One Shot of the Week: 6/27 - 7/3

A Different Hour by MessyBar

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6483277/1/A_Different_Hour

Rating: T
Genre: Suspense/Romance
Characters: Bella

Summary: What would have happened if Bella was intercepted before that nearly disastrous meeting with James? How would the Cullen family prevent her from saving Renee and changing all that came after?

Micki Martini's Rec of the Week: 6/27 - 7/3

The Journal by MsEm

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6889509/1/The_Journal

Reviewed by Micki Martini

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

Summary: His wife's journal. He shouldn't read it, but he can't help himself. My entries I entered into the Quickie Contest, EXTENDED.

In The Journal by MsEm, Bella and Edward have been married for twenty years but have been drifting apart. When Bella suspects Edward is being unfaithful she seeks therapy for depression. Her therapist encourages her to write down her feelings in a journal. She writes:

After almost 20 years of marriage, I feel like I don't even know him anymore. Or myself, but I'm hoping to fix this.

Edward spies her journal lying out and reads it. Initially he wants to blame her for his affair.

It's her fault. She stopped talking to him, touching him, making an effort.

When Edward discovers Bella was minutes away from attempting to overdose on sleeping pills, he begins to blame himself. He realizes immediately he doesn't want to lose her or their life together. He is moved to save his marriage but meanwhile Bella continues to withdraw. She is consumed by wanting to know more about the affair yet is apprehensive about it. She thinks that once she knows the details, she may never be able to forgive Edward. She finally confronts him:

"I know about the affair...," she interrupts him quietly. Grabbing the throw pillow that sits between them to hug to her chest, she starts to explain, "A few months ago, I found a receipt in one of your pockets while doing the laundry, and there was only one item bought on there… We haven't used those in years," she adds in a whisper that holds no emotion, trying to keep herself from breaking down right away.

He already knows how she had found out from reading her journal, but before he can respond, she continues, dejectedly, "There's just been one woman…right?

As the story progresses, Bella and Edward analyze the mistakes they have made in their marriage while realizing that fixing them may be an impossible task. Did I mention this one is angsty? Bring tissues to this weepalooza.

If I had to describe this story with one word it would be REAL. I've been married twenty-some years, most of my friends have been as well. This seems to be a turning point in a lot of relationships; as the kids grow up, needs as marriage partners change. When communications problems exist, marriage cracks turn into gaping holes quickly. Add to that an affair, and it's a recipe for divorce. What Bella and Edward still have going for them is their love - shaken, but not destroyed.

The anger she feels towards her husband and his infidelity grows stronger as she continues to write, but the love that she feels for him is always there to intercept.

… I love him, but I sometimes wish I didn't. I feel like I should leave him, but I know I can't live without him. I hate him for that, but I love him too much to leave …

This is MsEm's first posted fanfic. The chapters are short, less than 2000 words each, and they pack an emotional punch. There are 16 chapters currently posted, she updates regularly, and posts teasers on The Journal's Facebook page.

Einfach Mich's Rec of the Week: 6/27 - 7/3

Clear Sunny Skies (On The Morning of the Apocalypse) 

by meretricula

http://meretricula.livejournal.com/97769.html

Review by Einfach Mich

Rating: T
Characters: Jacob/Leah Jacob/Seth

Summary: so it turns out imprinting doesn't work exactly the way everyone thinks it does. (I am attempting to make the Twilight canon marginally less creepy. I think it says something about the Twilight canon that quasi-incest is less creepy than it.)

Clear Sunny Skies (on the morning of the apocalypse) aside from having one the most awesome titles ever, is one of the most intriguing imaginings of Jacob's life after the events in Breaking Dawn. Though, I'm sure most people will be intrigued the most by the fact that Jacob ends up in a sexual relationship with both of the Clearwater siblings. Yes, you did read that sentence correctly. Now, before you start to freak or get the wrong ideas THIS IS NOT AN INCEST FIC! At no time to Seth and Leah ever engage in what can remotely close to a sexual relationship. They are siblings, that is all. However, they do share Jacob.

