Read hundreds of free ebook samples from the authors and publishers of Smashwords.  Click to Smashwords to make your purchase.



- Hide covers    - Hide descriptions    + Show bios
A Month of Girls by  A Month of Girls by JohnSkaife May 31, 2008 $2.99 8583 words Sample 20%
A phantasmagoria! Who knows what to expect? And you, you don't even know what you want! Well, let me tell you here now - THIS is what you need. Forty years in the making and three months in the composition - it's more girls than promised! (40 by my reckoning.)
A Mixed Bag by Richard F. West A Mixed Bag by Richard F. West Sep. 20, 2008 $3.00 83664 words Sample 15%
A provocative variety of 24 stories - some cute, some comical, some murderous and some filled with mayhem.
Whispers Hidden behind Dark Doors by Frank F. Atanacio Whispers Hidden behind Dark Doors by Frank F. Atanacio Oct. 15, 2008 $1.95 8256 words Sample 25%
Dark eerie poetry that will haunt your dreams. Each poem describes a haunting image that will invade your nightmares and leave you begging for the light. So hear the whispers and feel the nightmares
To Sweeten Boredom by Jeff Tikari To Sweeten Boredom by Jeff Tikari Nov. 18, 2008 $4.95 47539 words Sample 15%
Crisp, enthralling, and well written short stories to lighten your leisure hours or shorten a long journey.
Sugar Lumps and Black Eye Blues by Tamesha S. Hawkins Sugar Lumps and Black Eye Blues by Tamesha S. Hawkins Nov. 21, 2008 $15.00 7926 words Sample 50%
Sugar Lumps and Black Eye Blues is a smorgasbord of emotions that are sautéed in wordplay. The course begins with cocktails of exploration leading to desserts of revelations, revealing many journeys in womanhood. When stepping inside these pages, select from a menu of moments to entice the mental palette. You won’t be satisfied unless every moment is sopped up like gravy to a biscuit.
The Second Series by  The Second Series by JohnSkaife Nov. 27, 2008 $5.00 13772 words Sample 20%
This is John's mother speaking. John has trouble writing ads, so he asked me to do it for him. This is fifty short items. Some are good, some are bad. Some have too much sex and violence; I'm not to blame. As I said to his father one lovely spring day years ago (as he was putting on his double-breaster), "Well, don't look at me; I'm not the one who refused to buy him that toy pistol."
From The Heart, A Life In Poetry by Jerry Humphrey From The Heart, A Life In Poetry by Jerry Humphrey Dec. 01, 2008 $3.99 15275 words Sample 45%
This is a collection of poems on many different subjects. They convey my feelings on many different things form serious to humerous
The Shed by Kasey Sailer The Shed by Kasey Sailer Dec. 19, 2008 $0.99 4503 words Sample 55%
A wife decides to find out what is in her husband's shed at all costs.
The Acorn Stories by Duane Simolke The Acorn Stories by Duane Simolke Dec. 24, 2008 $3.00 62111 words Sample 10%
From romantic comedy to razor-sharp satire to moments of quiet reflection, Duane Simolke’s award-winning tales transform a fictional West Texas town into a tapestry of human experiences. “A lush tangle of small-town life branches out in this engrossing collection of short stories.” –Kirkus Discoveries. “If you liked WINESBURG, OHIO…rejoice.” –Watchword.
Crouton: A Love Story by T. Alex Miller Crouton: A Love Story by T. Alex Miller Jan. 21, 2009 $0.99 32467 words Sample 25%
Lonely Ted finds a crouton in his spotless apartment and freaks out. But the errant bread item is really a catalyst for a strange sort of love story. A short story.
