ImwithPattz Rec of the Week: 2/28-3/6

Addicted by lizzylillyrose

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6469268/1/Addicted

Review by ImwithPattz

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

Summary: Her life was uneventful until she met a stunning, mysterious, obsessive man with a monstrous hidden past. What happens when the past catches up with him and throws them both into the unknown. Rated M

Addicted was originally called Touch of Sin by TwilightHore. She felt she couldn’t give the story enough attention and LizzyLillyRose took it over. We are very glad she did because the story is incredible and has all the makings of epic-ness.

What I immediately noticed about Addicted is that there is a haunting feel to the story. It takes place in Edinburgh which is described as gray and rainy. The descriptions are what pull you in. LLR does a great job with describing the scenery. In the opening chapter, Bella is out with Jasper and Alice and then Rosalie and Emmett. You get the feeling she is a bit of an outcast but it is a mystery as to whether she actually is or whether it is a matter of low self-esteem on her part.

I tried to distract myself with my thoughts, but I still felt the nagging voice in my head that I was lonely. No one wanted to be with me, not in the way Alice was with Jasper, or in the way Rosalie was with Emmett. No one wanted to date me seriously; the guys who dated me were either on a bet or seriously perverted.

I was the queen of good choices, ruled by niceness and doing the right thing. Good choices meant asking that weird, solitary Patty Hutchins to your birthday party even when you didn't want to. Good choices meant getting your homework in on time. Good choices meant sharing your locker with someone who played the clarinet instead of someone who drank their parents' Scotch. It meant liking math because it made sense, and liking your family even when they didn't make sense. It meant driving carefully and knowing you'd go to college. It meant taking careful steps and being doomed to be someone no one really remembered at your high school reunion. 

Again, the author is extremely descriptive and what I like is that the characters are well developed in the very first chapter. We get a sense from the above paragraph that Bella is much more complicated than she lets on.
Bella meets Edward in a bookstore after wandering off after the movie with the two other couples. Her first impression of him is once again, extremely descriptive, and the reader feels like they are standing in the bookstore with her picturing him through her eyes.

Something bronze coloured came into my view from in between the shelves. It was hair, I realised, beautifully mussed and dishevelled hair. The hair belonged to a male, that much was obvious, but his back was facing me. I shuffled a few steps along the narrow row of shelving so that I could get a better look. He was wearing a short sleeved t- shirt and snug fitting black jeans. 

My eyebrows shot up as I noticed the muscles even from here, rippling along his back and his arms. Not overdone, but lithe, agile. I felt the need to run my hands up and down his arms, to see if he was real.

Stop it Bella!

I wanted him to turn around.

It was as if he heard my thoughts as he slowly turned in my direction. I gasped and grabbed a book from the shelf I was standing at.

He started to head over to where I was standing, but I could see that he wasn't looking at me. I studied him as much as I dared. I noticed he had strong, manly features; he had such a sharp jaw that I found myself wanting to kiss the edge of. He had beautiful, wide honey-gold eyes that sported a quizzical and grim look, a smooth forehead and straight nose, full lips and perfect eyebrows. He was also incredibly pale, I noted, but he was so gorgeous that it practically knocked the breath out of me.

As he got closer, I also got a better look at his body, which not-so-secretly pleased me. Power radiated from his rippling lithe body. Not the type of muscles that screamed "I live at the gym everyone!", but subtle and very sexy. Ah, washboard abs. He was tall, lean, and handsome.

Everything I want in a man.

His dark expression and brooding eyes made him look mysterious, and incredibly sexy. Not only was he completely gorgeous, but he looked beautifully dangerous.

Edward ends up giving Bella a ride home from the bookstore after mysteriously finding her walking home in the rain. What ensues is one of the hottest lemons in all of Fanfiction.

When Bella wakes up the next morning, Edward is gone and in turn, strange occurrences begin.

I headed straight for the bathroom, discarding my gloves, coat, and both scarves as I walked through my hall. 

The flat smelt nice, was it him I could still smell?

I pushed open my bathroom door and screeched out loud as I took in the sight of my bathroom, grabbing the door frame for support. The bath was full of water that was gently steaming, a beautiful scent of vanilla wafting around the warm room. A towel was laid across the radiator ready for when I'd had my bath.

What the hell? Who?

I frowned and shook my head. What the hell was going on? I looked around, wondering if whoever had run this bath for me was still in my flat. I suddenly felt on edge; how had someone gotten in here? No-one apart from Alice had a key and that was only for in emergencies; she'd never used it. And she had been with me practically the entire time I'd been out.

This is not a story for the faint of heart.

I am not going to post spoilers but surprises abound in every chapter and LizzyLillyRose keeps the reader on their toes. There is not a boring moment in all 9 chapters posted. I will say though that the story does get graphic. One of the more interesting characters is Carlisle, who is Bella’s Boss in Addicted, and also Edward’s father, though their relationship is strained at best.

Addicted begins as what the reader thinks is your typical FanFiction. Edward and Bella meet, fall in love etc. This story is so far from that description. Edward remains mysterious and this Bella is much more complex than the author lets on in the first chapter.

Without spoiling anything for the future reader, this is an amazing story. Expect the Unexpected!

One Shot of the Week: 2/21-2/27

Just One Night by TotalEclipseOfEdward

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5659148/1/Just_One_Night

Rating: M
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Bella and Edward are best friends who discover a strong sexual attraction to each other. When Bella suggests spending just one night together, Edward can't say no.

Writer Submitted Fic: 2/21-2/27

Esme's Story: Book Two: The Vampire Years 

by Esme Mom Cullen

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5777826/1/Esmes_Story_Book_Two_The_Vampire_Years
Review by 4string

Rating: T
Genre: Romance/Family
Characters: Esme/Carlisle

Summary: It's you." In the sequel to Book One: The Human Years, Esme opens her eyes to two strange men and a new life. Follow her story as she discovers who and what she has become, finally falls in love, and embraces her new family and cultivates its growth.

The majority of Twilight fics focus on Edward and Bella and although I love them, I occasionally like to read about less written about characters. Esme Mom Cullen’s Esme-centered story, “Esme’s Story: Book Two: The Vampire Years” is an excellent glimpse into her beginnings. We also get a taste of Edward as a three year old vampire. He and Carlisle are both very sweet in the sincerity of trying to help her transition into her new world.

It’s June 1921 and poor Esme is trying to cope with how her new body and mind work. It’s also quite an adjustment getting used to living with a mind reader.

"Do I need to go sleep in a coffin before the sun destroys me, or is that just another vampire legend?" Maybe that is what I wanted – to walk into the sun and end what I started.

"Don't think like that," I heard Edward say. Did he just scold me? "Yes, I did. I was in your same position not very long ago. Please, just hear Carlisle out. I know you want to trust him, and he is worth trusting."

I stared at him. Edward, you see everything. You know. This is unreal. He nodded and spoke, "Alice in Wonderland is a good analogy for what you are feeling at the moment but eventually the Lewis Carroll part of this life will fade and the reality of it will set in."

Of course we also get a peek at Esme remembering being a teenager and crushing on the handsome doctor who fixed up her leg years before. In the books and most fics, Carlisle and Esme are the parental rocks of the family, not love-struck kids or reckless vampire in Esme’s case.

"I can't imagine you just blending in."

"What do you mean?"

"You…you don't look like everyone else." Because you are the most beautiful person I have ever seen…

…"I'm sure they notice you." Our eyes met for a moment, but I looked away, afraid he might see the stupid girl who noticed him and never forgot him.

