Elizabeth Stevens

Three's a crowd, but four's a war. Big girl undies? Check. Speech planned? Check. Nerves of steel? Check. A single crush? …not check…? What do you do when you find your best friend/crush kissing your other best friend on the day you were going to declare your feelings for him? You only agree to fake date your crush’s rival. The King of the Bows, popular golden (play)boy, and all around douche, Xander wouldn’t be my last choice for a boyfriend. Across the school, battlelines are drawn and sides are taken between the new ’it’ couple of my former best friends and the excitingly scandalous pairing of me and King Douche. Xander keeps distracting me from the plan; make Jason jealous. He insists on holding my hand and kissing me and being nice. Ugh. Xander’s not nice and he’s not the relationship type, but he’s doing a damned good job of acting both parts. He calls it ‘keeping up appearances’, I call it ‘take one more pass at my arse and I’ll break your nose’. They say all’s fair in love and war, but what’s so fair about falling for the wrong guy when your two best friends are on the other side of the battlelines? Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

Keeping Up Appearances

Amber How do you politely refuse when the only guy to star in any of your dirty fantasies has just offered to put you up for the foreseeable future and your brother’s just accepted like you were in fact still thirteen and couldn’t make decisions for yourself? You don’t. And, you end up with a roommate who wears a very good elegant mask over the rough and tumble, bad boy core I remember far too well. Only, it’s ten years later and I’m even nerdier than I used to be. It’s ten years later and I couldn’t look worse. It’s ten years later and I can’t keep one guy. It’s ten years later and my brother still teases me mercilessly in front of him. It’s ten years later and Kit somehow looks even better than the guy I spent my formative years crushing on. So, there’s not only the issue that he’s my older brother’s best friend, but also a sex-god this virgin can barely talk to. But that certainly never stopped me from drooling over him and it wouldn’t stop me now. He’s so far out of my league, I wouldn’t even clean in his league. Except, there might just be a smouldering heat in Kit’s eyes that suggests he’s not quite as out of my league as I thought. Just maybe, this geek is about to get a whole lot of chaos. Kit When I find out about my best mate’s little sister’s situation, the offer is out of my mouth before I can stop it; Hawk’s like a brother to me even if Amber’s never looked twice at me. I could never tell if she was scared of me or hated me. But the deal is done. She’s going to bring her bedraggled self upstairs to my penthouse and live with me for as long as she needs. I see the pain she hides away, I see the lack of confidence despite how smart she is, how good. If there’s something I’ve learned, it’s that confidence makes all the difference. So, it becomes my mission to help Amber find her confidence. But I find more than confidence in her and suddenly I’m seeing my best mate’s little sister completely differently. I’ve never known what to say to her. She’s always been good and studious and sweet. She’s always been so far out of my league I wouldn’t even carry bags in that league. Her face is a mask that tells me nothing in between the sparse words that come out of her mouth. Except, there might be something in the way she smiles at me that gives me hope I’m not as far out of her league as I thought. It might just be time that this chaos gets a little geek. Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

Chaos & the Geek

Wade Phillips shattered Lisa McGinty's heart in Year 10 for no known reason. One minute he was the perfect boy-next-door boyfriend, star goalie on the soccer team, and future head prefect. The next he was like a different person altogether, dumping Lisa and systematically making his way through every girl in our year.By Year 12, he'd made it through most of them and was on to the year below. He'd miraculously made Head Prefect and was somehow still on the Soccer team, even though he put more effort into partying.Lisa and I were used to his sarcastic teasing, his shallow taunting, and his insincere flirting. My best friend put on a brave face in front of him, but she still felt the sting. I knew she still loved him. At least, she thought she did. I kept waiting for her to see he wasn't worth it.No one knew what happened to Wade and no one got close to him anymore. Not until a life-altering incident throws me unavoidably into his path.For one single second, I see through the armour he's built. It takes just one single second for him to see through mine. Something connects us. It turns out, Wade Phillips might be the only one who understands me. It turns out, I might be the only one who understands him.Wade Phillips might be the guy to teach me the art of breaking up, but will my heart - and Lisa's - break in the process?*For those 'Keeping Up Appearances' and 'Accidentally Perfect' fans, here's a return to that style. You'll find this story is a bit of a combination of the two. Like both, it's about growing up, finding and accepting yourself, being with people who bring out the best in you, and getting the guy that you might not think you want but that you need and, more importantly, needs you.*Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax. Not recommended for younger readers due to mature content.