Back to the Garden (An Erotic Anthology) by Selena Kitt Back to the Garden (An Erotic Anthology) by Selena Kitt Jan. 26, 2009 $4.99 35182 words Sample 15%
Discover the deliciously taboo lure of an incestuous siren call with four stories bundled into a wickedly hot anthology that’s determined to keep it all in the family! Stories include: Lassoing the Moon, Garden of Eden, Man of the House and Lost Souls
Quickies (An Erotic / Erotica Anthology) by Selena Kitt Quickies (An Erotic / Erotica Anthology) by Selena Kitt Feb. 02, 2009 $4.99 52543 words Sample 15%
Whether the story is about a quick encounter of the erotic kind or it’s just a fast and furious read, here is a pulse-pounding 25 story anthology, promising to take you on a headlong express to ecstasy. Join Selena Kitt on a swift, delightful ride, from stories of heart-racing sex in elevators or across office desks or in dressing rooms, to the impatience and excitement of the first time.
If Mortals Had Been Immortals And Other Short Stories by Zaira & Nadira Rahman If Mortals Had Been Immortals And Other Short Stories by Zaira & Nadira Rahman Feb. 05, 2009 $4.99 30691 words Sample 10%
This book touches upon life and human nature in four sets of short stories, which are basically satirical in nature. Read along to see where do you fit in this thread of life and nature.
The Poetry of Staying Alive by Brian Avey The Poetry of Staying Alive by Brian Avey Feb. 07, 2009 $1.49 6988 words Sample 40%
This is an anthology of poems, including a few translations from the Japanese, written while the author lived in Hanford CA from 2003 to 2008. A slower pace of life, proximity to the Sierra Nevada, and opportunities to travel by train, offered rich opportunities for reflection. These verses are the fruit of slowing down for a while and finding the time for personal expression.
The Darkness and the Light and Other Poems by Travis King The Darkness and the Light and Other Poems by Travis King Feb. 07, 2009 $4.95 2960 words Sample 20%
The 25 poems in this collection by Pacific Northwest writer Travis King invite the reader to enter another realm — a realm of thoughts and visions both fantastic and surreal —a realm populated by demons, angels, ghosts, extraterrestrials, and more — a realm that exists just on the outskirts of our own, where shadows dance between the darkness and the light.
Where Have You Gone, Great Goddess? and Other Poems of Nature and the Spirit by Travis King Where Have You Gone, Great Goddess? and Other Poems of Nature and the Spirit by Travis King Feb. 07, 2009 $4.95 3310 words Sample 20%
The 25 poems in this collection by Pacific Northwest writer Travis King invite the reader to enjoy, through the poet's eyes, the natural wonders of the world, both physical and spiritual. Examining the nature of the seasons, the elements, the world around us, and religious beliefs, these poems perhaps answer the question posed within: Where have you gone, Great Goddess?
Coming Together: For Gabrielle by Alessia Brio Coming Together: For Gabrielle by Alessia Brio Feb. 20, 2009 $1.99 26183 words Sample 5%
Coming Together: For Gabrielle is a multi-author anthology of sensual fiction & poetry edited by EPPIE Award-winning author, Alessia Brio. ALL proceeds from the sale of this volume benefit BLISS, the U.K.’s premature baby charity. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY!
More Lost Memories by Teel McClanahan More Lost Memories by Teel McClanahan Feb. 23, 2009 $4.99 49722 words Sample 20%
A collection of short stories that transform scenes from Forget What You Can’t Remember, expand and explore its settings, and answer questions left unanswered there, all while giving these stories -each unique and worthwhile on its own, but not relevant to the main story arc of that novel- the chance to exist and to entertain.
Apple-Tempting New: A Tasty Tribute to New Life by Jackie O'Donnell Apple-Tempting New: A Tasty Tribute to New Life by Jackie O'Donnell Feb. 27, 2009 $1.99 3237 words Sample 40%
A must-read for anyone who loves babies. Verses range from serious to silly, depending on who is doing the telling. Follow a family through pregnancy, bonding, sleepless nights, and milestones like crawling and the “firsts”: tear, steps, shoes, birthday, visit to Santa. Finally, the reader gets a glimpse of childlike wisdom, as Baby gives advice to a potential sibling. Life is good. Enjoy it!