The sweet mother and son bond form with Edward being the one who ‘baby sits’ Esme while Carlisle is away at the hospital. They chat and bond with Edward showing her how to play the piano gently as Edward reveals he’s on his fifth piano because he pummeled the previous ones. He kindly offers her an ear for when she’s ready to talk about her difficult past even though she knows he can hear her thoughts. He, basically, earns her respect and loyalty to him and Carlisle. He’s an engaging and patient companion. I got a kick out of the good-natured teasing he gives Esme in regard to her attraction to Carlisle, but it’s not all easy going here. Esme has to learn to deal with the aftermath of killing her first human. It breaks the heart of this tender spirited woman. Additionally, she has to wrestle the demons of her human life such as her abusive husband and loss of her son.

This fic is written in the first person and the reader truly gets insight in Esme’s mind and gets a feel for what makes her tick. In the books, she’s almost a sideline character so this author does have more leeway than someone writing, for example, an Edward point of view fic.

Esme Mom Cullen also does an admirable job in staying close to canon and not unnecessarily drawing things out (my fic pet peeve) yet still getting all the important info in the narrative. It’s as if Stephenie could have written this as a Twilight prequel. I’m always impressed with fic authors who have the ability to pull that off. As of now, it’s up to ten chapters and can’t wait to see how the rest of it plays out.

Banner by JaimeArkin

Brand New Fic of the Week: 2/21-2/27

Coincidental Major by m7707

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6709135/1/Coincidental_Major

Review by anonymouslysufferingfromOCD

Rating: M
Genre: Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: A tale about a hockey-playing boy who loves his girl. This is Edward's story from Major Misconduct.

Coincidental Major is a companion piece to Major Misconduct. You don’t have to read Major Misconduct to read it, but since Major Misconduct has over 4K reviews I am guessing a lot of you already have.

If you have read Major Misconduct you know that it is in all BPOV, we are lucky to get Coincidental Major from all Edward all of the time.

This is a well written, high school drama, with a hockey playing Edward and a quiet Bella.
Edward has been crushing on Bella since he, literally, ran into her in the hallway halfway through sophomore year. Every time he sees her though she turns and runs the other way. Is this because she thinks he is a jerk or for some other reason?

The story starts off at the beginning of their junior year; Jasper, Edward’s best friend since he was six, has recently begun dating Alice, who just happens to be Bella’s best friend. Edward walks into Biology to find the only empty seat in the room next to none other than his beautiful Bella.

Now that school has thrown them together and their best friends are dating the door has opened for the two of them to get to know one another a bit better.

Will Edward be able to get over his shyness and finally talk to Bella? How does Bella really feel about him and will Alice and Jasper have any influence on their relationship? Or will Edward continue to suffer in silence while the girl of his dreams sits next to him every day?

We will watch through Edward’s eyes as their relationship grows and find out what was going on with him when he wasn’t with Bella.

"Me?" I looked at him in surprise. "What did I do? He was talking about our girls."

Jasper advanced on me, blood in his eye. "My girl. He was talking about my girl and her friend. I get to smack the shit out of him, not you. She's not your girl. Is she?"

I stared at him, and my mouth opened and closed a couple of times. Fucker.

"Fucker," I said, and he gloated, nodding his head in smug satisfaction and poking me in the chest. I scowled, and my shoulders slumped.

I loved the story Major Misconduct and I am looking forward to hearing it from Edward’s POV.
I also must say that as a mom of a high-school hockey player it is nice to see that the terms that are used that are hockey related are accurate. The author, m7707, really knows what she is talking about.

If you have read Major Misconduct I recommend reading Coincidental Major as well, it is your opportunity to get into Edward’s head and see what he was thinking during all of the pivotal moments that happened over the course of the story. If you haven’t read Major Misconduct yet, like I said you don’t have to in order to read Coincidental Major but I would highly recommend you read both. MM is complete so you won’t have to wait to know what happens and you will get to know everything from Edward’s POV too!

Completed Fic of the Week: 2/21-2/27

Through Glass by Tianiichan

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5707826/1/Through_Glass

Review by marriedmyedward

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

Summary: Bella's loved Jasper since the day she saw him. Only problem? He's loved Alice for that long as well. When she says goodbye to them at their wedding, who will help her over her broken heart? AU/AH/OOC

As I was told what stories needed to be reviewed yet and I looked at the list, Through Glass just jumped right out at me for some reason and I immediately said I would review this story. I blamed it mainly on the fact that I just love that song by Stonesour at first, but the more I read this story, the more I realized, the story chose me (yes I know...as stupid as it sounds but I swear it's true lol).

This story is so different from anything I've read before. Mainly how loving one person all your life can suddenly change by the meeting of another.

The story starts out at a wedding. The wedding of Jasper and Alice. Bella is the maid of honor. Turns out that Bella is in love with Jasper and has been since she met him in high school. Bella feels so heartbroken by the time Jasper and Alice left for the reception, that she gets into a fight with Jasper's sister Rose, and ends up getting a ride home from Emmett, Rose's husband. Bella never makes it to the reception and basically picked up everything she owns and moves out to Jacksonville to be closer to her mom, and to keep her distance from Jasper and Alice, because it hurt too much to see them together.

After a few months down in Jacksonville, Bella decides that she needs to call her best friend and at least tell her why she just suddenly moved away and never showed up at their reception. That phone call would be the start to a chain of events that would change lives forever. Not to mention it would lead to a certain party and the colliding of doors into heads that would make Bella think differently about how her life is going thus far.

This story has not only owned me from the moment I started reading it, but it's also hot! I find that I tend to need to fan myself (or take advantage of the hubby) after reading some of the scenes.

His lips never leave my skin; they travel down the side of my face to my neck, spreading kisses all over the right side, back up to my ear, and then down to my collarbone. His hands creep their way along the outside of my arms and around as he grabs and pulls them up, linking my hands behind his neck. Then sliding his hands back down, he grips my shoulders from behind, pulling me away from him in such a way as to make my back arch. His lips move from my collarbone, skimming across my clothed chest until he reaches the top of my breasts. He bites down gently on the top of my right breast before pulling back and looking into my face.

I'm sure I look a mess; my body is so hot that I'm sure I am covered in red. My hair is probably in knots from having his hands in it, but I can't bring myself to care about any of that or anything else either. The way he's looking at me, I'm sure he won't even have to touch me again to send me flying over the edge.

**Fans self just rereading that passage**

So make sure to go read Through Glass because you won’t regret it. It will have you hooked from the moment you start it and you just won’t want to stop reading it.

Banner by JaimeArkin

WIP of the Week: 2/21-2/27

Don't Stand So Close to Me by Elyse Gaines

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6653645/1/Dont_Stand_So_Close_to_Me

Review by Obsmama

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

Summary: When Bella meets Edward, they share one memorable night in a club. Although she hopes to see him again, when she does, it's in the place neither of them expected. Rated M for language and yummy lemons ahead

When Bella Swan walked into a nightclub in Seattle, Washington her life was flipped on its axis. As she is snubbed by the female bartender for another patron, she finds the man of her dreams looking back.

"I'd like a Johnny Walker Black, neat, and my friend…" he looks from me to the bartender.

 "A Skinny Bitch, please," I say, never breaking eye contact from those fucking eyes.

 "A Skinny Bitch," he laughs, "what an interesting choice…" the way he trails off tells me he's looking for my name.

 

 "Bella," I breathe, extending my hand.

 "Bella," he repeats and oh man if I didn't just come a little. "I'm Edward."

Thus begins a night neither of these vibrant characters are prepared for but neither can forget. The more Bella learns about Edward, like he just graduated from college and is moving from Seattle the next day, gives her the courage to take what she wants and not to lose this moment with him.

"Ugggggh," I say, panting.

"Bella, you are so beautiful," he says into my ear.

"God, I want you," I manage to get out.

"I want you too," he says. "Do you have a hotel room?"

Fuck. No, I don't, because we're staying with Alice's mother's friend. Fuck, fuck, fuck. "No," I say, softly, shaking my head. "Do you have one?" I ask, although I think I know the answer.

