storylines are shaped by what readers are interested in seeing. Some readers are too impatient to wait. They would rather binge-read. For the binge-readers out there, I always release the full set when the series is complete. So read-as-I-write or binge-read-at-the-end, it is wholly up to you which way you enjoy my works! This series is complete. All six individual episodes are now available for free in Kindle Unlimited. You can also get the full storyline in one book if you prefer that. I'd love to hear from you at my website at OpheliaSikes.com.

Kate O'Connell has poured every waking hour into earning a degree in investigative journalism. But now, instead of exposing corruption, she's tending bar at a run-down dive where her immoral boss fondles every co-ed within reach. And then Sean walks in. She knows she should stay far away. Ex-felon. Rippled muscles and toned fists. But there's something about those eyes. Something that, against everything sane and logical, connects deep within her. And she has no idea why. Then his secret is ripped free from the dark shadows - and their lives teeter on the brink of destruction. * * * Half of all proceeds of the O'Connell Family books benefit battered women's shelters. Worcester Nights contains the full content of the Worcester Nights series. Due to the strong sexual content and adult situations, this romantic suspense story is recommended for readers aged 17+. From the Author: I adore Worcester, Massachusetts with all its gritty streets, rows of muted-colored three-deckers, and tough-as-nails can-do attitude. I've lived in this area since college, with only a few brief flings in other locations. No matter where else I travel, the powerful allure of Worcester pulls me home again. Worcester's a mere hour west of Boston, with many of the same traditions of Irish culture and fierce pride. Enjoy a virtual trip to my beloved Worcester via Worcester Nights! I'd love to hear from you at my website at OpheliaSikes.com.

SHORT STORY / 5800 Words Lea knew what the land folk were good for - very little. They stumbled around awkwardly on spindly legs and smelled of sweat and dung. She preferred the open freedom of the ocean. To be able to plunge hundreds of feet into its shadowy depths or to ride in exhilaration along a cascading wave. But today's waves were different. A torrential storm pounded the coastline as she desperately pushed north to reach her sisters. On her hip was an urgent message. And nothing could stop her from reaching her destination. Until she realized a young boy clung desperately to his currach, and a towering wave was about to shatter him into tiny pieces ... * * * Half of all proceeds of the Selkie Tales short stories benefit battered women's shelters. While this first book is non-explicit, due to the strong sexual content and adult situations in future books, this romantic suspense series is recommended for readers aged 17+. The series is structured for readers to read along as I write them to offer feedback and suggestions on the complex storyline. If you're the style of reader who would prefer to wait until the entire series is finished before you tackle it, that is fine! Simply wait until the series is complete and I'll offer the boxed set. I do that with all of my books. The reason I publish as I write is that I don't write full time and it can sometimes take months for me to finish up a storyline. There are readers who don't want to wait - who would rather read along as I go and stay engaged in the process. That way they can provide feedback and suggestions on the storyline. Whichever way works well for you, I provide an option. I'd love to hear from you at my website at OpheliaSikes.com.

SHORT STORY / 5500 Words Suz was a good girl. She gave up her dreams of adventure to remain in her Massachusetts hometown to care for her ailing mother. Suz's husband, Hank, wasn't the sexiest man on the planet, but he kept a roof over their head. And then the dreams began. Dreams of Boston in the dark of night. Dreams of a strange man, always out of reach. Dreams which would change her life forever. * * * Half of all proceeds of the Within a Dream short stories benefit battered women's shelters. Due to the strong sexual content and adult situations, this romantic suspense story is recommended for readers aged 17+. The series is structured for readers to read along as I write them to offer feedback and suggestions on the complex storyline. If you're the style of reader who would prefer to wait until the entire series is finished before you tackle it, that is fine! Simply wait until the series is complete and I'll offer the boxed set. I do that with all of my books. The reason I publish as I write is that I don't write full time and it can sometimes take months for me to finish up a storyline. There are readers who don't want to wait - who would rather read along as I go and stay engaged in the process. That way they can provide feedback and suggestions on the storyline. Whichever way works well for you, I provide an option. I love writing about Central Massachusetts and bringing this region to life. Enjoy a virtual trip to a part of the world I live and breathe! I'd love to hear from you at my website at OpheliaSikes.com.

Illara had trained all her life for this moment. She had been chosen - from all eligible women throughout the three kingdoms - to be presented to the dragon. Her noble sacrifice would ensure the safety of her lands for a full year. She glowed with pride at the thought. And any moment now the massive dragon would come soaring over the mountains, his massive strength and awesome power - What was this? Along a rocky pass, moving with the persistence of a love-struck cow, was something metallic. Something shiny. Her heart thundered with panic as the object drew closer and resolved into a shape. For she knew it could ruin everything. It could cause the destruction of all she held dear. It was a knight. * * * Half of all proceeds of the Dragon novelettes benefit battered women's shelters. While this first book is non-explicit, due to the strong sexual content and adult situations in future books, this romantic suspense series is recommended for readers aged 17+. The series is structured for readers to read along as I write them to offer feedback and suggestions on the complex storyline. If you're the style of reader who would prefer to wait until the entire series is finished before you tackle it, that is fine! Simply wait until the series is complete and I'll offer the boxed set. I do that with all of my books. The reason I publish as I write is that I don't write full time and it can sometimes take months for me to finish up a storyline. There are readers who don't want to wait - who would rather read along as I go and stay engaged in the process. That way they can provide feedback and suggestions on the storyline. Whichever way works well for you, I provide an option. I'd love to hear from you at my website at OpheliaSikes.com.