Shadow Play by Gabrielle Bryant-Gainer Shadow Play by Gabrielle Bryant-Gainer March 06, 2009 $4.00 70847 words Sample 50%
It's abstract, Inspirational, and Revolutionary- A gutsy collection of poems.Sometimes, you just have to lose yourself in poetry. These poems vary greatly in their style and depth, but there is a core voice that will resound from the pages- the voice is of hope. Despite the melancholy feel, it works its way into your spir
The Curse of St. Giles by Eddie Heaton The Curse of St. Giles by Eddie Heaton March 08, 2009 $0.99 8642 words Sample 20%
Paul is a 'psycho-geographer.' He walks the streets, concentrating his awareness on the effects of the environment on his emotions and behaviour. But the streets hold a secret that is best left uncovered...
I Am Rich; Yet Still Poor: Volume 1.5 Gay and Proud by Authoress Kerry Lynn Cochran I Am Rich; Yet Still Poor: Volume 1.5 Gay and Proud by Authoress Kerry Lynn Cochran March 08, 2009 $8.00 6234 words Sample 50%
This is the second book in an anthology series of poetry; By and about the author's lifestyle and lesbian love experiences and things that she sees. And it will motivate and help others to love, live, learn and to survive; through the author's life and eyes
I Am Rich; Yet Still Poor Volume 1: Can U Hear Me World by Authoress Kerry Lynn Cochran I Am Rich; Yet Still Poor Volume 1: Can U Hear Me World by Authoress Kerry Lynn Cochran March 08, 2009 $6.00 6438 words Sample 25%
This first book in an anthology series of poetry. by and about the author's life experiences and things that she sees. And it will motivate and help others to love, live, learn and to survive; through the author's life and eyes
A Day With The Dead by Eddie Heaton A Day With The Dead by Eddie Heaton March 09, 2009 $0.99 1208 words Sample 20%
The cemetery gates seemed to beckon him in... but would they let him leave..?
Henry's Will by Eddie Heaton Henry's Will by Eddie Heaton March 10, 2009 $0.99 1043 words Sample 20%
Billionaire industrialist, Sir Henry Bancroft has died and his family is gathered to hear his will. His beneficiaries lick their lips in anticipation of a financial feast beyond their wildest imaginings but it seems Sir Henry has a secret or two he might want to share from beyond the grave and not everyone gets what they think they deserve...
Beneath a Star-Blue Sky by William Woodall Beneath a Star-Blue Sky by William Woodall March 10, 2009 $1.47 47598 words Sample 50%
Seven short stories for all ages, mostly of the fantasy genre. Some are modern fairy tales, some are historical fiction, while others are difficult to classify.
Good Fairy by Eddie Heaton Good Fairy by Eddie Heaton March 11, 2009 $0.99 845 words Sample 20%
In order to escape from her hellish existence a young prostitute is forced to tell a wicked lie to her one true friend.
Oasis of Love by Eric Rhodes Oasis of Love by Eric Rhodes March 11, 2009 $4.25 5668 words Sample 10%
This collection of poems for the beloved by Eric Rhodes,entitled "Oasis of Love" is reminiscent of the medieval poetry of Rumi, Omar Khayyam, St. John of the Cross and Hildegard von Bingen; and yet it is modern in its grasp of the interaction between man's ego and his divine will.
Frog Dreams by Suzanne Kayko -Montpetit Frog Dreams by Suzanne Kayko -Montpetit March 11, 2009 $4.00 48561 words Sample 25%
The rantings of a unknown writer is about love, mistakes, magic and more. Its about a dragonfly and a mother, Its about finding yourself among the forest of your dreams and nightmares. Its all about Frog Dreams. What reason do I have to make you understand my thinking, my thoughts. Reasons to believe we all have a choice. Its about choice challenge and change
The Little White Bag by Eddie Heaton The Little White Bag by Eddie Heaton March 12, 2009 $0.99 405 words Sample 20%
Magdalena is suffering from amnesia and the doctor is trying to jog her memory. The doctor shows Magdalena one object in particular - a little white bag. Why does it frighten Magdalena so? What horrors does it contain?