"No," he says, "I'm staying with my friend tonight since it's my last night in the city," he says, kissing my neck and tweaking my nipples with his fingers. My hips buck in response.

"Fuck," I say softly, and grind into him some more. I take a moment to look around the booth. There are people everywhere, and yet, they aren't looking anywhere near our booth. If I weren't in Edward's lap, they wouldn't even be able to see the top of my head of the back of this seat. Fuck it, who cares where I am.

I reach down between us and begin to undo Edward's belt. He bucks his hips toward me, pounding against my center as I work. Once I have it undone, I undo his button and fly, and reach in, against his boxers.

Things happen, words are spoken, notes and numbers are left. What would you do if you met the man of your dreams in a club in Seattle, have a mind bending physical connection with him and are left with nothing more than a number on a napkin? For Bella, she returns to her life in Forks and runs into the one person she hoped to see but never thought she would, especially where she does!

"Good afternoon, everybody," a familiar voice says.

I look up, startled, and feel my stomach drop.

Holy shit.

I don’t want to give too much away but I will leave you with this. Don’t Stand So Close to Me is an in-depth journey between what is right and wrong when you are dealing with love and choice. I fell head over heels for this Edward. He’s a swoony bastard! I found myself laughing and clenching my heart. You will love the characters as well as the plot line. The author is well versed in the art of falling in love and I for one am in love with her story!

Banner by JaimeArkin

One Shot of the Week: 2/14-2/20

One Last Kiss by ajsilentvoice

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6490805/1/Oneshot_One_Last_Kiss

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

Summary: O/S - Bella hung on because it was comfortable, because she had hope, and maybe she was a little scared to be without him. But that wasn't enough. This is a story of knowing how to love even when loving someone means letting them go. AU-Human B&E.

Writer Submitted Fic: 2/14-2/20

It's Just Lunch by TG81

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5383669/1/Its_Just_Lunch

Review by Frankielynn

Rating: M
Genre: Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Bella is in L.A. to finalize her wedding plans. She comes across a rare opportunity to have a chance with the Hollywood "It" guy, Edward Masen. Rated M for lemons, language and adult situations. Canon couples? Maybe! Very OOC.

Now before I give my review, I have to say I'm not one to read E/B fics normally. And I'll admit, when I first started this story, I was a little unsure if I'd like it or not. However, the summary for this little story doesn't do it justice. The Bella in this fic, is not one to be messed with. She's tough, smart, and not a woman to take anyone’s crap. The story starts out with her engaged to marry Emmett, but somewhere along the lines, plans change when she meets Edward, a cocky, full-of-himself actor, and also one of Bella's “Top 5”.

I started to spread out my towel across my chair and deliberate what I wanted for lunch when a shadow appeared over my towel.

"Excuse me, miss?" the shadow asked.

"Yes?" I asked. My eyes were hidden behind sunglasses, but I zeroed in on the most stunning pair of blue eyes I had ever seen.

"I apologize if I'm interrupting you. I'm not am I?" he asked, I noticed he had a smooth yet subtle southern drawl.

"No, is there something I can help you with?"

"I couldn't help but notice that you are here alone?"

"For the moment, yes I am," I didn't feel the need to share that my best friend was upstairs in a pharmaceutical enhanced sleep.

"Well, since you are alone, and assuming you are a guest of the hotel for a few days?" he paused. I nodded in response. "Well then allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jasper Whitlock," he held out his hand. I reached to shake his, he took my hand a placed a kiss on the back of it. I had no idea who this cat was, but he was a smooth mother fucker.

"Bella Swan, it's nice to meet you."

"Bella, please tell me, do you have lunch plans this afternoon?"

"For the moment, my plans are not set in stone. I'm guessing that you are going to offer to take me out to lunch?" Jasper started chuckling.

"Ms. Swan," he began, but I cut him off.

"Jasper. Let's can the Gone with the Wind bullshit formalities, okay? I'm here to attempt being non-translucent and you are hitting on me, am I correct?" He nodded with a smirk.

"Bella, I am here with a friend of mine. We just finished up a dreadful meeting, and are in need of a bit of excitement. Would you join us for lunch at the Ivy?"

"Who is your friend?"

"He's standing right over there, he may look familiar, maybe not," he shrugged. I looked over to where he was indicating. I removed my sunglasses for a brief second just to make sure we were looking at the same person.

Holy.

Fucking.

Hell.

It was Edward Masen. Dear God in heaven he was even hotter in person than those vampire movies Alice and I had obsessed over.

I gave Jasper a small smile. "Edward Masen, huh? So have celebrities replaced dogs for single men hoping to pick up chicks?" He let out a small laugh.

After her fist run in with Edward, things really get started. Her relationship with Edward has lots of misunderstandings, because of lack of communication. However, they find a way to figure things out and make it work. This fic also goes back and forth between Edward and Bella's POV, with a few others added in every now and then. Follow along on this little fic with Bella, and all the ups and downs that come with dating and a career.

Banner by JaimeArkin

Brand New Fic of the Week: 2/14-2/20

When Life Gives You Lemons: Eat Them by DreamersDaze

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6656388/1/When_Life_Gives_You_Lemons_Eat_Them

Review by Agrutle

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

Summary: When a family member's health scare makes her question her own lifestyle, Bella begins a journey to find common ground between outer beauty, inner beauty, health and peace. Will she able to find love, in others and within herself? All Human

I love to read stories that are different. That don’t have everything wrapped up in a little bow. This is that kind of story. Bella is not tiny and perfect, she is overweight and is an emotional eater. I personally love the fact that she is imperfect. When we meet Bella, she is in the middle of a trip to the store to buy the comfort items of Oreos and mint chocolate-chip ice cream.

"Excuse me ma'am, but could you please stop? Mowing me down with your cart won't change the fact that there's someone in front of me."

"Screw you, you fat bitch!"

I think I just got cursed out by a senior citizen.

My jaw hit the ground and I jolted back, stunned. "Jeeze lady, do you kiss your grandkids with that mouth?”

And then she gave me the finger. For a moment I fantasized about ripping out her dentures and shoving them 'where the sun don't shine'. But to be honest, Grandma needs-her-mouth-cleaned-out-with-soap looked like she could, and would, kick my ass. So I bit my tongue, as the assault via shopping cart continued, staring into my basket at the half gallon of mint chocolate chip ice cream and bag of double stuffed Oreos that I was dying to dig into. As I finally reached the cashier, putting space between me and Grandma's cart of doom, the gum cracking teenager arched her eyebrow as she looked at me…and then at my purchases.

Yep…I'm fat. Google search images of 'girls that eat their feelings' and my picture would surely come up. Yes, I am buying cookies and ice cream. Could you ring those up while you're judging me?

Bella lives with her mom and Phil in Arizona and Rose is her very best friend. Having endured teasing and torture when she was younger, because she was overweight, Bella often wonders why Rose is friends with her. Then you meet Rose and see that she just loves Bella the way she is. Renee is worried about her daughter’s health and is constantly trying to get Bella to go on a new fad diet she has heard about.

"So," my mother began, and I looked up to find her staring at me intently across the table. Oh no…stares full of intent are never good. "I ran into Mrs. Olney, from down the street, today."

"Yeah?" I prompted, trying to keep the suspicion out of my voice.

Renee's hands began to flutter about the edges of the table; picking at the napkin, touching her fork as if she were about to grab it, and then appearing to change their mind. She always did this when she knew she was treading into sensitive territory. "Well she was telling me about how she's starting this new diet. Apparently there's this berry called Acai, which speeds up your metabolism and…"

I glared across the table as I interrupted. "Mom… fad diets are bullshit! There is no A+B=C equation to losing weight, no easy fix. Some people are just meant to be bigger. I'm fine with myself just the way I am. Why can't you be?"

