Completed Fic of the Week: 12/13-12/19

Swear Not by the Moon by hmonster4

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6309637/1/Swear_Not_By_the_Moon

Reviewed by Bellalove72
*This story is no longer available* 

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

Summary: For every action there is an equal and equal & opposite reaction. His goodbye was meant to protect her, not bring about her destruction. Twilight AU.

If you know anything at all about hmonster4, it’s that she’s retired from writing Edward and Bella centered fics and has moved on to explore other character pairings. However, she came out of her ExB retirement to write a couple of novella’s for the FGB. One such novella is Swear Not By The Moon, and I for one am glad she did it!

March 12, 2005

Bella,

By the time you read this, I'll be far away. I know that this is going to seem abrupt, especially after the past few days and all that we've shared, but it is truly for the best. There are events unfolding which, if I leave now, I can stop. This is the sacrifice I make to protect you, and I would do it a thousand times over to know that you are free from harm.

You will never know how much it pains me to leave you. For decades, I've moved through life, learning, but never stretching or growing. I speak six languages fluently. I went to medical school countless times. I've seen every major city in the world, and they all pale in comparison to the time I've spent with you. I shall carry my memories of our time together with me forever.

Please be safe, and know that wherever you are, you are in my heart.
Edward

Instead of leaving Bella in New Moon, Edward leaves her during Twilight, the day before they would have gone to the meadow for the first time. You know how we all wondered why Alice never saw Bella being hunted by James in Twilight? Well, in hmonster4’s version, Alice actually did have visions of Bella being hunted and tortured by a vampire. And because of that, Edward decides the only way to keep her safe is for all of the Cullen’s to leave Forks. But he doesn’t lie to Bella and he doesn’t just disappear. There’s no leaving Bella alone in the woods and no pathetic, “You don’t want me?’s” Nope, none of that. As you just read above, Edward leaves Bella a note explaining that the Cullen’s are leaving to protect her.

Cut to five years later, Bella is a successful college student who just finished taking her last exam, thus ending her undergraduate career; ready to start the next chapter of her life. With a degree in Cultural Anthropology, Bella has written her senior thesis on the legends of the Quileute Tribe and plans on working at Burke Natural History Museum, helping the curator update some of their Native American exhibits for a year, before applying to grad schools.

Upon returning to her apartment and greeting, Heathcliff, the ghost she believes resides with her; (hmmm…) she finds an envelope that had been slipped under her door. Even after five years she immediately recognizes the elegant script and opens the envelope…

Dropping down on the floor, her legs folding underneath her, Bella hastily rips the envelope wide as she rushes to get to the message inside. There is a card, heavy, like a wedding invitation. A small gold key is taped to the bottom left corner, but she doesn't pay attention to that. All she can see is his writing.

“…I know it is not in your nature, for you are a fighter, but it's time to run. If you refuse to run, you will be dead by the end of this week. This is not said to scare you. It's true; people are already on their way to Seattle. You must move, now.

Take the key attached to this message, and go to your post office. The box number is the last day I saw you, a day I carry with me like a talisman. The box holds more instructions as well as other things you need. Follow those instructions to the letter, do not deviate or our plans will not work. Before you leave your apartment, pack all the cash you have, any medications, and a change of clothes. Take the battery out of your cell phone and leave it in your apartment. Don't think, act. You don't have much time.”

And thus the course of Bella Swan’s life is changed forever. But what was the moment that set it all in motion? Follow Bella as she goes step by step into finding out who wants to kill her and why. Who are all the players involved in trying to save her? What past event in her life actually caused the reaction of her being on the run for her life, and what does she learn about herself and Edward along the way?

Hmonster4’s incredible gift of being a talented author definitely shines through in Swear Not By the Moon. How she can cram mystery, adventure, romance, suspense, and character development into only six chapters and 26,000+ words is a true testament to her talent! Go read Swear Not By The Moon! You’ll love it!