Jenny's Ghost by Eddie Heaton Jenny's Ghost by Eddie Heaton March 14, 2009 $0.99 1976 words Sample 20%
I thought I saw Jenny on Brighton seafront but it can't have been her. Jenny' dead.
You Don't Know What You've Got... Tales of Loss and Dispossession by David Wood You Don't Know What You've Got... Tales of Loss and Dispossession by David Wood March 14, 2009 $2.99 68998 words Sample 10%
The more you have, the more you have to lose. This unchangeable truth runs through every human life, whether it's wealth, family, love, or something deeper and more profound. Sometimes it breaks you. Other times it only makes you stronger. In this book, our writers explore the infinite paths of loss and the conflicts that come with it, bringing you a unique collection of stories from all genres.
Passion by Eddie Heaton Passion by Eddie Heaton March 17, 2009 $0.99 799 words Sample 20%
She was wearing knee length boots, the shortest skirt he had ever seen and a little white beret perched cheekily on one side of her head. You could tell she was French. He got up and followed her.
Darkness Before Dawn by Summer Torian Darkness Before Dawn by Summer Torian March 17, 2009 $2.00 10141 words Sample 50%
I was lost, I honestly didn't know what to do. I was sucked into a world I never wanted into to. A world...of vampires. So Apparently, I am Vampiric Royalty or something. But I'm forced to be a servant to one of the "higher" families. Hasn't my life been tragic enough? Haven't I suffered enough! Obviously not...My life was changed, changed forever when I was kidnapped by Hector...and met Zane...
Duty Calls by Eddie Heaton Duty Calls by Eddie Heaton March 22, 2009 $0.99 1970 words Sample 20%
How happy we all were in those first few days of war.
Horror, Humor, and Heroes by Jim Bernheimer Horror, Humor, and Heroes by Jim Bernheimer March 26, 2009 $0.99 66798 words Sample 20%
Horror, Humor, and Heroes is a collection of 12 short stories, 1 novella, and a novel preview. The collection has a little something in it for fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and dark humor. Stories include, a zombie running for congress, a down on his luck bad guy thrust into the role of world savior, and the story of the first boy born on the moon.
POETRY SHEET, VOL. 1, APRIL 09 by Carla Viniferi POETRY SHEET, VOL. 1, APRIL 09 by Carla Viniferi April 08, 2009 $1.99 584 words Sample 20%
Poetry Sheet is intended as an inexpensive, quick-to-read monthly publication for your reading pleasure born of my passion for words. Read it while you are downloading, on the mobile while the laundry is drying, and gentlemen, read it to your dates, they'll be impressed. Ponder, puzzle, and possess. And for godssakes, read it OUT LOUD!!
Perceptions of the Green Notebook by Marc Roman Perceptions of the Green Notebook by Marc Roman April 08, 2009 $0.99 48745 words Sample 30%
A person comes across an unknown title in a used bookstall at the local flea market. It quickly becomes a constant companion, as its stories of strange situations and offbeat people help the person escape the real world, but in actually is helping the person return to it.
THE MUSE’S MIRE: 2005-2008 COLLECTION by Shannon Miller THE MUSE’S MIRE: 2005-2008 COLLECTION by Shannon Miller April 09, 2009 $3.00 24663 words Sample 50%
Collection of short stories, flash fiction and poetry spanning various genres including a fantasy novella.