The nervous hand fluttering sped up. "Look, I'm not trying to pressure you sweetie, but it's just… I worry about your health. You're getting older, and there are all these things associated with being overweight. I mean… your father has a history of heart disease on his side of the family…"

Bella understands the concern that her family has, but she just isn’t ready to change who she is. She tells herself that she is fine, and believes it. After returning from a vacation she takes with Rose she receives a phone call telling her that her father has had a heart attack, and it shakes her to her core. She is numb, and just knows that she needs to see him. After she gets there and realizes that Charlie is going to need help she decides to stay in Forks and help him. She and Rose get Charlie’s house in order and she decides that she has to change too, so that she can be a better help to Charlie.

When I looked up again, I realized I was standing in the health section of the store, in front of a row of shelves marked 'Diet and Nutrition'.

Way to be subtle subconscious. Fine, you win.

Except it wasn't that easy. The range and titles of the books left me extremely overwhelmed. Some sounded ridiculously Zen, boasting titles like "A Course in Weight Loss: 21 Spiritual Lessons for Surrendering Your Weight Forever". What? Then there were the 'sounds too good to be true' titles, such as "The Belly Fat Cure: Discover the New Carb Swap System and Lose 4 to 9 lbs. Every Week" Really? If it were possible to follow the directions of a book, and lose 4 to 9 lbs every week, I would think there would be no overweight people in this country at all. And finally there were 'get real' books that approached weight loss from a 'let's change your mind and your lifestyle'. These had brutally honest titles full of promise, such as "This Is Why You're Fat (and How to Get Thin Forever): Eat More, Cheat More, Lose More-and Keep the Weight Off"
Where the heck did one even start? Half of these books had conflicting views from the one next to them. This one said less carbs, more protein. This one said less fat, more carbs. Some titles suggested eating a specific food group, or even a specific food. I saw titles like "The Grapefruit Diet" or the "Spicy Food Detox".

It all left me with an overwhelming feeling of 'What the hell?'

You really can feel how confused she is feeling about herself and her situation. She doesn’t want to be fat but she feels like there’s no other way. I am totally loving this, it has captured my attention. I want to know what she does to change herself and I love that she’s doing it to be healthier to help her dad. The author makes you feel the feelings that Bella is having. You should read for yourself to see how everything plays out, I for one can’t wait!!

Completed Fic of the Week: 2/14-2/20

Southern Cross by MellieB40

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6119789/1/Southern_Cross

Review by ImwithPattz

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

Summary: When Bella Swan meets Edward Cullen, the new culinary intern on her family's yacht, sparks fly. They spend a passionate summer together but what will happen after? Can two lovers from different worlds make their relationship work? ExB canon AH lemons

I have to admit that I had never heard of this story until IndieFicPimp asked me to review it. I consider myself a diehard Fan Fiction reader. I have literally read hundreds. I will also admit that I groaned to myself a bit when I read the summary. Your typical rich girl meets poor boy from wrong side of tracks. The summary may be typical but this story is not. It is truly a beautiful love story with two very strong characters.

Southern Cross starts off when Edward Cullen takes a job on the boat “Twilight” as a culinary intern. Bella’s family owns the Yacht and she is taking a month off to sail after she graduates from Harvard. He is a self-professed ladies man and makes no apologies for it.

My name is Edward Cullen, of the Southie Cullens. Now that's a fucking laugh. I grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts, though where all good Irish families from Southie move when they make enough money to get out of the city. If your Pop isn't too much of a drunk and somehow makes it real big, you might end up in Hingham or Norwell. We only made it as far as Quincy.

I am not, however, complaining about my life. As far as they go, mine was pretty much average. My folks were both decent people. They tried to be good parents to my brother and me. I got some killer good looks from them too. I am tall and muscular with bright green eyes and messy brown hair. Girls love my hair. I never have any problems getting girls. They dig my smirky smile and all around bad boy persona.

Everyone loves a bad boy, right? Well this Edward is the quintessential bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Isabella is not, however, your typical rich girl. She is a smart, Harvard educated and bold. She knows she wants Edward from the very beginning and lets him know it. He is at first hesitant, as Rule #1 in his job has been to stay away from Bella and her friend Alice, who is sailing the yacht with her. He is immediately warned by the deck hand on the "Twilight," Jasper Whitlock.

"Listen, Cullen," Jasper said to me when they left, "I don't know what happened last night at dinner, but Bella is off limits. Mr. Swan would have us all fired if one of us hooked up with her. So find someone else to flirt with, okay?" He was deathly serious.

"I swear I didn't do anything. Alice kept flirting and trying to egg me on," I said nervously. "I didn't want to be rude."

"I understand. Just be careful tonight. You'll technically be working so no drinking. Just watch out for them and try to stay in the background," he instructed.

"Got it," I nodded, feeling kind of worried. I didn't want to get anyone fired, especially me. That would look really bad on my resume.

Luckily, Edward ignores all rules and falls hard for Bella. They spend the next month hiding their relationship until caught one night by Charlie Swan, Bella’s father. In a heartbreaking scene, he fires Edward and orders him to leave the ship immediately. Edward leaves, ignoring Bella’s attempts to get him to fight for her. He knows in his heart that they would never work out.

"What's your name, young man?" he asked me, gruffly.

"Edward Cullen," I replied.

"And how do you know my daughter?" he continued.

I paused and glanced at Bella, not sure what she wanted me to say. Carlisle had hired me. I had never met Charlie Swan.

"He's the intern, Dad," Bella said softly, pulling on her hands like she did when she was nervous.

"The intern?" Mr. Swan's face went from confusion to realization to pure anger in about 10 seconds. I was totally fucked now.

"Bella, how could you?" he asked, incredulous with his daughter.

"I'm sorry Dad," she said quietly, like a little girl, looking at the floor.

"Well, Mr. Cullen, you are fired. Please go and pack your things," Mr. Swan said coldly.

"But I love him Dad," Bella said, her voice cracking, her eyes fixed on me.

"You don't know what you're saying Bella," Mr. Swan replied, frowning at her.

"Tell him Edward. Tell him you love me," Bella continued, stepping closer to me, wrapping her arms around herself.

"Bella," I said, shaking my head. "I should just go. Different worlds, remember that the first night? I'm not right for you. "

"You should listen to him, Bella," Mr. Swan interrupted.

"Shut up! Both of you," Bella shouted in frustration.

"You can honestly stand there and tell me you don't love me?" she squeaked, taking another step toward me, her beautiful face crumpled up in sadness.

I felt like I might be sick. I did love her. I shouldn't and I didn't want to but I did. This was so fucked up.

"Bella, fuck. What do you think? You're gonna come down to Quincy to the pub and hang out with me and friends? No, you're not. It's not gonna happen. I should just go," I said, anger in my voice because I hated that this was the truth. I could tell that she mistook my anger to be directed at her.

"Edward, go pack your things now and I will get you a boat ticket to Hyannis. You must go now," Mr. Swan said firmly. He stepped in front of his daughter, taking her by the shoulders.

"Don't touch me!" she shouted through her tears and pushed him away. "I want to hear you say it, Edward! Tell me you don't love me!"

I looked at her face, etched with pain. She needed me to love her. She had given herself to me completely, even after all the hurt Jacob had caused her.

But I couldn't do it. I had to let her go.

"Bella…. It could never work. I'm sorry," I stuttered softly, my eyes downcast.

The bulk of Southern Cross is the reactions Bella and Edward get from her parents, her friends and his friends. Bella’s parents are slow to accept Edward, and Charlie even goes as far as offering him a large sum of money to stay away from her. Edward turns it down and things begin to change for Edward and Bella.

Enter Jake, Bella’s ex-boyfriend. They graduated Harvard together and Bella lost her virginity to him. Right before they graduated, she walked in on him in bed with another woman. They had just broken up when she met Edward. This Jake is definitely not who everyone thinks he is.