Banner by JaimeArkin

BellaLove72's Rec of the Week: 10/18-10/24

Amnesia by GemGirl65

 http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5890229/1/Amnesia
Review by Bellalove72

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

Summary: What if Edward Cullen weren't a 109-year-old-vampire...what if he were 'born' yesterday? When Bella Swan's truck breaks down in the forest one rainy afternoon, a fateful meeting between the two will alter the course of both of their lives forever. AU, OOC

Two weeks ago AngryBadgerGirl tweeted that this fic needed love, so I decided to check it out. I’m not gonna lie, I was a bit apprehensive at first; I’ve read countless amnesia stories, usually about Bella, but after reading the summary, which I found very intriguing, I knew I had to read it! Not to mention it’s complete! It didn’t take long to discover that AngryBadgerGirl was right; this fic definitely deserves more love!

Edward Masen wakes up in the forest one day with absolutely no recollection of who he is or how he got there. He wanders around in search of food and water in an attempt to quench the undeniable hunger pains and burning thirst that he’s feeling. When he happens upon an old hunting cabin, he’s relieved to find bottled water and a few old cans of beans. But the water and beans do nothing to lessen the pain and burning. He’s lost, confused, hungry, and thirsty, and is slowly realizing that he’s a little different than your average human teenage boy. Unable to find anything else to satisfy his hunger and thirst, he heads toward the highway, hoping to find a nearby town.

Bella Swan decides to take a short cut through the forest on her way home work. As luck would have it, her beast of a truck breaks down leaving her stranded in a thunder storm, without a cell phone signal. She has no other choice but to start walking. She doesn’t get far before bumping into Edward. Watching the way the rain cascades down his face and the lightening highlights his incredulous features; she is instantly mesmerized by him.

After a brief conversation, Bella decides to keep walking to find help, but she trips and Edward breaks her fall. Still holding onto Bella, Edward is suddenly consumed and it doesn’t take long before another part of him takes over, realizing he’s found what he needs to finally satiate his agonizing hunger and burning thirst.

“A final stab of fear woke me to the fact that death was, indeed coming, and I inhaled deeply in a choking gasp, a sickening gurgling noise coming from my ravaged throat. The boy blinked at the sound, as if waking from the same trance I had, and looked down at me with warm, soft gray eyes. It was as if the storm clouds had lifted, leaving a clear blue sky in their wake.

His expression soon changed from calm to agitation as he gazed down at me…as if he just realized what he had done. Even as his features blurred in my fading eyesight, I saw an unmistakable look of guilt and horror seize his face as he viewed his handiwork.

"No," I heard him whisper in a ragged baritone, his hands stroking my hair and smoothing it off of my face. "No!" He knelt over and I whimpered pitifully as his lips grazed my cheek. "I'm sorry," he whispered, over and over. "Please forgive me."

Unable to reply or to move, I simply stared into his beautiful eyes, uncomprehending. A bright light slashed over us…more lightning?…and his haunted expression was the last thing I saw before the dark night enveloped me”

That’s all I can tell you. You’ll have to read it yourself to find out what happens next. But I can tell you that Gemgirl65’s writing is impeccable. I can tell you that Amnesia is a lost gem that is certainly in need of more love. I can tell you that not one character will act the way you think they will at one time or another. I can tell you that Gemgirl65 can write lemons that will leave you in need of a cold shower and a generous supply of dry panties! And I can tell you that while this Edward is utterly lost and confused, he is the sweetest (non sickly sweet), most romantic Edward that I’ve come across in a long, long time, and he doesn’t even know he’s doing it! My God, the swoon worthy moments in this fic are just…. GAH! And the UST…! *fans self*

This is probably the hardest review that I’ve ever had to write because I don’t want to give too much away. Have you ever come across a fic and think, If this were Twilight we’d all still be here? That’s exactly what I thought after reading Amnesia.

