MandaLyn's Rec of the Week: 11/29-12/5

November 30, 2010

Five Seconds to Death by lifelesslyndsey
Reviewed by MandaLyn

Rating: M
Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Humor
Characters: Jasper/Peter/Bella

Summary: She was suppose to be his, but he'd never be hers. When there is no where left to run, Jasper turns to the last hope he has, Peter. It can never be her, when it's always been him. Or can it? Confliction.Denial. And a curious newborn Bella. *SLASH* JxPxB

If you've been around Twilight fanfiction for any length of time, you have most likely run across something by the witty and blunt author, lifelesslyndsey, before. If you haven't, I can heartily recommend anything on her list of seventeen stories, but this newest one, Five Seconds To Death, has really taken the cake. The story follows up on a small teaser of a one-shot she wrote in April called Mouth. Mouth is the exciting recounting of a quick, forbidden kiss between Jasper and Bella that leaves the reader begging for more. Five Seconds To Death, currently at five chapters and still going, is making good on that unspoken promise for more and going to some amazing new places.

Five Seconds To Death begins in that critical moment of New Moon, the one Alice should have seen coming but didn't. Bella slices open her finger and the blood lust fills the Cullen living room. Then, instead of allowing the others to drag him away, Jasper does exactly what Bella's emotions beg him for, the life she was meant to have through his venom. Following her desires and his instincts means their lives are about to change in ways neither could have seen coming as Jasper is forced to face his past and his true mate that he left behind.

Lifelesslyndsey's typically wonderful humor and her constantly amazing descriptions of Peter will keep you on the edge of seat, and begging for more, as what has come and gone, comes around again and must be dealt with. This story is rated M with warnings for slash, as the story is listed as a JasperxPeterxBella story. So please keep that in mind and be sure you're interested in this type of thing before you begin. She makes no apologies, and neither should she. This is a thrilling story that I am dying to see continue! Sexy, exciting, beautiful, thrilling... this fic has it all! Enjoy!

RaeCullen's Rec of the Week: 11/29-12/5

November 29, 2010

A Room With A View by ShortHappyLife

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Humor
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Endless scripts to read, a tyrant boss to tolerate, and a rather lackluster personal life. It was a good thing Bella Swan's office provided the perfect view of the building's hotshot lawyer. Now if only they'd share more than a glance each day. E/B

I’ve been on a search for a fic that makes me giggle, grin and flail around like an idiot for quite some time. I wanted something sweet and genuine; something that would help me fall in love with Edward and Bella again. I’d all but given up when I stumbled upon A Room with a View. From the moment I started reading I knew I hit the jackpot. It literally has EVERYTHING I’ve been searching for (sweet, funny, snarky, adorable). Not a chapter has gone by where I haven’t been giggling so much I’m practically squealing and smiling so hard my cheeks hurt.

A Room with a View is entirely BPOV, and I have to say this might be my favorite Bella EVER. Her internal monologue has me snickering and laughing. I wanna be this Bella when I grow up!

I was nervous. I do not get nervous. Actually, that's not true; I get nervous when I have to speak in public, and when I'm in a really crowded elevator, and when I'm driving on a tall bridge and it shakes because a big truck or something drives across it at the same time. That freaks me out. Yeah, I'm afraid of bridges. Shut up. It's a legitimate fear called gephyrophobia. You can google it.

*snort*

I just wanted to lick him. I refrained. Outwardly, at least. In my head I was treating his stubbly jaw like a lollipop.

*giggle*

Did I seriously fall back asleep while Edward was naked in the shower? What the hell Bella? Priorities woman. You can sleep when you're dead.

See what I mean? Bella is awesome.

This story has a wonderful cast of characters that are well developed and I love seeing Bella’s take on them. Aro – her incredibly anal and eccentric boss will have you laughing and raging at him all at once. Her co-workers, Kate and Garrett, add a wonderful dynamic to her working environment. Then of course there is Jasper and Alice – and this time its Jasper who is Bella’s BFF and I gotta say, I love it! They are hilarious together.

Jasper appeared at my side. "Hey, Edward."

They did the little handshake half-hug that is taught in the guy code handbook. They had one, too; I was sure.

"Hey, man." He turned to me then. "So Jasper called me hot lawyer man?"

I rolled my eyes. "Oh my gosh, you're obsessed. I'm going to put these in water," I gestured to the flowers.

I moved toward the kitchen while Edward came in and took off his suit jacket.

Jasper snickered, "I'm pretty sure she even has you in her phone as 'Hot Lawyer Man.'"

"You suck, Jasper, you know that? You're no longer my best friend. I'm demoting you."

Honestly, why did I keep him around? Next time I saw Alice I was telling her that he doesn't really have a lumpy pillow; he just keeps his baby blanket shoved under the pillowcase.

Then of course there is Edward, a.k.a. Hot Lawyer Man, (insert huge fucking swoonhere). Usually lawyers are arrogant little fucks, but not this Edward. He’s confident, but has a shy undertone when it comes to Bella that is so completely adorable and sweet it makes me flail around like a fool and want to put Edward in my pocket and keep him forever.

Eventually I gathered myself and gestured to the office behind him, "Well, uh, I'm just there, so…"

"Oh! Right." He scratched at the back of his neck as he stepped aside, gesturing me to my office with an outstretched arm.

I gave him a small smile as I moved past him and he turned to continue down the hall.

He only made it two steps before he swung around again.

I was standing in the same spot he'd left me because I had been lingering in hopes of catching a glimpse of his ass as he walked away (okay, so I might be an ass girl, too. Sue me. That way I can hire Mr. Kissable Lips as my lawyer).

"I'm Edward," he blurted out and then blushed at his outburst.

I smirked, hoping a little swagger would draw attention away from the fact that I was blushing at my earlier thoughts about his ass, "Bella."

"Maybe I'll see you around."

I nodded, "Probably tomorrow." I gestured back to my office, acknowledging the fact that we 'saw' each other every day.

He scratched at the back of his neck again, "Right."

He looked like he wanted to say more but instead spun on his heel and continued down the hall. And indeed his ass was very cute.

So go on and read this story now! Hurry! Run! You won’t be disappointed. That I am positive of.

Writer Submitted Fic: 11/22-11/28

November 26, 2010
Lessons Extracted by MissWinkles

Rating: M
Genre: Humor/Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Long time platonic friends Edward and Bella look to solve their cash-flow problems by making an adult movie together. The two have always been comfortable with each other, but will they be able to keep it friendly when the cameras roll?

So last week, Lori contacts me and asks if I'm interested in writing a review for the blog. I say, “Sure. What’cha got for me?”

“I have this story that is a Twilight/Zack and Miri Make a Porno crossover.”

After asking her who the hell is Zack and Miri and her telling me that it was a movie, then remembering which movie it was, I sat there going to myself, hmm...you had me at porno. So I told her to give me the link and I would read through it.

All I have to say is...HOLY CRAP! I never laughed so hard in my life! I literally had tears in my eyes at one point because I was laughing so hard. Plus, I kept having to g-chat Lori every once in a while with some of my favorite lines from the story or just funny things in general.

Edward and Bella are best friends and they have been best friends since high school. They started living together and have been struggling here and there for cash. So, after Edward finds out that the landlord is going to kick them out next week if they don't come up with the rent, he also finds out that Bella just got fired from her job, which, she was supposed to pay rent that month. In that same week, they end up with no electricity, no water, and no heat. They are so desperate to figure out a way to get money.