There are many twists and turns to this story. MellieB starts hinting at a plot twist around Chapter 10 and we do get one. I won’t spoil it for you but it’s a good one.

I am surprised that this fic does not have more reviews. It has all the bones of a great story including forbidden love, action and lemons. It never gets too deep or angsty and the author does a great job of moving the story along. I would highly recommend it.

WIP of the Week: 2/14-2/20

Sexy Silk by jlho

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6659413/1/Sexy_Silk

Review by JaimeArkin

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

Summary: Bella is a smart mouthed,celebrity hating P.A. to a Hollywood Stylist. Edward is an arrogant Hollywood playboy. What happens when their paths cross on the night of the Globes? Rated M for swears and lemons.

I’ll be honest… I discovered this sexy story completely by accident. And I’m deliciously thrilled that I did. The beauty of Sexy Silk by the lovely and talented jlho lies in the fact that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I know it’s not always popular to admit that angst and sorrow aren’t always what I crave, but that I also appreciate a fic that makes me smile and giggle, and well that’s just down right hot.

Told mostly from Bella’s point of view, we experience her life as a PA for a Hollywood stylist who just happens to dress the fabulously famous Edward Cullen. Did I mention she really despises typical Hollywood personas?

He was the epitome of sex. The trademark copper hair tousled and damp, fell into his fierce green eyesand distinguished jawline held the tiniest bit of stubble. His body completely tight and toned. A well sculpted chest and arms mocked me from the next story.

Please don't let me be drooling.

"Bella! Nice to see you again. How are you beautiful? It's been too long," He remarked, walking to the bottom landing to join me.

Not long enough apparently.

"Entirely, too long." I replied, trying to focus on his reputation rather than his billboard body.

I was sure I was starring; I was just hoping my mouth was closed.

The lemonade in this story is succulent and wonderful. Jlho dives right in as we get a little treat in chapter one...

"You're going to be the death of me Bella," he said huskily into my neck while kissing down it.

His kisses became more urgent as he backed me up against the wall. His body pressed against mine his cock at full attention straining the fine fabric of the custom suit, hitting me just above where I really wanted it. Our hands were everywhere, in a frantic tangled mess and our breathing increased.

He started grinding into me. My girl parts were cheering like they had finally gotten rain after a year long drought. I returned the motions, trying to ignore that my vag could have passed for a slip n slide for his dick.

His eyes closed tightly and his movement stilled.

"Why'd you stop?"

"Because, I want to bury my cock inside you and pound the fuck out of you until you can't think straight."

"Oh," This was worth stopping? He closed his eyes and pinched them shut.

"You have to tell me," he demanded, reopening his eyes, "if this is what you want."

He looked really vulnerable suddenly, his green eyes fluctuating between desire and uncertainty. Why? Did he think I was going to say no?

"I want you, Edward," I whispered. My hoo-ha more like pleaded.

His mouth attacked mine again and my dress flew up over my head and onto the floor, and my doused panties joined it. I kicked off my shoes and I could hear a belt clacking and a zipper go down while I continued to kiss him.

I looked down, not wanting to miss a glimpse of the reported undefeated champion of peens. The rumor didn't do that huge slice of heaven justice.

"See something you like?" he smirked, echoing his question from earlier.

"Hell yes!" I blurted out, unable to stop my face from flushing more.

In seconds I was back against the wall with my legs wrapped around his waist and he was pushing his way inside me.

Indulge your inner movie star fantasy with this delightfully naughty, humorous and well written hidden gem by Jlho. At only six chapters, you’ll definitely *ahem* be begging for more.

Banner by JaimeArkin

One Shot of the Week: 2/7-2/13

Embellishment by BoydBlog

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6335583/1/Embellishment

Rating: M
Genre: Romance
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: *WINNER* Gotta Love a Man in Uniform Contest. A combination of homesickness and patriotism see Bella & Alice meeting up with some U.S. Military forces personnel on shore leave. An overheard conversation, a little deception, can all be forgiven?

Writer Submitted Fic: 2/7-2/13

Of Swans and Silence by Edward'sChipper

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6094468/1/Of_Swans_and_Silence

Review by LadyTazz

Rating: M
Genre: Drama/Mystery
Characters: Bella

Summary: To most, Bella Swan is the image of the quintessential businesswoman. But buried deep behind a thick skin and designer clothes, she hides secrets both inside and outside the office. Until she loses a promotion, and gets a new boss. Re-edit.

This started off as a one shot for the Darkella's Darkest Temptation Contest. I was a judge in said contest, and I fell deeply in love, okay maybe lust, with this storyline. I was so over-the-moon-happy when the author decided to continue it. When I say I will drop everything for this when it updates is an understatement.

I fell in love with the writing of this author when I started to read her other story, Second Chances. It's a Charlie Swan story, that's both beautiful and heartbreaking at times. Yes, Chief Swan is hot.

So, anywho, I got distracted, sorry. Back to Of Swans and Silence. I'm a Jasper girl at heart, but I'm very Team Bella! This dark, dominant, and power hungry Bella, has it all, or does she? She thinks that she is in complete control of her life. Is she? When she is passed over for a promotion that she feels should’ve been hers and then meeting her 'new' boss, Edward Cullen, who makes her blood boil for many reasons that she can't completely point out. Bella's life starts to spiral out of control. During the fall out, will her deepest secret be revealed? Will she let her guard down and let someone get close to her? Will she give up control, as she fights her feelings and desires?

Here are some of the thoughts Bella has about Edward during the first chapter.

“Edward.” He corrected, still shaking, and I felt an electricity shoot my arm, as my eyes roamed what I could only describe as superbly coiffed bed hair. Strands haphazardly but purposely strewn about like a contradiction, an enigma, and for a moment, I pictured my fingertips running through it. The control I had spent years learning, fostering, mastering seemed to want to go “poof!” into thin air. There was something about this man standing in front of me. It wasn’t the fact that he had stolen the job that I wanted out from under me, there was something about him, something that spoke to me in ways I didn’t want to be spoken to. I didn’t like the way his green eyes seared through my soul, which is exactly what they were doing.

~*~

Edward Cullen. I smiled again. There was something about him, something I couldn’t peg, but whatever it was, it made my already-wet, thin-strip of a thong get even wetter. Need was too weak a word. I wanted to own him. Body and soul.

I always got what I wanted.

From chapter 1 and 2

Last night, when the unbelievable news hit my Blackberry, I was sprawled out on my couch at home. After reading it over and over while downing vodka martinis, it finally sunk in. I muttered “Fuck!” in more decibels and inflections than were heard in Soldier Field during a Bears game. Working through the rage that burned within me was routine, but the disbelief that I had not received the promotion was a foreign experience for me.


It wasn’t possible. I had not been promoted to VP of Editorial. Some cocksucker, international guru, digital god from a rival company, had been hired. I only knew him by name and never met him, but his credentials were…worthy. Although admitting it made me want to spit fire.


I always got what I wanted.


Always.


Disappointment and defeat weren’t in my vocabulary.


I draped my suit jacket on the hanger behind my door, knowing full well the Michael Kors slubbed jersey-knit tank I was wearing was sexier than hell; Jasper would come crawling to me as soon as he got whiff or word of my cleavage.


Jasper Whitlock was VP of Accounting for my division, and my own little whipping post. He liked it hard, rough, usually for lunch, and I had him wrapped around his own dick. A pumping room for lactating mothers on the second floor should have been renamed the fornication, or fuck room. For some reason, our company was severely lacking these days in new mothers, and I took it upon myself to make sure the room didn’t go to waste. It had a lock, a nice lounge chair, and was completely out of the way. Enough so that if Jasper got too loud, which I made a point of making him, no one would hear.

~*~

As you can see, she is tough and she always gets what she wants. There are many twist and turns in story,that will leave your reeling. Oh,and the lemons are amazing and very smutty, and there are many ,with many different people!!