I kept waiting for all the cliché events to happen, you know the ones we all read about in so many fics, human and vamp alike; but they never happened. At each plot twist I was convinced I knew which way Gemgirl65 was going to take it; but it never happened.

The entire story has a completely different spin. The characters have some different personality traits and even some of the vampires have different gifts. Not everything is what it seems. While this is a Twilight based fanfiction, Gemgirl65 has certainly taken the reigns by using a menagerie of different vampire traits to make it her own as much as possible. Stephenie Meyer might have named these vamps, but Gemgirl has made them a touch more human; and supplied the lemons! And let me tell ya, the girl can write a lemon!

Go! Go now… Read Amnesia, and don’t forget to leave Gemgirl65 some love in the form of a review!

If you prefer to read on Twilighted.net, Gemgirl65 has recently posted Amnesia there as well. http://www.twilighted.net/viewstory.php?sid=13376

BellaLove72's Rec of the Week: 9/27-10/3

Pistols and Petticoats by saltire884

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6294495/1/Pistols_and_Petticoats

Reviewed by Bellalove72
*This story is no longer available*

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

Summary: In a drunken gamble by her father, Bella finds her future wagered to town loner, Edward Cullen. But with stakes this high, how much will Bella lose, or will chance be on her side?

Lurking on Twitter late one night, I saw people asking saltire884 about her new fic. I didn’t know she was even writing one, so I asked her about it and she sent me the link. First of all, it’s called Pistols and Petticoats, the name alone sucked me in! The Old West and images of a gun-slinging, cowboy hat wearing, Edward, flitted through my head. She had me hook, line and sinker within the first three paragraphs! Or should I say, roped, tied and branded! I DM’d IndieFicPimp immediately, calling “dibs” on this little gem before someone else got to it first! Then I finished reading the four posted chapters, all before reading the updates of my favorite fics, still sitting in my box waiting to be read! And even though I quickly discovered, that Edward is not the Cowboy, but the Indian, saltire884 had me convinced that it was in fact a very good thing!

Pistols and Petticoats is saltire884’s first venture into being a fanfiction author; and she has blown me away! The details and descriptions she uses throughout, really make you feel like you’re in the Old West. I half expect a tumbleweed to come blowing across my laptop while reading. She’s doing a fantastic job of telling this tale and I personally can’t wait for more!

Saltire884’s characters are very refreshing. You will not find a “Shop-a-holic” Alice or a “Perfect” Rosalie here. Some of the characters are a complete opposite of what you might be used to and it’s perfect for the story and way it all fits together.

Pistols and Petticoats takes place in Deadwood Creek, Montana in 1889, where we are first introduced to Isabella, who is hiding from her “Pa”. Charlie’s character is mean and condescending, a very ill-tempered drunk who spends his days at the Deadwood Saloon, drinking and gambling. Still living at home at the age of 20, Charlie wants nothing more than to marry Isabella off to the highest bidder.

Michael Newton is the wealthiest man in town. He is ruthless and the townfolk fear him; of course this has all gone to Newton’s head, filling every ounce of his ten-gallon hat, and he’s all the nastier for it. He’s had his eye on Isabella and is tired of playing games. He intends to make her his, and demands to marry her. He’s causing somewhat of a scene in town, when town outcast, Cullen, appears to save the day.

As the son of a Comanche mother and a white father, Edward Cullen wasn’t welcomed by the townfolk as a boy, and quickly learned to steer clear of them. Edward has lived a life of solitude on his ranch, only venturing to town for supplies. His only friend is his dog, Masen. The relationship between Edward and Masen, is utterly heartwarming. Masen is definitely a character not to be missed, and plays a great role in many scenes, not only with Edward, but with other characters as well.

This Edward might not be the Cowboy of my musings, but saltire884’s description of him makes it all worthwhile!

“He was wearing tan buckskin trousers with fringe down the side and a dusty blue woven shirt. Strange white and red beads hung around the open neck of his shirt.