The Oak, The Dragon, and Other, Off-Kilter Tales by JA Laflin The Oak, The Dragon, and Other, Off-Kilter Tales by JA Laflin April 28, 2009 $4.50 25436 words Sample 20%
In this collection of short stories, we are introduced to twisted fairy tale characters, telepathic children, a myriad of car-wrecks, monstrous pets, cowboys, demons, and the ultimate battle between Elves and Dragons... From the every-day life to horror and fantasy, this collection has a little bit of everything.
Flashy Fiction - Under A Thousand by George Angus Flashy Fiction - Under A Thousand by George Angus May 12, 2009 You set the price! 10913 words Sample 15%
A wonderful collection of Flash Fiction Stories, all under a thousand words.
POETRY SHEET #2 MAY 2009 by Carla Viniferi POETRY SHEET #2 MAY 2009 by Carla Viniferi May 13, 2009 $1.99 877 words Sample 15%
This month, it's all about yearning. Lust can be a catalyst. Naturally we rise like a cloud. Study is not necessary but desired. Life is enlightenment itself.
Joy In a Box by Sally Hanan Joy In a Box by Sally Hanan May 14, 2009 $4.99 20442 words Sample 10%
A blind girl has a gift; a father's heart breaks; a young boy in Africa might die; the step-children want her dead husband's money . . . Read these short snippets of fiction and be prepared to gasp, giggle, and groan. Sally Hanan’s insight into the human heart brings depth and richness to her stories, many of them written in a poetic style of prose that flows and gurgles like a country creek.
Up for Grabs: Exploring the Worlds of Gender by Lauren P. Burka Up for Grabs: Exploring the Worlds of Gender by Lauren P. Burka May 21, 2009 $5.99 23764 words Sample 10%
An anthology of erotic stories where gender is up for grabs. Thousands of people spend time on the Internet identified with a gender other than the one they were born with, for erotic gratification or to stretch their imaginations. But what if you got a tax break for changing your gender? What if you could choose to be no gender at all until you went on a date? Five stories.
A Kinder Bright: Poems of Praise & Remembrance by Jerry Fagnani A Kinder Bright: Poems of Praise & Remembrance by Jerry Fagnani May 27, 2009 $4.99 5609 words Sample 10%
A man uses poetry to describe special moments in his life, his hometown and coping with the loss of his beloved wife.
Pegasus at the Plow: A Poetry Collection by Patrick Walker Pegasus at the Plow: A Poetry Collection by Patrick Walker May 29, 2009 $4.99 5392 words Sample 10%
A bohemian academic contemplates a range of topics through poetry.
Electric Literature no.1 by Michael  Cunningham Electric Literature no.1 by Michael Cunningham June 04, 2009 $4.95 27908 words Sample 10%
Electric Literature is just that, electric - five great stories that grab you. Our Summer 2009 debut anthology features the first published excerpt from Michael Cunningham's (The Hours) forthcoming novel. This issue also features new fiction by Jim Shepard, T Cooper, Lydia Millet and Diana Wagman. These stories are charged with wit, incident, and emotional gravity right from the first sentence.
With Arms Wide Open by Vanilla Heart Publishing With Arms Wide Open by Vanilla Heart Publishing June 14, 2009 $5.99 48648 words Sample 35%
Stories and poetry exploring the joy of living and loving, With Arms Wide Open... Stories and poems about taking a chance, moving past fear or apprehension, risking everything for love, finding peace, expanding a comfort zone – and other emotions and experiences that share the intimacies of living and loving With Arms Wide Open.
Voices of Survivors by Vanilla Heart Publishing Voices of Survivors by Vanilla Heart Publishing June 14, 2009 $6.99 34013 words Sample 35%
In this book you will find stories from men, women, mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, someone you may even know. Rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse touches more lives than we even realize. In this book, you will find people of both genders, of all races and nationalities, and from all walks of life.
Acquaintance: A Collection of Sonnets by Eugene Docena Acquaintance: A Collection of Sonnets by Eugene Docena June 24, 2009 $2.00 10143 words Sample 20%
A Poet's lamentation during his quarter-life crisis.