Here is a peek at the amazing smuttiness that EdwardsChipper graces us with!

“Be careful, my pet. Someone might walk by…” I whispered up near his face, my lips teasingly not touching his. But his fingers suddenly squeezed my clit, and I felt the tightening of my muscles. Now it was game time, and I had to concentrate if I wasn’t going to make a sound. But oh, I wanted to fuckin’ come and come hard after last night’s news. I knew he would get me there…he always did.

Being a southern gentleman, he kept pounding me until he felt me start to clench around him. Grinding my teeth and holding my breath, I felt triumphant in not making a sound once again. My head went back against the wall as my insides squeezed around his perfect dick. With one last thrust, he spilled himself inside of me, falling into me and pushing me into the wall, his head resting on my shoulder.

~*~

"You can speak now. You can touch me. You're free to do what you want with me. I'm yours." No sooner had I spoken the words, the fingers of his right hand came up hesitantly to unlace my corset, his initial pull agonizingly slow, teasing me,. His head fell back on the bed, and I could only presume he was gazing at me, until both hands came up to rip at the lacing that held my corset together, tearing it from my body. His hands came up to squeeze both of my tits, his initial touch sending shots of electricity down between my legs. His fingers came down to the edge of my thong, pulling at it, the snaps holding it closed on both sides no match for his insistence. I felt the fire burn between my legs, as his hand reached towards me, his long fingers finding my clit, sliding back and forth.

"Mmm. You can say anything, now." I softly said, giving him permission again, but he just shook his head, as his torso rose up, and he brought his mouth slowly, too slowly, to mine. My hands went up around his neck pulling him to me. My tongue plunged against his, both of them fighting for dominance, as I felt his finger slide again over my clit to my entrance, sliding two in and out in rhythm with his tongue.

"Fuck the fingers. I want you inside me. Now." I commanded, breaking the kiss. He stretched his long arm for the condom that was on the bedside table, ripping open the package and taking it out.

"Wait. Give it to me." I said, taking it from his hand. I slid my body back, letting his dick run over my wet heat, and I expertly rolled it on, careful of the still red spike marks, but my touch just seem to excite him more.

The anticipation of his cock inside me was too much, and I grabbed his dick in my hand and moved to hover over him as he lay back down. My gaze on the eye holes of his mask, I felt a strange connection to him penetrating the mirrored-barrier that kept his identity from me. I lowered my body until I felt his tip just inside me, and then let my body fall slowly taking him all in, watching as he took a quick breath through clenched teeth. He was so thick and long, the sensation of my insides wrapping around him was enough to make me let out a breathy sigh. 

~* And that's just in the first 2 chapters*~

Now, that I have your complete attention, yes, this story does have amazing lemons, and many of them. However, it also has an amazing storyline, that incorporates, love, betrayal, power, lust (lots of lust), trust, and fighting for what’s yours. Oh, not mention trying to stay alive as someone is trying to kill you.

So trust me, and take this incredible journey that is Bella Swans life. Be prepared for an emotional ride, and just a suggestion keep. some sham wow handy when reading this sizzling story. Winks

Brand New Fic of the Week: 2/7-2/13

Fold Your Wings by Jadalulu

http://jadalulufyw.blogspot.com/2011/04/prologue.html

Review by Obsmama 

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

Summary: The liberties he assumes with my body should enrage me, anger me beyond my own sanity. But it's just not that simple." Encounters born of need. Consequences neither saw coming. Guard your hearts. Not the ExB you're used to. AH

One hand gripping my throat, the other securing my hands together and pressing them into the pillow in front of me.


My back to his front.


His pace is punishing, driving the bed against the wall with each thrust forward.

The only light in the room is coming from above the bed, dimmed to low.

Those are the first fifty-five words of the most intense scene I have ever read in fic. The prologue of this story is unrelenting, visceral, surreal, and captivating. Each word draws you into a sordid encounter between Isabella and a very domineering, relentless Edward. This story had me spellbound from chapter one; we are introduced to a hardworking, driven Bella trying to juggle school and a full time job at a five star hotel. It’s in this hotel, one early morning after a tiring shift, that she encounters Edward Cullen who has a proposition that is hard to refuse. An offer that makes Bella war within herself where her dreams and morals battle what is right and what is wrong.

I like this Bella. I feel I can relate to her and her struggles and understand her desperation. The author has taken the time to show us who she is, why she has made decisions she has and why she makes a decision that sets her on a dark and forbidden path. We are three chapters in plus the prologue and I am salivating for each and every update. The Edward we see here is not our run of the mill brooding CEO, he’s darker than that, more sharp and borders such a thin line of scary and sexy it keeps the readers as much on their toes as Bella. He’s cold, emotionless and then when he flips the switch it leaves you breathless. Here’s a taste...

"Use your words, Isabella."


"Ye-yes. Yes, I accepted." My words are breathy...spoken through pants.


"Mmm. Yes, you did, didn't you? Of course you did. Showing up right on time, doing as you're told." He fingers the front flap of the robe to illustrate his point. "So eager."


Never easing his grip on my hair, his head moves around and to the right side of my face. Along my jaw and up to my ear, his nose never makes contact as he inhales one, long breath. At the end of it, he exhales slow and long into my right ear.


"I can smell you. You're so fucking ready. Do you want my cock, Isabella?"


His words ignite a feeling in my stomach that panics me. What's he doing to me? It's warm and weighted. It roots itself there and the sudden warm wetness between my thighs takes me by surprise. I have an overwhelming urge to move.


To touch.


To writhe.


So quickly that my breath catches, he uses his grip on my hair for leverage and turns my body around entirely, facing away from him and toward the table. The front of my thighs press into the edge where my hands were previously. Desperate for a way to ground myself, my hands shoot out in reflex and I spread them down flat on the black, granite surface of the table.


He pushes on my head and I bend forward at the waist. The feeling in my abdomen heightens. Every nerve in my body is on high alert. The feeling is completely unfamiliar. The sensations he invokes with so little touch is astonishing. It's overwhelming, yet I can't find a single reason to stop it.


I feel only his body heat as he rests both palms down just outside of my own on the table. Once again, close but not touching me. I fight the urge to press back against him. Something tells me that it wouldn't be well received.


My wet hair hangs on either side of my face and I clench my eyes in anticipation of what's coming next. His head lowers to my right ear.


"Now that we've established that you can fall in line, have a seat, Isabella.

This is a story to savor, it is thought provoking and the heat already leaves you desperate for more. I hope you decide to take the journey and jump head first into this story, I am excited to see where we go from here.

Banner by JaimeArkin

Completed Fic of the Week: 2/7-2/13

Cien Anos de Soledad by HappyInLove

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6486960/1/Cien_Anos_de_Soledad

Review by phoebes.promise

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

Summary: There is a Girl, there is a Boy. There is a Kid. There are feelings. That's about it, really. But what else is there?

Cien Anos de Soledad is a beautifully written journey of life. It is an Edward and Bella love story with a strong soul and a gracious heart. A poignant message of hope, recovery and love through the innocence of a precious orphan named Maya that weaves throughout this unique tale.

Our brave and determined heroine, Bella Swan, influenced by an idealistic view of the world traveled to Guatemala straight out of college to teach English in an orphanage. However, the violence and devastation of a civil war changes her life’s path dramatically. As the story opens, Bella has left the tortured land behind, and taken with her the innocence of life, a light amongst the brutality she witnessed.

I was twenty-three years old, a college graduate, former volunteer at an orphanage in Guatemala, and I had a backpack that held not just my only other change of clothes, but also the only other change of clothes for my little girl. My little girl. That was all I possessed.

Escaping the most dangerous of conditions, Bella settles into her flight home with her new daughter and forged documents of existence. By chance they are seated next to a distant, jaded young movie star, Edward Cullen, who as circumstances have it, just completed filming in Mexico.