The Art of Breaking Up

When I find a half-naked guy standing in my dormitory at my new boarding school, I assume he’s my roommate’s boyfriend. He introduces himself as Alex and I introduce myself as Lottie. When he tells me he’s Sasha and was expecting Elliott, I see what happened. Someone knew I was a girl or he was a guy, and made some glaringly incorrect assumptions about the other one, meaning we were assigned as roommates. The new dorm mistress tells us we’re stuck with each other, at least for the short-term. What starts out as playful ribbing between my studious self and the ripped jock becomes something a little more friendly as his friends take me in as one of their own. Soon, I’m their ticket to the ways of the female heart. But not my heart. Because, I mean, no one falls in love just because of a roommate mistake. For those Keeping Up Appearances and Accidentally Perfect fans, here's a return to that style and vein. You’ll find this story is a bit of a combination of the two – there’s a bit more swearing than KUA, but it’s a little cleaner than AP. Like both, it’s about growing up, finding and accepting yourself, being with people who bring out the best in you, and getting the guy that you might not think you want but that you need and, more importantly, needs you. Hope you enjoy. Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax. Not recommended for younger readers due to mature content.

the Roommate Mistake

Sometimes, you say everything when you say nothing at all. I feel like I should have the perfect life, that I should never feel down or alone in the world. But, so sue me, I do. I keep it hidden, pretend everything’s okay. Because who would believe Piper Barlow could have issues? Everyone’s convinced the hottest guy in school’s going to ask me out - that Mason and I would be the perfect couple, that he’s my John Cusack. Except, he hasn’t. One holidays, I find myself hanging out with the resident underachiever, and he surprises me. With Roman, I don’t have to pretend that little Piper Barlow is perfect; even if we’re both in a foul mood, just sitting in silence together is perfectly enough. Until it becomes more. But, Roman doesn’t do more. Does he...? What do you do when you accidentally find perfection with the wrong guy? You fight for it. Accidentally Perfect is a Mature YA novel about finding support in the least likely of places, never giving up, and learning that being the real you is always perfect. Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax. Not recommended for younger readers due to mature content.

Accidentally Perfect

Three's a crowd, but four's a war. Big girl undies? Check. Speech planned? Check. Nerves of steel? Check. A single crush? ...not check...' What do you do when you find your best friend/crush kissing your other best friend on the day you were going to declare your feelings for him? You only agree to fake date your crush's rival. The King of the Bows, popular golden (play)boy, and all around douche, Xander wouldn't be my last choice for a boyfriend. Across the school, battlelines are drawn and sides are taken between the new 'it' couple of my former best friends and the excitingly scandalous pairing of me and King Douche. Xander keeps distracting me from the plan; make Jason jealous. He insists on holding my hand and kissing me and being nice. Ugh. Xander's not nice and he's not the relationship type, but he's doing a damned good job of acting both parts. He calls it 'keeping up appearances', I call it 'take one more pass at my arse and I'll break your nose'. They say all's fair in love and war, but what's so fair about falling for the wrong guy when your two best friends are on the other side of the battlelines?

Petra I was the juvenile delinquent now in her late-twenties and with very little hope in sight. But I got along okay. I had a good group of friends, some delicious eye-candy, and my business was growing in leaps and bounds. Going out for a few benders with the girls of a Saturday night was what being in your twenties was all about. Right? Who needed to settle down? My life is mess and disorder, but maybe there’s one man who’ll make me want to straighten it out. Gavin When I was younger, they called me the gentle giant. I was actually one of the most picked on kids at school because I refused to return a punch. It wasn’t just that I knew, as the biggest kid, I’d get into the biggest trouble. I just didn’t like trouble. Odd then that I ended up in the Navy and turning a blind eye to the antics of the Grace Grayson boys. My life is ordered and stable, but maybe there’s one rebel who’ll make me want to shake it up. Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