“...when he came home from work, Seth had cooked burgers and left four for Jake, and Leah had bought his favorite brand of beer and put it in the fridge to chill, and from the looks of it at least one of them was going to put out. It was a pretty awesome evening.”

This story begins shortly after the end of Breaking Dawn, when Kim dumps Jared, and beings a domino effect of incidents that show that maybe imprinting doesn't work the way the Pack had assumed. This gets even more personal for Jacob, when he realizes that he has stopped wanting to be around Nessie all the time.

"You're supposed to be whatever she needs, right?" Seth tucked his head against his sister's shoulder, peering at Jake with curious eyes. "I mean, that's what everybody says about Claire and Quillen. Maybe Nessie needs you to not be around right now."

Suddenly, Jacob's life opens up to new possibilities. After all, if he doesn't need to take care of Nessie what should he do with his life? His answer is to take a road trip, and Leah being, well Leah, insists that the entire Black Pack (namely Jake, Leah and Seth) should all go. The events of the road trip are not as important as the way this new environment spurns a change in Jacob and Leah's, as well as Jacob and Seth's relationships. The sex isn't graphic, but it is sensual, and very realistic. It also has a thread of humor and delight that runs through out the interactions between these three. It balances the more serious moments when the story truly explores what love really is.

”Leah laughed a little, weakly, and swatted at him. "Like you could get rid of us, you jackass. We're your pack."


"Yeah," he agreed. It sounded nice, put that way. "Yeah, you are."

That is another thing I love about this story. Twilight gave us very specific definitions of love, setting it in stone. Real love doesn't work like that. It is tricky, complicated and very messy. Sometimes it comes in the shape of a white knight, sometimes it's your best friend. Sometimes it's both of them, and in the world of Clear Sunny Skies we learn that sometimes you don't have to choose between two loves. That really, truly “loving” is allowing the two people you love the most to love each other.

"I'm glad you have Leah," Seth said. Jake blinked at the non sequitur. "I'm not just - being a good sport, or not serious, or whatever. I love you, and I know you love Leah, and I'm glad."


"Um," Jake said, slightly terrified. Seth didn't talk generally about his feelings, thank God.


"I worry, you know? That I'm going to imprint on somebody and I'll just - leave you. And I know everyone says that you want it once it happens, you want it more than anyone or anything, but it sounds awful, and I don't want to leave. But if it does happen I'm glad you'll have Leah.”

One of the things I like the most about this story is that while it does an amazing job of show a respectful representation of polyamorous relationships, it does it while being very consistent to the canon characterizations of Jacob, Leah and Seth. This enriched the story, and allowed me to believe that this could have be a different, and perhaps a better Happily Ever After for all three of them.

Domysticated's Rec of the Week: 6/27 - 7/3

The Dark Muse by Alby Mangroves

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6559902/1/The_Dark_Muse

Review by Domysticated

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

Summary: Safely numb, Marie has never had to question choices made so long ago. Until now. A chain of events has her running back to face truths, and the person she'd rather had stayed buried. Herself. AH, Angst, Suspense, Hurt/Comfort, Romance

Wusspervs beware: at the heart of this story is, as the title suggests, darkness. A darkness so deep, so twisted, so suffocating it leaves the reader feeling disoriented and breathless right from the very beginning.

If you like your rainbows and hearts wrapped up neatly and uncomplicated, and your angst safely blanketed by layers and layers of fluff, this might not be the story for you.

Having said that, this is also one of the most original, challenging and simply beautiful fics I’ve read in a long, long time- and the rewards of reading it so deep and unexpected that it would be a real shame to miss it.

There’s a Bella who’s not yet a Bella- she’s Marie, and she lives her life with a growing sense of panic and detachment. Marie is being watched- we don’t know by whom, or why, although we sense it’s something or someone sinister and malicious.