It just so happens that it's Bella and Edward's 10 year class reunion. Edward forces Bella along and she ends up running into a classmate's girlfriend that tells Bella what she does for a living. After talking with the girlfriend, Bella starts to get this crazy idea in her head of how they are going to come up with the money and gets Edward, Emmett, and a few others involved in the plot.

Some of the quotes that got me laughing so hard first of all is this...

“Anita Licker Box.”

And this one...

I took her hand in mine, rubbing the back soothingly. "Bella, remember that time I drove you all the way across town so that we could watch that band because you wanted to screw the lead singer?" She nodded sullenly. "Remember me driving all that way so you could try and fuck THE GAY lead singer of that band?" She nodded again, her bottom lip between her teeth. "Well, I think you owe me, and this is me calling in that favor."

"Oh come on! How was I supposed to know he was gay Edward? And anyway, I seem to remember you got some action out of the road trip."

I laughed at the memory. "Okay, One: They were called Queens of the BoneAge, and everyone knows Jacob Black is gay. Two: The "action" I got was from a cross dresser, and it couldn't really even be described as action, seeing as how she just licked my face and told me I tasted like marshmallow peeps.”

So...if what I've said above hasn't convinced you otherwise to read this story, then here is one more tidbit of info for ya...

JASPER IS PACKIN! (take that ANY way you want).

Go check it out. I guarantee that you will love it.

Banner by JaimeArkin

Brand New Fic of the Week: 11/22-11/28

November 24, 2010

All Fired Up by MsEerieChastain
Reviewed by Dragonfly336
*This story is no longer available*
 
Rating: M
Genre: Humor/Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: The sexy new hire in Bella's office is a blast from her past, and she's not very happy about it. It's been 8 years; did he honestly think he could walk back into her life and she'd be happy to see him? Fucking absurd. AU/OOC/Canon. Over 18 only please!

“Hold the door, please."

Almost automatically, I pushed the hold button for the elevator even as my mind processed the melodic voice that had spoken the words. A voice I hadn't heard in well over eight years. I froze. It couldn't be.

I lifted my eyes from my Blackberry to look at the face of the man who was equally surprised to see me. 
"Bella?"

My phone dropped to the elevator floor with a clatter. "Edward?" And then everything went black.

That is how the new story from VampishVixen starts. This is her first foray into the world of Bella and Edward, and I am glad that she did!

All Fired Up takes place 8 years after Edward leaves Bella in the woods. We learn that Bella’s path though was a little different then it was in the books. She actually dating Jake for awhile before she left for college, but they broke it off when Jake imprinted on one of Sam’s cousins. Charlie ends up married to Sue and learns all of the secrets of the Pack and that the Cullen’s are vampires. Bella goes on to have a “normal” college life, filled with “...dorms, all night study sessions fueled by shitty pizza and Red Bull, parties, bad sex during or after said-parties...” 

She has learned to move on from Edward, has a job she loves in Portland, and a boyfriend, Roger, who is the anchorman of the local news station.

Enter Edward. He has also learned to live without Bella. He has led somewhat of a nomadic lifestyle in the eight years they have been apart. He eventually “succumbed to the advances of Tanya” and tried to make a go of that, but she decided his heart was still caught up in Bella. He eventually decided to attend Yale Law School and break out of his shell. There he, in fact, discovered that he had enough control to have sex with human girls.

So, with a little meddling from Alice, he takes a job at the very company that Bella works for, unbeknownst to him. And let me say that Bella is definitely not happy to see him.

I am really enjoying this Bella, who has become stronger by what he did to her, and is not falling right back into his arms.  She even keys his car for parking in her spot!

Go read this story!  I am looking forward to seeing what there tenuous relationship will bring and the journey that is in store for us!

Banner by JaimeArkin

Completed Fic of the Week: 11/22-11/28

November 23, 2010

Housemating Season by AngryBadgerGirl
Reviewed by Les16

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Humor
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Bella's a freshman at Dartmouth who lives with 5 upperclassmen, including broody Edward, a vegetarian with a fixation on vampires. Plot line similar to the original Twi novel w/o the cockblocking and with more laughs. LEMONS, AH, canon pairings, BPOV.

If you are looking for a story that mixes all the best parts of Edward...sweet, protective, and sexy as all get out...and adds in a touch of jerkward and angst, you would get Housemating Season by AngryBadgerGirl. In the story, we start off with Bella embarking on an adventure when she is accepted at Dartmouth. Bella is clumsy and well, you can't help but laugh at how she always manages to trip and fall at just the wrong time. She has been assigned housing where she lives with upperclassmen. Rosalie, the fashion model, Emmett, the star football player, Jasper the good ole southern boy, Alice the artist, and then there's Edward...the vegetarian, vampire loving enigma.

Bella and Edward's first meeting follows a softball to the head and Edward of course comes to Bella's rescue. The attraction they both feel for the other is immediate, but complications arise. Enter Jerkward but our Bella doesn't take his nastiness lying down. Nope, this Bella is feisty and speaks her mind, often speaking without thinking, which just makes you fall in love with her more. If you love your Bella's with some spunk, you have picked the right story. Assward...Wank Stain...Anal Wart...these are just a few of the choice names Bella has given to Edward when he's being totally clueless.

The relationship that develops between Edward and Bella is just as sweet and tender as it is passionate and hot. Between sneaking into bedrooms through open windows, amazing first dates, and Edward
calling her Bella sweetness, you'll fall as much in love with Edward as Bella does. It's impossible not to. With lines like this, you can see how AngryBadgerGirl has captured all the overwhelming emotions you feel when you first fall in love.

"But it's not just your face Bella, it's your mannerisms, your demeanor, the way you can look like angel and a bombshell both at the same time," he says, his smoldering green eyes flashing with intensity as he speaks. "I've never been so completely captivated by someone before, and I don't think I ever will again."

It's not all sunshine and roses though. There are some ups and downs as they each learn and grow both as individuals and as a couple. Edward has issues, a multitude of them, but Bella doesn't let that deter her from what she wants, and she wants Edward. There is some angst and Jerkward acts like...well a jerk, but Bella sets him straight in a way that will make you smile...just make sure you can take a cold shower afterward!

Housemating Season by AngryBadgerGirl should be on everyone's list of must read's. The story has it all and you'll run the gamut of emotions from start to finish. You'll laugh, you'll cheer, you'll cry, and you'll have to fan yourself from time to time. By the time you reach the last sentence, you will have read a great, great story! Give this one a read, you won't be sorry!

Banner by JaimeArkin

WIP of the Week: 11/22-11/28

November 22, 2010

The Singer and the Sorrow by MG2112
Reviewed by Obsmama

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Hurt/Comfort
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Bella Swan is a graduate student drawn into a world of dreams. Edward Cullen is a beautiful immortal vampire. High in the hills of the Tuscany region of Italy is a town called Volterra that inexplicably links these two disparate lives.

I felt the breath on my neck again, and I swore I felt a soft cheek nuzzling and kissing my neck.

"I love you, my exquisite Isabella."

I gasped awake, shuddering, coming and moaning. Panting, I ran my hands to my hair in disbelief. I must have been dreaming. "What…. the hell was… that?" I said to no one.