Tank & the Rebel

Nora As the female bassist in an otherwise all-male rockband, I had an image to maintain – relaxed, laidback, available. One-Night Nora was what the headlines called me and I relished it. My freedom meant everything to me and that freedom had become my brand. Until I get a stalker and our manager hires a dude from Grace Grayson. I’ve heard they’re the most satisfying firm in the country and I’m more than happy to give their reputation a try. Except, when it comes down to it, I can’t follow through. Ryder is funny, gorgeous, kind, and sweet in his own way. I don’t want our time together to come to an end, so I’m adamant I won’t sleep with him. But my restraint only goes so far and I’m all too aware that all good things must come to an end sometime. Still, it’s only one night. Or so I tell myself until our easy banter disappears under the deafening unspoken knowledge that we both want more. He’s the sort of guy who can rock my whole world, if I could just roll with it. And he’s making it harder and harder to pretend it means nothing. After all, rock and roll just go together. Ryder It took some serious convincing on my part, but eventually the boss man let me have the VIP. And what a VIP she turned out to be. But some one-night rocker she turns out to be. The woman isn’t falling for any of my numerous charms, no matter how close I seem to get. But the more time I spend with her, the more I don’t mind. This is one good thing I never want to end. With a voice like a fallen angel and a personality that would make Lucifer himself blush, Nora’s the kind of person I don’t mind being around. The fact all that comes in a female form that does strange, exciting things to me is just icing. Being with her is like being with a friend you want to bone, only I’m beginning to think maybe I’m interested in more than just the benefits. Despite watching three of my best mates settle down, I never thought I’d follow suit. But, this chick has me wondering if it would be so bad after all. It’s as terrifying as it is motivating to think I could fall in love. I’m sure I could so long as I don’t focus too hard on the terrifying bit. She’s the sort of woman to rock my whole world, if only she’d just roll with it. I’ll have to pull out all the stops, but I’ll do it to prove it to her. After all, rock and roll just go together. Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

Rollie & the Rocker

It is a truth universally assumed that a stupidly rich boy must be in want of a girlfriend. It is a truth universally acknowledged that a girl who has just travelled half a world must be in want of a bed. From her first day at pompous boarding school Netherfield, fiery Australian Lily Brewer comes up against the arrogance of Austin Cooper. Austin and his twin Jax are the hottest guys in school. And the richest. It's quick wits and sass versus suave intelligence and abs, and they refuse to fall for each other. The rest of the school ignores Austin's behaviour for his pretty face and fat wallet. But, Lily can't get past his cold character even while her insults are enough to bring a smile to Austin's usually dour face. As Lily's roommate Anne is getting closer to Jax, Austin and Lily are always at each other's throats despite the sizzling chemistry that both of them deny simmering below the surface. Between an ardent proposal from her step-mother's simpering nephew, a dashing young fellow-Aussie from the Military College, the twins' scheming bitch of a cousin, Lily's embarrassing family, Austin's intended fiancée, the antics of the twins' best friend, the overbearing Lady Celia, and a whole lot of stubbornness, love seems off the dance card for everyone. Will pride and prejudice ruin them all? Or will love win the day? Get ready to spot all your favourite characters in this Young Adult modern reimagining of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, told in dual POV. Please be aware that this story uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

Netherfield Prep: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice'

Leah I didn’t belong in their world, but I made a good show of pretending I did. Mother and Father expected it. All I wanted to do was get a cosy cottage in the suburbs and live with my million cats. What I got instead was suitor after suitor paraded in front of me and the threat of a looming engagement. So, what else was a girl to do? After bumping into Mrs Fortescue’s ‘companion’ one too many times, I decided he’d do. Mother and Father wanted an engagement? They’d get one. Except I’d be the one having the last laugh because Patrick is the total opposite of what my parents want in a son-in-law – his nickname is Hawk for goodness’ sake – and I have no obligations to him in any department. But of course, the best laid plans make fools of us all and it’s not long before I want him to hold me accountable only to him in EVERY department. There’s just the small problem of him being completely unsuitable and without any inclination to settle down. If there’s one thing I know about men, it’s that it takes a remarkable woman to tame them. I know I’m a remarkable woman. I only hope it’s not too late for this lady to tame her hawk. Patrick If there’s one thing that makes a guy reconsider his womanising ways, it’s seeing his best mate and his little sister settle down. If there’s another, it’s a gorgeous woman in a stunning red dress. But she’s a part of a world I can only pretend to fit into and she’s a damned lady – elegant and sophisticated – and she’s totally off-limits to a grunt like me. Every time we meet, there’s a look in her eyes that suggests she’s far less sophisticated than she’d have me believe. And it’s not long before this hawk is close to begging to relinquish his freedom, even just for one night. So, how could I say no when she needed my help? I was expertly qualified to serve, and if I got to be myself for once that was just icing. But the more time I spend with her, the more I want to be around her. The more it feels less like a job and more like something real. There’s just the small problem of her being an heiress with obligations that don’t include me and the job will only last so long. I don’t know a lot about ladies, despite my remarkable ability to play a part. All I know is there’s always more underneath the mask, and there’s only one lady who can tame this hawk.