A hide belt around his slim hips housed a tomahawk axe and a hunting knife, which was nestled in a buckskin pouch with frayed edges. He looked every bit the savage that the townsfolk claimed him to be.”

Hello? Buckskin trousers with fringe down the side? Dusty blue woven shirt? A tomahawk axe and a hunting knife on his hips? His hips?! Call me crazy, but my CowboyWard image doesn’t hold a candle to that of ComancheWard! I’ll take buckskin trousers with fringe, over a ten-gallon hat any day! And Savage? Kill me now!

But I digress… (ComancheWard does that to me!)

So, Cullen witnesses Newton giving Isabella a hard time and intervenes. Of course, Newton’s cronies come a’running to defend the honor of their boss, and shoot at Cullen a couple of times. All the commotion ends up getting the attention of the local law.

Sherriff McCarty prides himself on upholding the law in his town, dismisses the whole debacle, telling the men to all be on their way. Isn’t that an awesome job for Emmett? The town Sherriff? I think it’s perfect!

Before Charlie can hand Isabella off to Newton, he ends up drunk and broke at the saloon with nothing to allow him to stay in the poker game, until he realizes the men at the table have interest in his daughter; and he offers her up in the game. It’s his turn to win, right? And all the men will go in, since such a grand prize is on the line. He’ll win all their money and will still have Isabella when Newton shows up. Win-Win. Accept it isn’t.

This is Edward and Bella’s story to tell. How they grow and come together with a storm brewing in the horizon. How tight they will hold on to each other when the storm hits. And in my opinion, it’s full of WIN!

So, are you curious as to what will happen next?

Find out by reading Pistols and Petticoats! You won’t be disappointed!

BellaLove72's Rec of the Week: 7/30-8/5

What Happens Tomorrow by birdee18

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4460754/1/What_Happens_Tomorrow

Review by Bellalove72

Rating: M

Genre: Romance/Angst

Characters: Bella/Edward

Summary: Bella and Edward are happily engaged with their whole lives ahead of them. What happens when a tragedy strikes that will change them forever? AU, all human.

Edward and Bella had it all…that picture perfect life that was headed right into the stuff of fairy tales and their happily ever after. They grew up together as their parents were best friends and they eventually started dating freshman year of high school. After reaching his goal of graduating from medical school, Edward proposed to Bella over Christmas. Of course she said yes and a July wedding was being planned.

Those of you that know me well enough, know that I don’t do fluff! Can’t do it. I need angst. I crave it. If there’s not some sort of heart wrenching conflict, I don’t read it. Ok, so maybe that’s not entirely true since I do read some fics without angst but as long as it’s not pure fluff and everyone is always so cheerful and happy. My point is, What Happens Tomorrow is NOT pure fluff. There is tragedy and heartache as Edward and Bella’s fairytale life takes a detour into a nightmare. And that kept my attention!

The detour of their perfect life happens the night of Edward and Bella’s engagement party where Edward falls ill. What happens to Edward leaves everyone in shock and confusion. And the road to recovery is long and painful. Not only does Edward have to deal with his physical recovery but the depression and panic attacks that come along with it. Everything in his life has to change. The career he worked so hard for, the life with Bella he looked so forward to…everything. But this tragedy doesn’t only affect Edward. It’s just as hard on Bella to have to watch him struggle. And between Bella and the rest of the Cullen’s they try to support Edward as best they can. But is it enough?

The relationship Edward has his family is very heartwarming. You can feel their hearts breaking as they all have to stand by and watch their son and brother crumble before them. They do their best to hold him up but you can only do so much. There is an additional family member also. Edward has a little sister, Elizabeth, who he calls ‘Bitt’. As a teenager, Bitt brings the family much needed comic relief but she also has to learn how to handle this family tragedy in her own way. It’s not easy for her to watch her big brother, her protector, have to struggle through his illness and recovery.