This is how we are introduced to Bella Swan, a grad student who is working on her Master’s thesis and is saying goodbye to her best friend Alice, who is leaving with her new husband to live in Paris for 3 months. She has watched as her best friend find her soul mate, her other half, and now they are embarking on a new life together while Bella longs to find the same. When she suddenly is struck with dreams of a mysterious stranger who is seducing her and making her feel things she never knew possible.


The kiss I felt upon my lips was soft and cool, yet oh, so sweet. I wanted to whisper a name, but my mind was cloudy, like my eyes. I felt another kiss; this one was deeper and I felt the need, the love and passion it held. My heart was filled with joy and I poured myself into the kiss. Strong, yet tender arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me close.

I felt a delightful chill run down my spine as I felt and smelled his sweet breath whisper in my ear, "My love… my Isabella…"

I felt such elation at the words and threw myself into the kiss with even more passion, if that were possible. I felt my love's kisses tenderly move down my neck and slowly across my collarbone. I moaned and felt us lay back onto a bed. I ran my hands up his strong, firmly muscled arms and began to unbutton his shirt. He subsequently made quick effort of removing my corset and skirt.

His mouth found my breasts and I groaned as he pressed his hardness against me. "My god… I love you," I whimpered and lifted my hips to rub against him.

His mouth suckled and tugged at each nipple in turn making me writhe with desire beneath him. "My sweet Isabella. Oh god, my sweet Isabella…"

Running parallel with Bella’s story is the story of a broken vampire, Edward, who is being kept in the basement of the Cullen house and being cared for by his family. He seems to be experiencing the same dreams as Bella, much to the astonishment of Carlisle, seeing how vampires don’t sleep or dream.

This story is a beautifully woven tale of mystery and history. We see how Bella and Edward knew of each other in the early 19th century and what a beautiful love affair they shared then. The author has an amazingly well thought out plot and without giving too much away, I must say some of the most original characters written in fic. There is so much to learn from these characters and I am so excited to see where she is leading us. I will leave you with a taste of what is in store for you as a reader.

He was ready to begin creating his trophy to Bella. He always started with the pictures. James had pictures of Bella walking to and from her truck, Bella leaving the library and Bella sitting in class. He had pictures of Bella on her patio, at her kitchen window and through her bedroom window, all in varying state of undress. These, of course, were his favorites, so he printed them much larger. The pictures of partially clad Bella he planned to lovingly place in the center of his creation – at its heart. He also had a letter from her mother, a hair elastic she had worn when jogging, a postcard from someone named Alice, a note she had thrown in the trash when working at the library, a carefully flattened Starbucks cup with the name of her favorite drink written on it and a pair of her panties he stole from the building's laundry room where she did her wash.

Her naked body was what he wanted; it was her naked body that needed to be hunted, controlled and dominated by his. This beautiful doe would be just another in his long list of prey. He had hunted in so many cities, each one of his prey had its own challenges, but by the time he caught her he was at the peak of his hunter's form

One Shot of the Week: 11/15-11/21

November 21, 2010

The Summer of Lethe's Demise by GothicTemptress

Rating: M
Genre: Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: After 22 years of marriage, they have forgotten what is important. This Summer will usher in a new beginning. It's time for them to remember...to finally see. Awards winner! Voted Best One Shot, Best Romance, Best Drama & Best Family/Friendship

Writer Submitted Fic: 11/15-11/21

November 18, 2010

Composition of Love by trueloveph28
Reviewed by Agrutle

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Drama
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Bella and Edward meet in college and fall in love. Circumstances separate them, but their love for each other never dies. What happens when they're reunited? Will true love win? Or have time, space, and new relationships consumed them? AH/OOC

My mind ran through all of our memories together. How we met, our first kiss, the first time we made love…it was all still so clear. I tried, unsuccessfully, to push back the one memory I couldn't bear to think about. The day we broke up. My heart clenched painfully at the thought. I closed my eyes for a minute, trying to reign in the sadness I still felt to that very day.

And then I heard it.

"Bella?"

My eyes shot open and I looked up. As soon as emerald green eyes met chocolate brown ones, everything disappeared. The hurt, the loss, hell the last five years all together. Gone with one look.

"Edward, you came."

From the prologue this story sucks you in. Fast forward to chapter one and we find Bella and Alice are new college students at Northwestern, standing in line for their housing assignments. Bella is a voice major, and Alice in fashion. After getting their housing worked out, they go around campus trying to find certain things for a game called Icebreaker. Bella wanders around trying to find people to sign her paper. She gets frustrated and wanders over to the music room where she meets an interesting person.

Edward got this contemplative look on his face. "Hey, is Bella short for anything?"

"Yeah, Isabella. Why?"

"Baby, sign your name right here and give me that paper in your hand." I looked at him, confused. "Edward Cullen, twelve letters. Isabella Swan, also twelve letters. Looks like we just needed to find each other."

Alice drags her away from her new found friend to go and see their suite. You will never guess who she finds there. After settling in to her new dorm suite and making a few new friends and perhaps some enemies Bella starts her college experience. Going to classes and spending time with the people she enjoys most.

He took my hands in his, looking deeply into my eyes. "Bella, you are so incredible. Please, please tell me you feel the same way. Please tell me you need me like I need you." He looked so vulnerable, standing there in front of me and laying all his feelings out for me to see.

I couldn't say anything. I was stunned. Never did I expect to hear those words from his mouth.

After a few chapters I am hooked. I want to know what happens. The author seems to write her characters without effort. They just seem to flow together and mesh so well. You feel like you are experiencing whatever they may be doing with them. I suggest you read this story as soon as you can get to it, to see their love blossom as sweetly as it is right now.

Banner by JaimeArkin

Brand New Fic of the Week: 11/15-11/21

November 17, 2010

The Greatest Gift by Les16
Rating: M
Genre: Supernatural/Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Edward Cullen has the plane ride of his life when a mysterious flight companion changes his life in the blink of an eye. Edward will need the help of his wife, Isabella, to right the wrongs of his past before it's too late.

Ever wish you could change the past or right a wrong? Well, Edward Cullen is given the chance of a lifetime on a return flight from La Guardia to O'Hare. A man claiming to know everything about Edward and his seemingly perfect life offers him the chance to undo his mundane existence and live the life he was meant to live.

"What the hell do you want?" he demanded of the big man, tired of playing whatever game he was unwittingly a part of.


"I don't want anything, Edward Anthony Cullen. Like I said, my job, as it was put forth to me, is to help you get your life, such as it is, in order before it is your time to go," Seth told Edward.


"Go where?" Edward asked the Seth person…being. Whatever the hell he was.


Seth shrugged his shoulders at Edward and said, "Wherever it is you believe your soul goes after you die."


"You're telling me I'm going to die soon?" Edward asked Seth incredulously. "Impossible," he went on. "I'm young; I'm in perfect health. I have more money than I can spend in this lifetime…probably more than I can spend in ten lifetimes. I am a powerful man. I can have what I want, when I want. I am not going to die anytime soon," he stated emphatically.


Seth shrugged his shoulders at Edward and regarded him shrewdly. "Big deal, Eddie. You are rich and powerful. You think the world should bow at your feet and you have no time for those you have deemed unworthy of you. But you can't have everything you want. You can't buy immortality and you can't buy the affections of your lovely Isabella.”