For the first time, I looked at the kind stranger. He gave me a genuine smile before nodding and turning back to his stack of papers. He looked young, maybe around my age, with burnt pumpkin colored hair, forest green eyes, a strong jaw, and nose that could be perfect from the front, although from the side had a small crook in it. The Bella from before would have been blushing, stuttering, and gawking, but that was in the past. He got one second glance, and that was all.

I'd become a woman who had a kid, and had grow tired under a year of revolution, so much to a point that I didn't care about the gorgeous man beside me who offered the tiny girl in my lap his sweatshirt.



The two eventual lovers become tied in many ways, but most significantly by the bond of the child. They arrive at the intersection of their love from very different paths. They both suffer from past experiences that shaped their outlook on the present and the future. Both Edward and Bella grow tremendously through the work in heart and mind.


He had two blockbusters, millions in the bank, and homes in LA, Seattle, London, and NY, and here he was, holding my daughter, helping me move into a tiny townhouse about a block away from the school I'd be teaching senior English at.

Maya's hand's rooted in his hair to keep her balance, and I instantly thought of doing the same thing, of the night I pulled him so close, I didn't think I'd ever let go. But I promised myself to forget that. It was a dream and nothing more.

There is a well paced rise and fall in the love story that keeps the reader hopeful for their future. There are playful exchanges as well as passionate moments. It’s a believable exploration of two young adults desperately trying to find their way and recover from tragic moments of their yesterdays.

The structure in this storytelling is distinct. Readers enjoy alternating points of view throughout, with a surprise voice at the end. But most creatively we learn through Bella’s journal passages of the massacre, attacks and unrest she was witness to. Brief flashbacks are employed to texture the story, adding depth to the character’s motivations and actions.

"Day 365," Edward started to read. "I can't believe I've been here for a whole year. Already I can't remember what Twizzler’s taste like, or what Alice's favorite nail polish color is. Lately, the only color my nails are is dirt. I can't really picture going back either. How do you keep on living when you know that there are children under guns, or worse yet, how will I leave Maya? Every day she grows more and more my shadow. Jake said she's picking up my mannerisms, and he misses no chance to make fun of us together when we scowl at the same time, or smile similarly. When I look at her, I know that her mother is dead. No one would let a girl that sweet, precious, and amazing out of their sight unless it was necessary. A year has felt like forever, and I can't imagine another one ending.

Some very touching moments occur between Edward and Maya as a young girl in a new bond as told by Bella…

Sleeping on top of my made bed, Maya, wearing her giant sweatshirt, slept on Edward's chest. He had one arm on her back and the other behind his head, looking completely peaceful. Maya was still asleep, as was Edward, despite my shouting. They looked too perfect to wake up. I set the note on my nightstand and watched them.

With each breath from Edward, Maya would rise and fall slightly, but she didn't wake. I took a second to watch Edward. He looked peaceful, less ready to have a snappy comeback, no more sarcasm here. His hair, the messy bunch that flamed endlessly looked even more crumpled than usual. His features, the crooked nose, chiseled chin, relaxed cheeks, all looked less severe as he slept. For a second I felt something. But I pushed it away before noticing.

I crawled into bed beside them both gently, so as not to wake them. Maya felt me though, and turned to see me rest my head on the pillow. She slid off of Edward's chest slowly, trying not to wake him. He turned with her, his arm becoming her pillow. I smiled that his body, even in sleep, sensed her shift, and moved to protect her. Maya scooted near me, her eyes still tired.

And later, as mature father and daughter, as told by Maya…

"And who is your date tonight, Edward?" some reporter questioned my Dad as he had his arm around my waist.

"This is my daughter, Maya," he grinned and introduced me. "I asked her if she'd mind accompanying her old man to the Oscar's, and she told me she'd check her schedule. I was lucky enough to get the prettiest date here."

"He bribed mewith In-and-Out," I explained to the camera. The reporter laughed. I stood back as I watched my Dad work. He really was good at it, the whole being a 'movie star' thing. It suited him. He wasn't the guy who raised me, who let me eat apples in the grocery store while he shopped, or made faces with Mom yelled about something to make me laugh. Here, he was an actor, and it was amazing, to see that part of him.

This lovely, heartwarming piece concludes in a most unique fashion, a full circle of events. The close of Cien Anos de Soledad leaves the reader with peace and truth in the healing power of family and love.

Banner by JaimeArkin

WIP of the Week: 2/7-2/13

Pigtails by Tenley Einde

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6524202/1/Pigtails

Review by Maxandmo
*This Story is No Longer Available* 

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

Summary: I just don't want this to be over. I know it should be. Hell, I just gave you a list of reasons why I should walk away." Will he give in to her teasing ways, or will he take the advice of a friend, "Just one word, E. Jailbait."? AH/OOC/BxE

So, when I read the summary of this fic I wasn't sure how I would feel about it. It only took the first chapter to realize that Bella is portrayed as a confident, beautiful, smart, and horny teenager. Her body rocks and she knows it. Tease is the perfect word to describe her virginal self. The instant attraction between Edward and Bella is so well written that you can't help but want them to hook up.

Phil, Bella's step-father, is the pitching coach of the Arizona League Mariners, an Arizona baseball team where Edward works in the Sports Medicine Department. A case of mistaken identity leads Bella to believe that the beautiful stranger is an intern, age 19. She is so drawn to him and makes it her mission to be with him.

Edward believes she's in college instead of high school due to the fact she's studying in the summer. He isn't really concerned with her age, once he realizes she is Phil's step-daughter. In fact, their age gap doesn't bother him in the least when he does find out (he is from Amsterdam where this must not be frowned upon). Though it sounds pervy in a bad way, the writers make it so that it's an afterthought. Bella is mature, and Edward is clearly enamored by her.

The story is told from Bella's point of view, which clearly enhances the fact that she knows what she wants and what she's doing. Edward's point of view is seen in the prologue and will be seen in the epilogue.

They find out each other's ages and instead of being deterred, Bella is even more into this man.

My finger finds it way back on the program as I read his bio. "Anthonij Cullen-Physical Therapy. May 2008 graduate from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. Age 28."

Edward ends up tutoring Bella in German with her parent's blessing. Though he takes it seriously, it's a perfect way for them to spend time together. His German tongue is amazing ;)

Bring your homework with you. Wear a skirt. You'll get extra credit if there's nothing under it...E


Ich habe etwas, das wird Schweigen das hübschen kleinen Mund von Ihnen.

Phil and Renee are in true inappropriate form in this story, and it's amusing to see Bella and her best friend Angela grossed out by their antics.

This story is twelve chapters in and leaves the readers wanting more. It's a perfect time to start reading it since things are really starting to heat up. The story flows easily and is a very quick read. I look forward to reading the rest of it!

One Shot of the Week: 1/31-2/6

Sixteen Again by JasperLuver48

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6573986/1/Sixteen_Again

Rating: M
Genre: Friendship/Tragedy
Characters: Jasper/Edward

Summary: Jasper heads back to Forks for his yearly visit with his best friend. It's a tradition he's started and refuses to give up, no matter how hard it is for him to complete because he will not let his friend down again...

bbwraven's Rec of the Week: 1/31-2/6

Comfort & Joy by The Mystic Giraffe

 http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6565341/1/Comfort_and_Joy
Review by bbwraven

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

Summary: 12 days that can make or break a relationship. 12 days that can lead to hope or despair. Which path will Rosalie and Edward choose? Written for the 12 days of Christmas writing challenge

When Evilgiraffe82 and Domysticated wrote ‘Comfort and Joy’ under their penname TheMysticGiraffe, they took a few essential characteristics and ventured into the most taboo pairing in the world of Twilight.

Roseward.

When I first started reading fanfiction this Rose/Edward pairing were (and continues to be) a major no-no but as time went by, I’ve read other stories where people have openly adored Bella/Jasper & Slash fics. As of late Emmett/Bella is more acceptable.