“He steps inside Marie's apartment and leans his back against the door, closing it behind him. His steps are sure as he walks to her bedroom and slides open the wardrobe doors. He inspects her clothes, sliding his palm between the folds of dresses and inhaling the lovely scent of her.

His eyes pan down to find what he wants: the black knee-high leather boots. He removes them from the wardrobe and places them neatly beside her nightstand where she can't miss them. He briefly contemplates placing her trench coat on her bed as well, but doesn't want to spoil the subtle effect. He understands that sometimes, less is more. The boots are perfect, standing upright against the wall like they're full of her legs.

A flash of inspiration bursts in his mind and he wants her to wear the boots when he finally owns her, when she's perfectly still and just so right and complete and his.”

She carries with her a heavy, traumatized past and lives a present so lonely and forlorn it makes her wonder whether there is such a thing as a future. She is fragmented, dissociated; she wears a mask (literally) to project a different image and to shield herself. Once the mask is gone she doesn’t know what to do with herself, she doesn’t think she deserves anything at all.

“Perhaps once he opens his mouth, it will be clear that he is insipid, a pale shadow of the promise his strong profile makes when appraised. Perhaps he is a thief, or worse.

She snorts under her breath. She is the 'worse.'”

This loneliness, this despair, is, however, what makes her human, what allows her to float over the sordid elements of her daily life and maintain a strange kind of integrity and innocence: she does those things, but she is not those things.

“My hands are not fast or nimble or strong; they are delicate and slender, she thinks, while looking at them. She has slim, pretty hands, which she uses for clumsy, ugly things. She suddenly realizes that she wants to touch something that matters with them. Touch something that is real.”

There’s an Edward who’s drifting, unfocused, dissatisfied. His scars are more superficial, more accidental, more mundane, and yet he has also managed to maneuver himself into a corner, locked in an aimless direction, his musical pursuits shifting through his fingers through lack of commitment or simple bad luck.

“Sometimes, it seems to him that he's lost his way. In moments of clarity, he understands that while he strives to express himself through his music, factually he is doing anything but. He plays his instruments with passion and an instinctive grace, and he knows that his understanding of the elements of music is there inside him, just as surely as his liver and his lungs are there inside him too, helping him function. But just as he knows that music is his life, he also feels that he's not really living it.

Edward has recently begun to realize that there is something missing inside him, something that prevents him from really moving forward. It inhibits the satisfaction he gets from writing and performing his own compositions. He knows they are good, but nothing has really punched him in the gut for a long time. He has composed countless pieces over the years, and yet, here he is still; a session musician, performing and recording other people's music. He feels as though he plays bit parts in other people's lives, instead of living his own... Edward berates himself for missing something, for wanting more, when he doesn't even know what it is.”

Their paths barely cross, their obvious and somewhat miraculous attraction for each other perhaps not enough to overcome their differences and their distance in life, two players entering and exiting the simple stage of a quaint little cafe’. It could be all there is to their story, two strangers almost colliding, until tragedy pulls them together in a scene of such untold, unimaginable monstrosity that it leaves readers reeling and shaking from the intensity and gritty realism of it.

And from then... the path is wide open. A blank slate is not possible for those two characters, but a common, shared future is more than a possibility- it’s almost a certainty. What form that path will take is still unclear at this stage in this story (I would guess we’re ⅔ of the way through completion). That, in fact, is one of the amazing things in this fiction: you simply never know where it’s going to go next. Edward and Bella grow and mature, they astonish themselves with the decisions they make, with the feelings that wash over them and take control before they can rationalize or interpret them. They break through old traumas and fresh suffering with a capacity and desire for survival and redemption that feels authentic and passionate even through its rawness and grittiness.

Alby Mangroves is an amazingly talented writer who is not afraid to visit treacherous, disturbing grounds; she handles her tough, dark material with confidence and sensitivity and a strong moral compass; her control over the subtleties and power of pacing, construction and word choices is truly spectacular.