Edward has let his life pass him by, he married the love of his life Isabella in a lavish wedding in Italy 5 years ago, and instead of cherishing each and every day with her they eat dinners alone and sleep in separate rooms. For no reason other than his inexplicable ability to turn off emotions and become cold and distant. The author has created characters that even 3 chapters in, I feel fully invested in. The love that is between this Edward and Bella is what fairy tales are made of, the problem lies that neither has the bravery to express it.

The second thing that Edward noticed was by far the most enchanting. There his wife lay, sleeping peacefully in the chaise while the wind kissed her skin with its soft breeze. Isabella Marie was the most exquisite and magnificent creature he had ever laid eyes on, and his heart filled with so many different things he couldn't name them all if he tried. Need, want, shame, guilt, but most of all love.

Deep, wondrous, everlasting love.

I cannot wait to see were this author takes us. Will our Edward make things with his Isabella right? We haven’t even dealt with the other people in Edward’s life, yet. As the mystery of this story thickens I am excited to see more of this authors beautiful words and interesting plot. It is a wonderfully original story that has a great start.

Banner by Jaimearkin

Completed Fic of the Week: 11/15-11/21

November 16, 2010

Love Between the Sexes by EFC
Reviewed by AquariumJenn
 

Rating: M
Genre: Romance
Characters: Edward/Jasper

Summary: Edward & Jasper were roommates in University. They both have wives and new lives now, but a three day reunion will force them to examine the relationship they chose not to explore and left behind so many years ago. SLASH ExJ

I have to admit upfront that this is the first completed Slash fic I have read. I do, however, like to consider myself open minded about any story as long as there is an intriguing summary, well developed characters and a seamless narrative. By the time I finished reading Love Between The Sexes, I found that EFC’s writing had more than met my expectations.

The story was brought to my attention by this blog and I did have the opportunity to decline the review, but I found myself intrigued by the summary:

“Edward & Jasper were roommates in University. They both have wives and new lives now, but a three day reunion will force them to examine the relationship they chose not to explore and left behind so many years ago.”

As I ventured into the story, I was struck by how realistic the entire premise was. As a reader mostly unfamiliar with this genre of FF, I felt a great deal of empathy for Edward as he becomes aware of a truth that has always lied just below the surface. He is a man who has strived to be responsible in his career and marriage but constantly feels out of place no matter what the situation.

Edward’s reunion with his college roommate, Jasper, forces him to deal with unexplored feelings and desires. Emotions and passions that had boiled over on their final evening together at University have now been discarded and ignored for nearly a decade.

As Edward begins to understand his true feelings for Jasper he is introduced to Alec, a man who is open and honest about his sexuality. Even though I initially found Alec’s larger than life persona off-putting, I came to admire him more and more with each chapter. He is supportive, caring, humorous, and becomes a mentor to Edward as he navigates on his journey toward self-discovery. He is a true friend to Edward at a time when he desperately needs someone.

Edward’s path is not an easy one. He is forced to reevaluate every aspect of his existence – his marriage, his children, his parents, his friends, his career, his self-worth and his sexuality. The issues he must address and the conclusions he arrives at are not black and white. As an author, EFC effectively conveys to the reader how this realization does not drop down from the sky and is instantly accepted by the main character. Edward’s actions are at times hurtful and angry, confused and irrational, not only to himself but also to those who care for him.

And, while Edward is trying to accept this new truth and live his life as honestly as possible, Jasper finds himself at the opposite end of the spectrum, a plot point that provides incredible tension throughout the entire story. Initially, it is Jasper who appears brave and decisive regarding his feelings for Edward, but as Edward becomes more accepting of who he is and what he wants, Jasper loses confidence and becomes lost.

A debut FF from this author and winner of the TwiTastic Award for Best Slash, Love Between The Sexes is a piece that is emotional, tender, passionate and honest. I hope to be able to read more of EFC’s writing someday soon.

WIP of the Week: 11/15-11/21

November 15, 2010

Pressed For Time by Chele681 and Twanza
Reviewed by Domysticated

Rating: M
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Is it possible to fall in love in five minutes? "He showed me what he was reading and, accidentally, I think he may have shown me his soul" BxE AH

“When you ask a child what he wants to be when he grows up, he never tells you that he wants to be an asshole. And yet, here I was, living the dream.”

These are the opening words of this amazing, complicated, challenging and infinitely satisfying fiction, and they gripped me right from the start.

And, boy, does Edward deliver on his opening statement! He is an asshole… although we have to take his word for it, as this story is told entirely from his own neurotic, self-deprecating, unflinchingly analytical point of view. He is far from perfect, and not particularly likeable (because he doesn’t particularly like himself), and yet the quiet desperation that emerges from his words instinctively inspires the reader to side with him.

We meet him as he goes through the motions of his life- work, relationships, family commitments- while at the same time bitterly berating himself for his stifling life and aborted creativity. It’s almost as if he’s created a perfect storm of dissatisfaction that simultaneously justifies his perceived sense of failure and gives him an excuse to avoid looking for his real self.

All this changes when, on a lunchtime trip to the local sex store, he impulsively decides to step into one of the slot-coin cubicles, and watch a girl behind a glass window. “The girl”, of course, is Bella, and what transpires between these two in the course of multiple, 5 minutes encounters, is so much more than their smoldering sexual attraction:

“He showed me what he was reading and, accidentally, he might have shown me his soul”

And so begins a complex, exhilarating relationship, conducted across different levels of reality and virtuality, and on many different levels: romantic, sexual, intellectual, and existential. Right from the start, there is a barrier between Edward and Bella, physical at first- the glass- but other barriers will be there once they meet in person, under surprising and unexpected circumstances.

As Edward’s reality slowly crumbles around him, his pursuit of Bella seems at first almost a pursuit of himself: after the explosive encounters of chapter 1, it isn’t until well into chapter 4 that the ever more abstract Bella (the girl? Bella? Isabella? Forbidden Fruit?) finally appears in the flesh. Even then, she remains mysterious and unattainable, for reasons that are both obvious (although in the interest of preserving your reading pleasure I will not give away any spoilers!) and still unclear. So intoxicating is Bella in this fiction that we are pulled in right alongside Edward into the mystery and complexity of her multifaceted persona, and the many, sometimes contradicting ways in which she expresses it.

“Who are you talking to? This me or the other me?” “They’re both me. Just so you know.”

Bella’s “voice” is all over this story, and yet, we, alongside Edward, are never sure whether it is real, whether it is hers, whether it is part of a game or an experiment.

“Sometimes I imagine that things are entirely other. I am easily seduced by possibility.”

Pressed for Time is many, many things: an incredibly sensual, sexy romance (so far, Edward and Bella have only kissed, and yet, and yet… they’ve done so much more!); a reflection on language, on identity, and on reality; an exceptionally well crafted and well written story by two intelligent, sensitive writers, who blend realism and lyricism in a masterful way.

It is also, in places, very funny and well-observed: some of the secondary characters (Emmet and Jasper, in particular- watch out for a memorable Rose!) are hilarious and provide regular comic relief; the dialogues are fantastic and every character has his or her own distinctive voice; the observations about workplace dynamics are sometimes so real they made me cringe (in a good way).

Most of all, this is a story that surprises you at every step- it never goes quite where you expect it to go. I know I haven’t made it justice, because I’ve tried to avoid spoiling it by giving anything that might take away from that delectable sense of surprise. But if you, like me, want your fics to be well written, challenging and unique as well as romantic and sexy, please go read this fiction now- you will not regret it.