But what is the reasoning why people simply can’t get over the pairing of Rose and Edward? I can understand if it was Alice and Emmett, I shudder at the thought. The beauty of fanfiction is to allow your imagination to fly with your favorite character from your favorite book.

If we were to follow Twilight (the bible), even Carlisle saw them together but for some reason we simply can’t wrap our minds around this thought, nor do we want to visualize. As a writer, I’ve been intrigued by Rose, but not with Emmett and I started to search for others who wanted to think outside the usual box and found ‘Comfort and Joy’.

Rose is the typical Class A bitch but you quickly discover it’s a complete front to hide her inner demons and insecurities. Rose wholeheartedly loves Edward but is so afraid to let him in that she begins to push him away.

Throughout the story, we get glimpses of what happens in her relationship with Emmett.

He took my most secret, darkest insecurity—extracted, in a moment of weakness, with a heavy hand and a murky intent—and threw it back at me, coated in poison and deceit. It landed like a cluster bomb into my heart; the debris is still buried deep, threatening to detonate again and destroy me.

Edward is undoubtedly head-over-heels in love with Rose; at times he’s a goofy romantic who blindly only sees her beauty and he has a purpose to make this the best Christmas for he and Rose. At times, it seems Edward is completely oblivious to the elephant in the room and you realize he’s more than aware of the pain but unsure how to broach the subject.

But that’s when you realize their biggest problem…..Communication.

What I love about this story is that they don’t lay it out for you and then tidy it up with a pretty little bow. I love the fact that C&J demands your imagination but I also hate the fact that you WANT MORE! Only twelve chapter and to this day I want more and at times re-read a certain chapter (*cough cough*) and still cry.

I think Evilgiraffe82 and Domysticated did an excellent job on this collaboration and officially kicked off my Roseward love. I hope more writers will take chances and think outside the box.

I look forward to the day when Roseward is truly accepted.

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TeamBella23's Rec of the Week: 1/31-2/6

"Boy next door..." by Taintedvile

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5538542/1/Boy_next_door

Review by TeamBella23

Rating: M
Genre: Angst/Tragedy
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Edward Masen is the boy living next door... Bella has various names for Edward these days; but she no longer calls him friend. Depressed, angst filled teens; trying to cope without the love of a friend. Disclaimer - I own nothing Twilight.

I often find myself frustrated with this fandom; call me finicky, but I'm impossibly peculiar when it comes to the fan fiction I read. I may bring this up every once and a while -understatement- but I find it very difficult to find a story with the ability to keep my interest. It’s completely ridiculous, and I curse myself because there is so much to choose from. Name a plot and I'm sure it’s been done. It may even be done well, but I'm picky with writing styles and character personalities. I'm willing to give any fic a chance, but usually know within the first couple of sentences if I'm interested or not.

I'm not a grammar Nazi, I don't insist on a 'happily ever after' and I'm pretty much down for anything. I love angst, and comedy. Nothing is too taboo for me, but I'm not a huge fan of fluff. Disjointed is my favorite and I actually like waiting for new updates. Cliff hangers make my heart beat fast and I love the suspense.

You're probably asking yourself, what the fuck is the point in all of this? 
 
The point is, like I said before, I'm often left extremely frustrated because it’s hard to find stories that meet my standards.

Now you're probably thinking: Well, that's your fucking problem.

Sadly, it is my fucking problem but it is also your gain.
 
I would imagine that having sex with Robert Pattinson would feel pretty fucking fantastic. Right? Right? Right? Yes. Do you know what else feels pretty fucking fantastic? Well, to me anyways. Finding a fic that I actually love.

Yeah, I just compared fic finding to sex with Rob.

I'm only reading a handful of fics at the moment. A few off the top of my head are: Love is the End, Drift, Slippin Trippin Stumbletumblin, Seventeen Men, Uncomfortable… White Swan Lodge, On Grey Mornings… but I'm not writing this review for any of those.

There is one fic that I hold exceptionally close to my heart. It's a story I found the old fashion way, through the search box, and one that I have already written a review for previously.

I love it so much I decided to write about it again.
 
It's a gem, with only a little over two-hundred reviews and over twenty chapters long. "Boy next door…" is beautiful executed and wonderfully perfect. The author, Taintedvile, has become a friend of mine and can be found on Twitter (Taintedvile) I often bother her for updates and scream in her face like a fan girl whenever she logs on.

Finding "Boy next door…" was as good as I would imagine sex would be with Rob. I read through all of her chapters in a single sitting and pouted because she didn't even have one-hundred reviews.

Fiction gold, literally.

Think Wide Awake meets Revelry, mixed with a little Stampede of a Thousand Pulses, with a dash of Swirl and Daisy and you have "Boy next door…"

Official Summary: Edward Masen is the boy living next door… Bella has various names for Edward these days; but she no longer calls him friend. Depressed, angst filled teens; trying to cope without the love of a friend.

My Quick Summary: Edward and Bella, friends and next door neighbors since diapers, lose each other after they each lose a parent to death. They should be leaning on the other for support, but instead of falling back on their greatest friendship, they drift away. Bella becoming a recluse, hidden behind her hair and made a mockery of. Edward turns to drugs and alcohol. Making the wrong decisions and using rebellion as a means to cope.

Little do they know that as the years pass neither one of them completely lost faith in their bond. Stealing small looks at school, spying through bedroom curtains… nightmares and wishes.

Can a damaged friendship be repaired? Can that friendship become more? Will they kill each other in the process? Can the past ever be left to the past? Will love conquer when they are so broken?

"Boy next door…" captures your heart and leaves you at the author’s mercy. You will cry and you will scream. You will beg for updates, and continue to think about her characters hours after you've read the latest chapter. If you're anything like me, as you read, you will cringe, swoon, throw your laptop, pick it back up and hold it close to your heart.

Her use of music is magical, and her words are hypnotizing. Sadly underrated, I plead that you give "Boy next door…" a chance because it is literally 'Indie fan fic' personified. One of the best fics I have ever read, it’s an honor to be able to spread the word. Show her some love and appreciation.
 
You won’t be sorry.

Chapter 2

Bpov

"Bella, why can’t we be friends?" Edward blurted, almost shouting. I didn't even know what to say; I was so fucking confused…"Stupid shiny Volvo owner, really?" hearing him say it; I couldn't help but laugh. 

"You want a hug?" My laughter faded. I realized how easy it was to let myself fall into old times with Edward; forgetting how harsh the sting of reality was. 

"I do…" Edward laughed softly. We'd often tease each other and play hug, only to push the other away. Just this time nobody was pushing…

Edward's warm embrace enveloped me; swallowing my tiny frame in his arms. A warm hug that melted the tension raging inside; except for the awkwardness of the moment. We hugged for what seemed like awhile before a mutual break occurred. We both slowly pulled away. I expected Edward to say something, make a joke…

I certainly didn't expect his mouth to come crashing onto mine. Confused, I fought against the tug of his anxiously roaming lips as he raised his hands to cup my face… 

I'm kissing Edward…. Kissing, as in a really fucking…it wasn't a peck from a lanky awkward…boy. 

"Edward..." I breathed; gasping as his lips traveled across my jaw, on a mission toward my neck as we landed against the door. 

"Bella…" 

Chapter 24

Bpov

"Edward reminds me to breathe when I'm not of any use to myself." That's hits Charlie harder than I anticipate, but it’s not as is there weren't warnings. Signs that Edward has been my rock. 

"I've spent more than half of my life with him. Don't try to tell me that I don't know him or that I'm young and naive. That there's someone better. Nobody else can measure up to a decade worth of memories, most of them beautiful…" Nobody. 

"I blame your mother, I warned…." Charlie starts, then quickly closes his mouth. Listen…

"You still love mom and I love her too, buts she's dead…." 

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