Hawk & the Lady

Meet Christopher Henderson. Kit to his friends and admirers. Hendo to the jocks who worship him. Butt-head (or Topher) to me and my best friend. AKA, the dillweed of a human being. Meet Alexander Henderson. Ander to the people who put up with his skinny ass. Hendo Jr to the jocks sucking up to Topher. Best Friend Extraordinaire to me. AKA, the love of my life. Meet Addison MacGuire. Addy to whoever asks because (honestly) what kind of name is Addison? Addy Mac to anyone who sees her doing stupid sh*t. And well…me to me. AKA, the girl you don’t date because... Well, who knows. So, what happens when you take one tomboy, one best friend, and that best friend’s stupidly hot, popular older brother with a bad attitude? That’s right, you get a story worthy of a teen rom-com. Because, sometimes real life is a bitch. Sometimes the only guy to come between you and the love of your life is the one guy you weren’t supposed to fall in love with. But, how do you tell the difference between love, lust and friendship? Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

Love, Lust & Friendship

Raegan I was used to being the smartest person in a room, the nerd queen my boss looked to when things went wrong. And boy, did they go wrong. Super wrong. Enter Nico Daniels. Ex-military. Tall, built, smoking hot. He wears suits like they were poured onto his body. He has a mouth that would make Satan blush. And I thought my Nan was bossy? Nico makes her look tame. Girls like me want a guy as nerdy as them. Girls like me need a nerd on the streets and a beast in the sheets, but guys like that are practically impossible to find. They’re rarer than the mythical unicorn, the legendary eight hours of sleep a night, or the fabled second orgasm. But a highly frustrated girl’s only got so much restraint. So, maybe one night won’t hurt? Or two. Nico and I are all sorts of wrong for each other. Sure, the guy makes me scream his name in absolute ecstasy. But the rest of the time I want to smash my keyboard over his cocky head. And that’s really not conducive to a healthy relationship. If only the man who was a beast in the sheets was a nerd on the streets. If only we had something in common. I need a little nerd in my man and Nico Daniels is anything but nerd. Isn’t he? Nico I hated roleplay. I was bad at it. So, what’s my new job? Play the jarhead security guard to some pixie who’s got herself into a world of trouble with some shady online shit. The big boss likes his security to look the part. My boss likes to keep him happy. So, it’s Converse and nerdy t-shirts off, and tailored suits on and contacts in. Because the tech guy isn’t quite so scary. Raegan Lane wasn’t just in a world of trouble, she was in danger of troubling my strict, orderly world. The guy who’s lived behind computers hasn’t needed game in a long time, but this little nerd makes me want more than just a couple of games nights. She makes me want everything. But I’ve hidden from the world for so long, I’ve forgotten how to human. Every time I think I’ve worked out how to open up to her, all my walls slam back into place. My nerd side has never been what’s got ladies into bed – I’ve picked up a thing or two from my team mates. But that’s the side this nerd queen would love, if only I’d let her know it. She’s the code that could crack all my firewalls, but I’m not sure I know how to be the real me and be a guy someone could love. To keep her, I’m gonna need to let my nerd light shine bright.