“You are capturing me with color, saturating me with scent. I taste the powder against my tongue for a second before it finds the warmth and salt of your neck. I want to rub the color away from your mouth, and when my thumb arcs across it, dragging the yellow away, your lips plump back into place, defiant from being pushed. I want to lick away the remaining tint. I want to hold you in my arms among the pulsing crush of people. As more colors are splashed on our bodies – the crowd so thick and deep, so happy and joyous – they become an outward echo of my soul.

This is not the me, me, me of my every waking hour – it is how I disappear into you and how we evaporate into the world.

Yes I want to be transparent with you; yes, I want to be gloriously invisible.”

One Shot of the Week: 11/8-11/14

November 13, 2010

Time of Dying by KitsuShel

Rating: M
Genre: Angst/Hurt/Comfort
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: A madman breaks into Bella's home on Halloween and destroys her life. My entry in the All Hallow's Eve Contest.

Writer Submitted Fic: 11/8-11/14

November 11, 2010

Winter of Love by BelleDean
Rating: M
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: The Year is 1969. Change is in the air and, in rural Washington, love is in the air when small-town values collide with freewheeling teenagers. Cannon Couples, All Human, Drug Use & Lemons

Let's put on those bellbottoms, break out those records, and hop on the VW Mircobus because we're going back to the “Winter of Love.”

It was January 2nd, 1969. Changes it seemed were ahead, but the Vietnam War was still in full swing. In just over two weeks, Richard Milhous Nixon would be sworn in to replace Lyndon Baines Johnson as President of the United States. No good can come from a man whose middle name is Milhous, that much I knew, but it wasn't up to me. I wasn't allowed to vote in the last presidential election, and Renee, my mother, the only person legally allowed to vote in our household, had given up on the election process after the assassination of Bobby Kennedy. And what do you get when people give up? You get Dick Nixon.

Bella and Jasper are fraternal twins, and Rosalie is their older sister. The three siblings have been toted around the country by their free spirited mother Renee since she ran from dreary and cloud covered Forks, when they were small children.

When Renee decides to marry Phil, a roadie for the Grateful Dead, Rosalie decides that it is time for some stability for her and her siblings. She arranges for them to move back to Forks to with their estranged father, Charlie.

After cohabiting with easy going Rene for so long, Bella is concerned how much her freedoms and routines will have to change when they begin living with her father.

It wasn't like I ever took too many liberties, yet the weird feeling that you get when you don't know what to expect took over as we drove toward our new home. What would Charlie expect?

Bella, Jasper and Rosalie start high school each falling for their respective canon partners encountering differing types of problems with their developing relationships, mostly due to small town mentality and preconceived notions.

I knew I didn't fit in here. This was Ozzie and Harriet territory. I didn't belong to a normal family; my twin brother was a pothead, my sister the licentious girl who just could not keep her legs together, as this town would soon find out, and my mother traveled around with The Grateful Dead for crying out loud! I was just guilty by association.

Bella is a feminist, stoner type, and Edward is repressed, shy bookworm with some family issues. The two slowly develop a sweet relationship despite their personal hindrances and seemingly incompatible natures.

Bella's rundown of Rosemary's Baby on their first date and Edward's response:

"Yeah, scary shit. Unsuccessful husband sells his wife out to further his career, objectifies her and belittles her; all the while she is serving his every whim. Scary to watch, but I imagine things like that happen all the time, minus the devil worshipping of course." I shrugged my shoulders. He chuckled as I finished my short speech. "What?"

"Nothing, it's just… you know, that comment you made, makes you kind of sound like a feminist."

"Why would any human being with a double x-chromosome not be a feminist?" I countered.

"I guess you are right, except, probably only smart human beings with a double x-chromosome would have that conviction."

I blushed the minute the compliment left his mouth; except for the fact that he was so super uptight and stiff sometimes, he was really too perfect.

I immensely enjoyed the premise of this story. BelleDean integrates the pitfalls and wonderment of young romance, the events and social norms of the time period, along with the great music of the era.

“He looked at me as if I was some charity case that needed urgent help. I wanted to be annoyed with him, but I couldn't. Instead I stared into his eyes. They were a deep, dark green with little specks of black in them. Kaleidoscope Eyes.”

“I pulled out the Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' carefully placed it on our record player, found the third ridge on the record and slowly placed the needle there to play 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.'

I had been listening to the song for a while, when Jas interrupted.

"Groovy tune, sis. Why that one?" he asked.

"I don't know." I lied.

'Picture your self in a boat on a river with . . . marmalade skies . . . kaleidoscope eyes.'”

The fact that Jasper says “groovy”, is more than enough reason to love this story.

I don't know how long I sat there, but by the time I tore my eyes away from the fire in front of me, the sky was pitch-black, the sea no longer visible, I could only hear the sound of the waves as they crashed onto the beach. Then the music become louder.

And you've just had some kind of mushroom

And your mind is moving slow

Go ask Alice

I think she'll know

"Alice," I whispered, as I started to get up.

These two incorporations were my favorite, but there are many others and all are really well done and pertinent to the story. Everything from Cream, to Jimi Hendrix, and the Rolling Stones make an appearance either lyrically or in passing, adding to the realism. Also, the appropriate vernacular and references to what was classified as “cool” are completely entertaining.

Far out, you have an eight-track-tape player!" I stared at the tapes in front of me and then looked at him, a smirk on the corner of his lips.”

Bella's response to Edward's “state of the art” eight track player was priceless. It made me laugh and really made me remember how far we've come in the last thirty years in terms of technology and expressions. Though, I still say “far out” on occasion.

It was an ingenious idea to place Edward and Bella against this pivotal time in American history, and I loved every minute of it. The moments of sweetness, angst and grass toking of twilight flower children, make this an exceptionally unique and endearing fic.

Banner by JaimeArkin

Brand New Fic of the Week: 11/8-11/14

November 10, 2010

Love is the End by phoebes.promise

Rating: M
Genre: Drama/Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: If he had only spoken the right words at the right time she would be his forever. Instead, they ache, love and long for each other in silence. A bittersweet love story desperately searching for a happily ever after. E/B, AH, M.

We all love the Twilight Saga because of its classic re-telling of tragic, star-crossed lovers. We all fall head over heels for Edward’s devotion and chivalry. And as fans of the series, we can totally relate to Bella’s romantic and idealistic inner dialogue. I think I may have found a fic that has brought that breathtaking, ill-fated love to a whole ‘nother level. If I could describe this story in one word, it would definitely be SWOON!

Phoebes.promise’s tale, Love is the End, is an artfully told tale of a human Bella and Edward, long-time best friends who happen to be married to other people. Bella is married to Sam, who is for some reason not yet revealed, in a wheelchair. Edward is married to Southern pageant princess and local news anchor, Lauren, who is as self-absorbed as always.

Like forbidden lovers of Bronte and Austen, Edward and Bella steal away secret moments, professing their love to each other behind closed doors. The story is told in Edward’s point of a view. The author doesn’t use a lot of words, but every word she uses seems deliberate and thought-out. There’s no excess, she painstakingly chooses the best word to put you right in Edward’s head. The way Phoebes.promise describes Edward’s feelings of being in a dead-end marriage ring true--

“Wednesday.” I repeated and silently processed its meaning. The therapist’s suggestion for a passionless marriage; pick a specific day of the week and make each other orgasm.