The climax of this story is like nothing I have ever read in fanfiction: it’s like a punch in the stomach and vice-grip around the heart, life and death and beauty and ugliness crashing head-first and the sort of thing that makes you feel simultaneously horrible about humanity’s capacity for evil and elated at the sheer brilliance of the way an author can convey it.

I am thrilled at having discovered this story, and grateful to Alby for giving it to us.

“He has so many questions. Will she answer them? Time will tell, because as much as his common sense niggles at him to walk away from this hot mess, there are other voices, clearer still.

His conscience quietly says show compassion, to a human being in great need of a friend and kindness. That voice resonates in a fissure in his soul that he didn't know was empty.

He can give that- he can offer her his time and his empathy. He can offer her himself.

But the clearest of all is his heart. It is not wary like his head, nor is it selfless like his soul.

It's loud, unambiguous and unrelenting, and it won't be silenced as it whispers and spins like a glass dome clock, over and over: I want... I want...

I want.”

IcarusToSun's Rec of the Week: 6/27 - 7/3

Beautiful Sorrow by DreamOfTheEndless

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6886175/1/Beautiful_Sorrow

Review by IcarusToSun

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

Summary: Bella worshiped Carlisle, so when he proposed she didn't think twice before accepting. But then she met Edward, her fiancé's half brother & the other part of her soul. Will they be able to survive the consequences of their betrayal?

I stumbled upon Beautiful Sorrow by DreamOfTheEndless at the behest of a friend. It only had one chapter up at the time. I wasn’t particularly impressed with the summary, and read it more to appease a friend than out of sheer curiosity on my part. But it got me hooked from the very get go.

The story opens with a terribly broken and damaged Bella, and a deep insinuation of spousal abuse. As a reader, it nearly made me want to scream at the screen to find out what's holding her to the cage. There are many delicious little hints about a dark and soul-crushing life Bella is living without really giving any concrete answers as to why. As Chapter 1 progresses, we see Bella being treated for an eating disorder as well as alcoholism. She is under the constant supervision of a live-in nutritionist (Sylvia) and a shrink who comes to visit her twice a week (Dr. Angela Weber):

“Sylvia never gave an inch. That's why she was so good at what she did. She had an advanced degree in nutrition, and was trained to counsel patients with eating disorders. She'd been persuaded to take an unplanned sojourn from her flourishing practice for an inordinate amount of money to be Bella's personal nutritionist slash caregiver. Though she had the credentials to offer counseling, her work with Bella was strictly limited to nutrition. A therapist, Dr. Angela Weber, came by twice a week to tend to Bella's emotional and addiction issues. The very best money could buy.

Why check into rehab when rehab can come to you?” (ch 1)

We slowly discover that Bella is married to a much older man, Carlisle, who is incredibly wealthy. At least a part of her entrapment seems to rise from the fact that her family is financial indebted to him. To further muddy the waters, there is the ever present hole in the fabric of the story in the shape of a certain Edward. We only learn about him through fleeting references and snide remarks - from both Bella and Carlisle.

As the chapters unfold, we get to learn how once upon a time, Carlisle came to the rescue of a very distraught Swan family when Bella’s father, Charlie Swan, suffered an untimely stroke. Carlisle Cullen, who also was Charlie’s employer at the time, offered to pay all the medical bills and help the family stay afloat financially. His generosity appeared to be altruistic with very few strings attached (one of which was a strict confidentiality clause). With one sweeping move, he earned a permanent spot of reverence in Renee and Bella’s minds.

Bella is only 15 at the time and there’s no indication that Carlisle made any untoward or unsavory propositions to have her warm his bed. However, we do see Bella falling head over hills for Carlisle as if he was a Hollywood idol. The sweetness of her teen crush is endearing to see. The childish banter between Bella and her best friend, Alice, when she finds out about Bella’s fixation with a much older man is hilarious and rings true:

“"Why are you blushing? Jeez, Bella, do you have a crush on him? Eeew! That's sick! He's like a zillion years old!" Alice could read her friend's face well enough and saw no reason to cut back on expressing her disgust.