O Lord & the Queen

He’s a semi-famous rockstar I’m Nerdy McNerdleton Elijah Sweet: born rock god, gorgeous, sinful Ella Cowan: beautiful, confidant, popular Chloe Cowan: wait…who? Born for the express purpose of being the understudy for my older sister, I’ve learnt that life goes faster if I just go along with the madness. Until the madness involves me, the School Formal, my sister’s hair-brained scheme to win over the hottest boy in school, and a misunderstanding that I’m the one interested in him. Suddenly, my quiet existence isn’t so quiet anymore and the bright neon light that heralds my eighteenth birthday and freedom is overshadowed by one that follows a boy who’s going to be the next big thing. But I am so not interested… Am I? Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English, grammar and syntax.

my life as an understudy

the Stand-In

Michael Hutchins

Bryan G. Norton

Terry Maple

Ethics on the Ark presents a passionate, multivocal discussion—among zoo professionals, activists, conservation biologists, and philosophers—about the future of zoos and aquariums, the treatment of animals in captivity, and the question of whether the individual, the species, or the ecosystem is the most important focus in conservation efforts. Contributors represent all sides of the issues. Moving from the fundamental to the practical, from biodiversity to population regulation, from animal research to captive breeding, Ethics on the Ark represents an important gathering of the many fervent and contentious viewpoints shaping the wildlife conservation debate.

Zoos, Animal Welfare, and Wildlife Conservation

Ethics on the Ark

One tattooed girl. Three frustrated tutors. A whole lot of accidents waiting to happen. It's time for me to join my dad and older sister in Gallyr, to dust off the cobwebs and leather jackets of a normal person's life and don the mantle of Lady Tatiana Bethany Penrose. For the first time, all eyes are on me and I have to be presented to society at a ball in my honour. So begin the lessons; dancing, dress, dinner etiquette. Now, all I need to do is not spill my beer on or set fire to my date; the youngest son of my dad's best friend, the Gallyrian King. Not even Heaven can help me now. The Royal Misadventures series: #1 Now Presenting: I'm No Princess (Part 1) #2 Lady in Training: I'm No Princess (Part 2) #3 Three of a Kind: I'm No Princess (Part 3) #4 Some Proposal: I'm No Princess (Part 4) #5 Royally Unprepared: Prince of Pout (Part 1) - coming soon Please be aware that this story uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

I'm No Princess (Part 1)

Now Presenting

One incompetent lady. Three holiday parties. A whole lot of mistakes ready to be made. Christmas and New Year’s is a busy time for Gallyrian Royalty and I have to play my part. According to the media, that part is now Prince Playboy Nico’s girlfriend. Uh, no thanks. Thank God Kostin steps in to save me. Until the media decide I was brought home to marry him instead. Or, was it Nico after all? How am I mean to survive a romantic wintery holiday season while everyone’s talking about my impending engagement to two different guys? Especially when I can’t even keep my footing on a flat surface. The Royal Misadventures series: #1 Now Presenting: I'm No Princess (Part 1) #2 Lady in Training: I'm No Princess (Part 2) #3 Three of a Kind: I'm No Princess (Part 3) #4 Some Proposal: I'm No Princess (Part 4) #5 Royally Unprepared: Prince of Pout (Part 1) #6 Royals in Dating: Almost Royal (Part 1) – coming soon Please be aware that this story uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

I'm No Princess (Part 2)

Lady in Training

One inadvisable kiss. Three supposed suitors. A whole bunch of totally untrue rumours. My sister was always the pretty one. She was supposed to marry a prince. Until I came home, the media went into a ridiculous frenzy, and Lia’s no longer good enough for the job. Marriage Watch is in full effect for the Crown Prince. And, rumours are swirling that I’m on the verge of marrying one of the princes. But, which one? There’s only one I’d want. But, we fight more than we love and are totally incompatible. Plus, he’s meant to marry a future queen. And, I’m barely a lady, let alone a princess. The Royal Misadventures series: #1 Now Presenting: I'm No Princess (Part 1) #2 Lady in Training: I'm No Princess (Part 2) #3 Three of a Kind: I'm No Princess (Part 3) #4 Some Proposal: I'm No Princess (Part 4) #5 Royally Unprepared: Prince of Pout (Part 1) #6 Royals in Dating: Almost Royal (Part 1) – coming soon Please be aware that this story uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

Elizabeth Stevens

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