The story is only two updates long and already this talented author puts us right in the middle of an emotional hurricane that envelopes Bella and Edward. When they are together, their love, desire and need for each other is desperate and honest. You feel their yearning for a different life, one where they can be together. To love each other openly. But sadly, it’s not the case yet and who knows if it will be--

“You look beautiful," I whispered moving flush against her, while she stood at the window. Her silent response was the knowing smile that comforted my dreams when I was far away. As she took the wine glass from my hand for her own sip, I moved her long hair behind her shoulder.

Now, if that doesn’t make you swoon from pent-up UST-y bliss, than cold blood must run in your veins. I need a fan and some smelling salts, please! I love that Bella takes a sip of his wine, she doesn’t ask, she just acts. To me this little moment, seems so intimate and means so much. It’s the only way they can share, be in each other’s space----DOUBLE SWOON!

What’s even more provocative, is that Bella and Edward have always loved each other. So, why did they marry other people?

"It was supposed to be us…" Bella whimpered against my lips.

"I know, baby. I know."

So, why wasn’t it them? What happened? Why can’t they have they love they want?

I’m already rooting for these tragic lovers, hoping they’ll get theirs in the end. Phoebes.promise has painted an intricate web of how real and messy love and relationships can be. I just hope that love really is the end.

Banner by JaimeArkin

Completed Fic of the Week: 11/8-11/14

November 09, 2010

One for the Money by dqwhit19
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4810652/1/One_for_the_Money
Reviewed by maxandmo

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Humor
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Bella Swan is a quiet high school English teacher. Edward Cullen is a rich doctor. What happens when he unknowingly bids on her at Alice's bachelorette auction? AH/AU

Okay, so I feel like I could totally hang out with the author of this fic. She writes such a cute story and really makes you feel like you actually know the characters.

The story begins with an insecure Bella, reluctantly agreeing to partake in a hospital auction at the request of her friend, Alice. She is sure that no one will bid on her, and then is surprised when someone pays $5,000 for a date with her.

That someone happens to be a certain Dr. Cullen. After an incredible date, where confident alter-ego Isabella takes charge, the good Dr. is left wanting more.

Edward,


Last night was truly the most wonderful night of my life. I hope you felt even one-sixth of what I felt, but I won't kid myself into thinking I gave you an ounce of what you gave me. You gave me confidence and the gift of yourself, for which I'll be eternally grateful.


Please don't try to find me. In the garbled words of Humphrey Bogart, "We'll always have… the auction."


Your Isabella

Alice plays a role in helping Bella feel pretty by pulling her makeover and shopping spree stunts. She was Bella's college roommate, and is Edward's sister. Her character is the textbook definition of a friend. She's encouraging, meddling, and has Bella's back.

Bella convinces herself that Edward is too good for her, and decides that their date will be a one time thing. Imagine her surprise when they meet again in a familiar setting. Bella, the high school English teacher, struggles with her self esteem and tries her best to overcome her feelings of inadequacy, as far as Dr. Edward Cullen is concerned. This proves difficult seeing as his family's social status rivals that of the Hilton's. Throw in the creepy and annoying Denali family, to include ex-girlfriend Tanya, and author dqwhit19 keeps you reading.

Edward's character is so sweet. He actually prefers Bella the way she is, and not necessarily the way Alice makes her. It just takes some convincing on his part, that she is perfect.

"Bella came out of her room and nearly stole my breath. She looked incredibly beautiful, with her brown hair shining in waves and a pretty red dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her makeup was simple, but I liked her that way. It pleased me all the more that she'd gotten herself ready, instead of Alice. I liked Bella just the way she was, and my sister tended to go overboard."

The lemons are hot, passionate, and...hot! It's such a welcome change to see Bella take charge in the bedroom. The chemistry between the characters is amazing, and you can definitely feel them falling in love.

"I want you, now," she growled, and began pulling at my slacks.


We ditched our clothes in a blur, each of us sighing as new skin was revealed on the other. The next thing I knew, she was sliding down onto my rock hard dick, and I groaned loudly.

The story is a quick and easy read that concludes exactly when it should, not dragging on. It ends showing that Isabella Swan is definitely One for the Money.

Banner by JaimeArkin

WIP of the Week: 11/8-11/14

November 08, 2010

Rapture by AydenMorgen
Reviewed by RaeCullen

Rating: M
Genre: Crime/Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: In the blink of an eye, her ballet career ended. His as a DEA agent is now on the line and lives are at stake. But when they meet on the dance floor, nothing even compares. Can they work together to stop the Volturi or will rapture tear them apart?


DEA agent Edward Cullen is in the middle of an investigation when he stumbles upon ex-dancer Isabella Swan. From the moment they first lay eyes on each other, the pure sexual energy surges from the computer screen. After breaking a few of his rules and subconsciously dragging her into a dangerous mess, Edward’s ultimate goal becomes keeping Isabella safe. Part of keeping her safe, is putting her at an arms length emotionally. He tries to convince himself, with no such luck, that everything with Isabella is purely physical (silly Edward, when will you learn?).

I’ve fallen in love with Ayden’s characters. Edward is passionate, sexy (did I mention he speaks 3 fluent languages and teaches jujutsu?!) possessive and somewhat of an arrogant bastard, but fuck if it isn’t hot! He’s met his match in Isabella though, that is for sure. She’s strong in so many levels and definitely keeps Edward on his toes.

Ayden's writing is some of the most beautiful and sensual I've ever read (and I read A LOT of fic) and leaves me panting and wanting more.

"You miss the choreography, don't you? Every movement evoking a sensation, every breath telling a story… the thrill of the crescendo… the way your heart would race when it was over and you were sweaty and sated…" He leaned a little closer, mind and body screaming for him to trace the same line her tongue had taken along her bottom lip with his own. He fought that demand, pushing it back ruthlessly. "You miss the way you felt, every eye on you, watching you let go and move…" he whispered instead, talking more or less out of his ass, but certain it was serving his purpose anyway.

He leaned forward again, and brushed his nose along her cheek until his lips met the shell of her ear. That little bit of contact was heaven and hell. An easing of aches and a burning for more all at the same time. "You're beautiful when you move, baby."

Unf. Need I show you more? Yes, yes I think I will.

"Mm… I think I want you under the lights so I can see you when you dance for me again, Isabella. Your hair down, your head thrown back in pleasure, sweat sliding down your body while I watch you chase that thrill that makes your heart beat faster… Does it make you wet, beautiful? Feeling the music deep inside while you move? I bet it does; bet it makes you ache all over with pleasure."

DEAward will make you fall (re: slide) off your chair from all the swooning and sexy dirty talk. He gets off on trying to convince her to beg for him (I'm about three seconds from begging him myself!).

"Beg me, Isabella," he breathed, lifting his hips and grinding his cock into her ass. Her head fell to the side, settling onto his shoulder.

"No."

"Beg me," he demanded through gritted teeth.

"No."

His head bent, his lips attaching themselves to the pale expanse of her neck, so recently exposed to him. Teeth nipped, tongue swirled over soft skin. His hand on her hip held firm, one finger beneath the fabric of her shorts… the others begging to join it and continue south to heaven. "Do you want me, Isabella?" he whispered against her neck. 

*fans self*

Rapture has the perfect mixture of palpable sexual tension, mixed signals and edge of your seat drama, danger, intensity and suspense. What are you waiting for?? Go. Read it now.

