Historical Fiction Finalist:The 2016 Awards from AwardsForStories. In 1863 on the tiny island of Key West, Yankee spy Aaron Matthews must find and eliminate a deadly Rebel saboteur whom he fears just may be the woman he loves.

(Chapter 1 only) In the winter of 1941-1942, Leningrad is under siege, and Karen Hamilton, a seventeen-year-old American musician, finds herself trapped and struggling to survive. Throughout the city, people are dying of starvation and frostbite, and Karen knows that if she doesn't escape immediately, she will share their fate. If she has any hope of leaving Russia and reuniting with her fiancé, Bobby, in New York, she must do the impossible: cross enemy lines and then stow away. On her harrowing journey, Karen encounters Petr, a young conscripted Russian soldier. She isn't sure she can trust him-he is equally wary of her. But as the two join forces in order to stay alive, an unexpected romance takes root. Now, as Karen gets closer to the reality of escape, she has a choice to make: Will she return to a safe life in America with Bobby, or remain in war-torn Russia with Petr? This is a sample chapter of the book that will be available October 18 from Lake Union Publishing.

Nadia, orphaned by the first Vigilant Men uprising, is taken in by Mr. Lennox, an ominous man with a vision to create the most stunning ballet company in existence. He teaches the already talented girl to dance like an unearthly creature, bestowing upon her almost magical powers of a most breathtaking kind. However, as he builds the famous Lennox Company, the uprising once again stirs the nation, and the opulent ballet finds itself out of place in the new and austere culture of the Vigilant Men. Throughout it all, Nadia falls in love with her partner, Ferdinand, a famous young dancer who awakens her long silent heart. A jealous Lennox, the growing civil unrest, and a nation at war conspire to separate the dancers forever. Nadia must find a strength inside of her to brave her new world and fend for herself against the coming of an uncertain future.

From the sands of the arena, the ultimate female warrior will rise. ~ ~ ~ Rome's hunger for gladiatorial combat has never been greater. The passion for novelty in the arena has given rise to a range of warriors, but none quite like Krista; sole survivor of her family's brutal murder, Krista is now the property of Commander Niclaus and is sent to train and fight in the arena for his pleasure and greed. Guided by her friend and mentor Lazarus, Krista's deadly combat skills earn her the adoration of the public and the fear of fellow gladiators. Though there is one gladiator who seems indifferent to her. Fighting to stay alive, Krista will do anything to break her chains and enact revenge upon the Commander who slaughtered her family and put her there. But Krista's pride and skill earn her powerful enemies which sets her upon a path she never expected, and one that will change the fate of Rome forever. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Book 1 of the 'Gladiator Series' Highest Ranking in 'Historical Fiction' #1 Wattpad Featured Story Currently editing. *** ALL RIGHTS RESERVED *** Content Warning: The story you are about to read is intended for mature readers due to its content. It may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please read at your own discretion. All characters are fictional. Copyright.