The way birdee18 has written this story makes me wonder if the plot wasn’t just something that she conjured up in her creative mind. The details and emotions that birdee18 has put into What Happens Tomorrow sound too personal for her to have just thought this up. This isn’t a typical ExB tale. They don’t start out in love, tragedy strikes; they overcome it and then finally get to their HEA. Life doesn’t happen that way. What Happens Tomorrow doesn’t either.

Banner by JaimeArkin

WIP of the Week: 6/25-7/1

The Muse in the Attic by ClearlyAmbiguous

 http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5496315/1/The_Muse_in_the_Attic
Review by BellaLove72
 

Summary: Hearing creepy and unsettling sounds coming from the attic not long after moving into her late grandfather's house, Bella discovers someone lost and scared hiding in her attic. Who is he and what does his presence there mean for her?

The summary of this fic is what initially got my attention. I am always looking for something different. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good lemon as much as the next h00r, but sometimes I need a break. That’s not to say there aren’t any lemons in Muse but that’s not what it’s all about. And normally I have to read at least the first five chapters to decide if the fic can keep my attention to continue. That wasn’t the case with The Muse in the Attic. I was drawn in before the end of the prologue and I knew instantly that I’d be along for the ride, however long it is.

The story starts out with Bella, who is newly divorced from Embry and decides move back to Forks, to Evergreen Manor, the house that her late Grandfather left her in his will. While unpacking, she starts to hear music playing that no one else seems to hear. She also smells apple pie baking but again, no one else can smell it but her. Later that night after everyone else has gone home after helping her move in, she starts hearing noises in the attic. When she goes to investigate, she finds a naked man shivering in the corner. She leaves to get him a blanket and upon her return, he’s gone.

Bella recollects many of the stories her Grandfather used to regal her with while growing up and you can see that the relationship between the two is very heart-warming. While considering some of the stories he Grandfather has told her, Alice steps in to help Bella find out more about the previous owners of Evergreen Manor. Bella also has a very interesting run in with Jared who along with the rest of La Push, may or may not know a thing or two about the history of the manor themselves. After not being able to really come up with anything, Bella decides to make a very important call to a paranormal psychologist who just might be able to tell her a thing or two about what’s going on…

This is an AH Edward and Bella story...do not be fooled! I LOVE this story! Nothing I can say can really do it justice. I’m constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next and how all the pieces fit together. Edward and Bella both have their own mysteries to solve separately and then figure out how they are linked. After every update I am left with a different theory as to what’s going on. I’m absolutely amazed by the creativity that ClearlyAmbiguous demonstrates within the story line. Her ability to even think of this story, keep it all straight and then being able to link it all together boggles my mind. There are so many details and twists and turns, it just goes to show how truly talented she is.

ClearlyAmbiguious is clearly NOT ambiguous when it comes to her writing and the detail she adds to Muse. Her writing style is different than anything I’ve read, and I’ve read A LOT of fics. This story is beautifully written. She writes with an eloquence that I haven’t seen before. Her use of imagery is not over done but just the right amount so you feel like you’re actually right there in the same room with the characters and feeling every emotion they are feeling. I love the way her writing flows and how it makes me feel when I read it! Every chapter gives you just the right amount to satisfy the need to know what’s going on, while leaving you wondering and wanting more at the same time!

“He extends his arm out to greet me and I step into the house, anticipating the enveloping feel of his embrace. But as soon as he is within reach, he steps back and turns on his heel ascending the stairs. "Edward!" I cry out, but get no response, his name vacant and strangely foreign on my tongue. He continues climbing, seemingly unaware of my persistent attempts to regain his attention. In my haste, I clamor up the stairs behind him, but with each step closer, he moves farther away. I desperately reach out for him, worry coursing over every pore of my body as I grasp at nothing but empty air.”

See what I mean? What are you waiting for? Go read it!