One Shot of the Week: 11/1-11/7

November 06, 2010

The Other Side of Night by yogacat

Rating: M
Genre: Drama/Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: PLOT BUNNY CONTEST ENTRY. I dream of calm tender touches, of want and escape. I dream of a warm, hard body wrapped around my own, coaxing me awake, alive; long fingers teasing, full wet lips lightly pressing against mine. AH. Adult stuff.

Writer Submitted Fic: 11/1-11/7

November 04, 2010

Agent 00hot by maxandmo
Reviewed by Agrutle
 
Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Humor
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Edward, is a hot F.B.I. Agent who is immediately drawn to Bella, the Parole Officer, who happens to be a magnet for ridiculous situations. Rated M for bad words and lemons. AH/Canon pairings

I started reading this story after meeting the author on Twitter. I kept reading it because it was hilarious and fast paced. We find Bella going through the day to day life of a parole officer when she meets Edward at a local bar. There is an instant connection between the two and Edward finds himself trying to come up with reasons to interact with her. Edward isn’t available, but meeting Bella makes him want to be. Hijinxs ensue as we watch Bella find herself in sticky situations.

When I got home I popped open a can of Chef Boyardee Raviolis and plopped down on the couch. It was six o'clock so all that was on TV was the Mariners getting their asses kicked, and the news. Neither option was appealing, but I thought the news may be less of a disaster. Fuck was I wrong. I was fork deep into my gourmet dinner, when the heading on the screen almost made me choke:


-TOTAL OVERKILL- STATE PAROLE OFFICER SHOOTS DOG 13 TIMES BUT THE OFFENDER GOT AWAY.-


The author, having been a parole officer herself, brings a sense of realism to the story. You can’t help but wonder if some of the things that Bella is going through can really happen in real life. Maxandmo is really talented at making it believable and hilarious at the same time! You can tell that she spent a great deal of time making sure that we have excitement in the plot as we watch the usual cast of characters help Bella and Edward try to solve a string bank robberies. One of the things that I enjoy the most about the story is the way we see Bella interact with parolees and what can almost always go wrong.

"Come on Bree, it's time to pee," Sam barked out with authority.


I couldn't help myself and snorted while trying to hold in my laughter. He looked at me like I was nuts, but did he really not realize what he said?


Bree and I walked into the bathroom, and I leaned against the wall acting like I wasn't paying any attention to her. She was stalling, and I knew she was up to no good. I took out my phone and acted like I was texting.


I saw her take a canister out of her pocket and open the lid. She was about to pour the liquid into the container when I told her to drop it. She dropped it alright, all over the floor. Whatever the hell was in the canister splashed up and sprayed all over my pants, soaking them.


"Fuck," I spat. "Put your goddamn hands against the wall."


She complied, and I placed her under arrest. "Sam, get your ass in here."


Sam walked in and gaped at the wetness that was my pants. "Bella, you're in the bathroom. Why didn't you say you had to go?"


"Ha ha ha," I laughed dryly.


I would have rather pissed my pants, than to have someone else's piss on them. The sucky part was now I had to go to the jail like that. Lovely.

Agent 00hot has the best comedic characterization of Esme and Carlisle that you have to read it to see it. We are already thirty-two chapters in and there is more funny to come and I am sure Maxandmo will not disappoint! You have to check out this amazingly funny fic.

Brand New Fic of the Week: 11/1-11/7

November 03, 2010

The White Swan Lodge by jarkin33

Rating: M
Genre: Drama/Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Tragedy led her there. Commitment forced him there. Can a place of beauty and solitude hold the fate they were both seeking…

“The sensation of a light breeze rippled through the tall pine trees surrounding me as if urging me forward. I inhaled the fresh air, wiped my tears, squared my shoulders and took one careful step at a time to the front door and my future.”- Bella

“The cab honked on the street below. I quickly put on my grey hoodie, grabbed my things and locked my front door. When I stepped out into the cool, autumn air, I felt an unfamiliar exhilaration. Something deep in my gut told me this trip could change the aimless path I'd been on for so long.” - Edward

First of all, let me just say this for the prologue...Hot damn... Jaime, you are a little tease but a damn good one at that. So honestly you all don’t even need to read this review, just read the prologue and you’ll be aching for more.

But, this is kind of my job, so I’m going to take a stab at trying to summarize Jaime’s sweet, special touch of the English language into my crazy words.

In the beginning of this story, Bella is a photographer in Arizona when life throws her a wicked curve ball, leaving her motherless. But, this curve ball also gives her a new opportunity to escape her blasé life in Phoenix, because she inherits a nature lodge to run near her old hometown of Forks, Washington.

Then we see our good old Edward packing and getting ready to hit the road for an upcoming assignment. He is a travel critic and is being sent to a lodge in Washington where the owner has recently died and is now under new management. Learning this fact about the lodge makes him reflect on how blasé his life is, as well. He hasn't seen his family in months and every girl he is with is just a good bang. He has nothing to hold on to and he already feels for the poor girl, but knows that he has a job to do. No matter what, he must be critical of the lodge and how the new manager runs it.

This is one of those stories where the stars align for a certain reason and in this case it’s for our dear Bella and lovely Edward to meet. They are both wandering souls on the trail of life, seeking and searching for something still unknown to them.

Edward arrives at the lodge to an unsuspecting Bella and asks if he could please have a place to stay. She has no idea of his intentions and even though she wanted some time to fix up the place, she for some reason can’t seem to tell him no.

“The engine shut off in the black Jeep Cherokee just before the driver side door opened slightly. I moved even closer to the vehicle anticipating who might be inside. The door swung wide open and I noticed a hint of bronze hair. The man suddenly leaned back inside towards the passenger side to grab something; then he finally emerged. I saw a gloriously tall man step out onto the gravel, shut his car door and smile in one fluid motion. My heart raced and my breath hitched. I was quite certain I'd never seen such a handsome face. He pushed the dark sunglasses he was wearing up through his hair revealing the most breathtaking green eyes I'd ever seen. He towered over me; had to be at least 6'2". He was dressed in a worn grey hoodie jacket with a black t-shirt underneath, jeans and a pair of Converse tennis shoes. I forced myself from the spell this man's appearance had me under and spoke first.

"Jake?"

The stranger shook his head. "No, Edward. Sorry for showing up like this. I mean, I don't have a reservation or anything." His voice was like liquid velvet. It was strong, deep and unintentionally sexy.”

The lodge is certainly not ready for guests, so Bella has to make the bed for Edward and for some reason unbeknownst to him, he can’t help but help her.

Even though she should be getting poor marks in his critique, they instead have by far the hottest and most UST filled bed making session in fanfic history.

“Following her lead I fit the final corner. We both reached for the flat sheet at the same time and my hand wrapped around hers. It was delicate, warm and soft; and I didn't want to let go. Her eyes met mine and I could hear her inhale a deep breath. I reactively let go. As we were laying the sheet flat and smoothing out each side, our hands met in the middle, fingertips just barely brushing. I watched her and she watched me. It was the most oddly intimate moment I'd ever had with a woman while fully clothed.”

And that was just a snippet of it....

This tale is going to be filled with lovely awkward moments as Bella and Edward share a beautiful getaway lodge alone for a week and with the UST that has happened in just the few moments of interaction they have had with each other, I can honestly say I am dying to see how it all plays out and I really want to know who attacks who first.

I usually end on a note saying please give this fic a chance, blah, blah, blah, but I decided to part with this lovely note;

“Not able to resist any longer, I pushed open the swinging door and the sight nearly knocked me over. I had to lean against the small counter that housed the espresso machine to brace my weight. The idyllic beauty of the surrounding waterfalls, mountains and lakes be damned. I had a barefoot Bella Swan in front of me… sucking icing off her finger…with her eyes closed in motherfucking ecstasy."

Completed Fic of the Week: 11/1-11/7

November 02, 2010

Judge, Jury and Executioner by ineedyoursway

Rating: T
Genre: Romance/Angst
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: After a century in the Volturi Guard, Edward receives the ultimate gift: his singer.

This little gem of a piece explores an alternate universe where Edward and Carlisle are working for the Volturi, and Aro is using Edward’s gift to read the minds of those vampires accused of crimes. In effect, serving as the judge, jury, and executioner for those individuals. What I appreciate about this piece is that we see glimpses of the more morose, brooding side of Edward—the dark that existed without Bella and her love in his life.

It’s easy, in the canon world, to forget about the challenging aspect of Edward’s gift, because he handles it so well, as he has for so many years. Ineedyoursway gives us a peek at the downside of such a talent—the relentless noise that Edward is subjected to, day in and day out. I imagine it must be similar to the paparazzi following Rob Pattinson—never really a moment of respite—they are completely ubiquitous, 24/7.

At the start of the story, Edward is approaching his centurion, or one hundred years of service to the Volturi. On the date of the centurion, a vampire is presented with their singer, as a sort of celebration and thank-you gift. Edward is concerned he will be unable to resist the temptation of his singer, while Carlisle has complete faith that he will. In reality, Carlisle is the only vampire who has ever resisted killing his singer. You see, that catch here is that if you drain your singer, you remain beholden to Aro and the Volturi. If not, you are free.

Carlisle stayed with Edward in Volterra during his tenure with the Volturi, because he felt a sense of responsibility for turning Edward. Esme has been waiting for him for 100 years, and Carlisle is anxious to return to her when Edward celebrates his centurion. When his singer finally approaches, the way Ineedyoursway describes the want, the obsession, nearly made me salivate as if I wanted it, too. Her wording is so well chosen.

While I was reading this story, I dreamed about it. Yes, that’s right, I dreamed about it. The entire Cullen family was there, and they were each presented with their singer, and they were all trying to resist at once. It was so heartbreaking and scary at the same time, because you could literally taste how badly they wanted the singers, and feel the agony of resistance. Did I mention that this story is intense? Trust me, it is. *shudder*

Watching Edward attempt to overcome every single vampire instinct was absolutely painful. In fact, you almost get a sense that this is an addiction, the lure is so strong. I imagine a heroin addict being given a syringe filled with heroin, and then people holding them back, trying to help them resist. You get the picture. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a story that enabled me to feel what Edward’s pull for Bella, how her blood sang to him, before. It is incredibly powerful.

Naturally, Edward’s singer in this story is Bella. What’s intriguing is that Edward parts from Carlisle, and the Cullen family, intending to partake of Bella alone. Since Edward has been with the Volturi since he was turned, he really has no idea how to deal with the outside world, or Bella. For the sake of giving away too much, I will leave you with the thought that it is interesting and intriguing to see how their relationship develops, and what Edward learns. Ineedyoursway has written a very creative story here, and I urge you to give it a look-see. You’ll be very glad you did.

Banner by JaimeArkin

WIP of the Week: 11/1-11/7

November 01, 2010

Ride by kris salvador

Rating: M
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Bella wanted to fulfill a fantasy - to be groped inside a crowded train. She gets her wish and more, when a sex-starved ex-convict decides she's fair game. ALLHUMAN. Mature but with plot

“I felt him squeeze my ass firmly, and then he leaned his face close to my ear, his stubble touching my cheek, and whispered, "You like it?"

Gah! This sets the tone for one of the hottest fics I have ever read. I came across this story and was so intrigued by the idea of meeting a stranger on a train and having a complete affair with a stranger, no strings attached, not even names given. We meet Bella, a criminal justice student who is finishing up her summer break. After an incident with her roommate, Rose, who was unwillingly groped on a train, it becomes a fantasy for our mild mannered Bella to have the same experience. It turns to such an obsession for her that she starts to dress provocatively to entice someone to act and touch her while she rides the train daily. Then one day as the summer was ending her fantasy comes true on a train from Seattle to Tacoma.

We experience the heat and fear of being caught as these two start to explore each other’s bodies on a crowded train car. We discover as they disembark from the train at the next stop that the perpetrator and participant in Bella’s fantasy is Edward, a troubled soul, fresh from prison on his way from Chicago to a small town in Washington to start fresh. The touching on the train is just a small taste of what’s to come for these two individuals who are like magnets.

When the fantasy has been played out and our characters separate they are not apart for long, as they both end up in the small town of Forks, tied in different ways to Charlie Swan, Bella’s father and Edwards sheriff in charge of his parole. When Bella learns of Edwards identity and he of hers the fireworks have only begun.

"Wanna go for a ride?"


"Are you out of your fucking mind?" This was Forks, for fuck's sake. Everyone knew me in this town. Little Isabella Swan, the apple of her father's eyes was not the horny girl who picked up strange ex-convicts on trains and fucked like crazy. I wasn't about to upset that image by consorting with the town's newest ex-criminal. "Get out of my way."


He was at least a foot taller than I was and a hell lot bigger. We were in between houses but if I shouted loud enough, somebody was bound to hear me.


"Relax, I'm just asking you out for a ride. This monster's big enough for two." He patted the bike, his voice cajoling.


Just a ride, my ass. He might be a fantastic lay but he was also a sociopath, with a personality bordering on narcissistic. The psychiatrist who tested him during his trial didn't call him a clinical nutcase but there had been a general consensus that something was definitely wrong with his head.


"Fuck off.”

The author does such a wonderful job at weaving the intense sexual storyline with the gripping plot line of what Edward is in Washington for, is he there to start over, or start his criminal life over? There is the best characterization of Jasper I have ever read in this story. The author takes the time to develop the characters and draw us deeper in the story. This story is amazing at 12 chapters in and I am so excited to see where the author takes us next! After each chapter I see the relationship growing and changing; it’s no longer just a physical need but a connection that neither can deny and each chapter leaves me panting for more. Here’s a little taste and I hope you go for a Ride.

I wasn't prepared for what I saw. His face was flushed, his pupils so dilated that his eyes were almost completely black. His heart thrummed in tune to my ragged breaths and it was hot...God, it was so hot that I suddenly wanted him off me but at the same time, I didn't. I was acutely aware of the length of his body against mine, of his cock pressing against my stomach. I wanted him around me, against me, inside me.

"My turn," he growled, freeing my arm so he could wrap his hand around my neck. I could feel long fingers on my skin, tilting my head to one side. He leaned down and flicked his tongue on exposed skin. I closed my eyes and let myself feel. Lips replaced tongue and I couldn't help but hiss as he tasted me; skin and sweat and heaving breaths.


"Stay still."


Even if I wanted to, I couldn't move. A hand around my neck held me firmly in place and I could feel his hand tighten a little every time I squirmed. His other hand fumbled with the button of my jeans, shoving them down roughly as his other hand pinned me to the wall.


"Look at me...look at me before I fuck you...look at me...”