"No! Of course not! Are you crazy?" Bella denied vehemently. "And even if I did, which I don't, he's not that old," she added, unable to agree with Alice's appraisal of Carlisle. "And he looks fantastic," she emphasized.

"Yah, well he's still older than the dinosaurs!"

"He is not."

"Is too."

"No he's not, and he looks way better than your Leo!" Bella fought back, using Alice's near-stalker like obsession with Leonardo DiCaprio as her last resort.” (ch 7)

Despite her infatuation, Bella’s path isn’t destined to cross again with Carlisle’s until she is nearly 18. Due to a series of oversights on Bella’s part, the Swans find themselves in breach of the conditions Carlisle had laid down before them in return of his support. In a state of panic at the prospect of losing their lifeline Renee yells at Bella and blames her for their misfortune. Bella is stricken with remorse and pledges to make matters right for her family. And that is my guess as to how she gets to meet the illustrious Mr. Cullen once again.

The last posted chapter introduces Carlisle to the readers. We find him standing before a mirror in an introspective mood. We learn that his state of mind is not significantly better than Bella’s, even though he is the one who is wielding power in their relationship. He appears to be damaged beyond repair. He is ruled by the hate and fury over the betrayal he’d suffered at the hands of those he loved and trusted the most. It is evident that he has been cruel and depraved in his treatment of his wife. Yet, in his own way, he is just as broken as Bella:

“Gazing at himself now, he couldn't help but wonder whether it would have been better for all concerned if he was born to an average family of average means, and was gifted with average looks. Here he stood, with immeasurable wealth at his disposal and the fate of thousands resting on his whim, yet the only thing he could truly claim to have to his name was a gaping, raw wound that festered in his heart and spewed deadly, black venom day and night.” (ch 8)

Edward is conspicuously absent from the narrative so far and I am dying to find out how he fits into the picture. It is implied that Bella and Edward had an ill-conceived and poorly timed love affair that didn’t end well. But I am eager to learn the ‘why’, ‘where’, and ‘when’ of it all. Why did Bella marry Carlisle when she loved Edward? Why is Carlisle insisting on keeping her a prisoner? And most importantly, where is Edward?

The author, DreamOfTheEndless, is feeding us delicious, bite sized morsels of crumbs, always leaving the reader thirsting for more. On top of it all, the story is written with a lot of heart and I love how it’s not following a chronological timeline. The intriguing contrast it offers between the past and present versions of the characters is most fascinating. I love the slow (oh so very slow) build and the sad, matter-of-fact way the pain and sorrow of a broken woman -Bella - is laid out. I have a penchant to fall for angsty stories. The angst in Beautiful Sorrow is presented in the most exquisite and poignant way imaginable. Go and read the story; I have a strong feeling you will like it.

One Shot of the Week: 6/20 - 6/26

A Winter in Chicago by FantasyMother

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5787853/1/A_Winter_in_Chicago

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

Summary: Edward has grown to adulthood as the only child of a farming family. Hoping to earn extra money, he travels to the city each day, ultimately finding more than he bargained for within one of the mansions of affluent Chicago. AU, B&E, explicit lemons.

Writer Submitted Fic: 6/20 - 6/26

The Disillusioned by PhoenixRising25

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5811420/1/The_Disillusioned

Review by Dragonfly336

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Suspense, AU
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Bella Swan needs something to put on her college applications, so she signs up to volunteer at Forks General Hospital. There, she meets Edward, a young man with a complicated past. AU, rated M.

The Disillusioned by PhoenixRising25 starts off pretty much like our beloved Twilight, with Bella moving to Forks her senior year to live with Charlie. But that is where the similarities end. Charlie suggests that Bella do some volunteering at the local hospital to “beef up” her college applications. On the first day of school she learns that Angela also volunteers at Forks General and they decide to meet there after school so that she can help Bella get set up. This is also where we first hear a hint of the whereabouts of Edward.

"Hey, Ang, do you ever see that kid there? You know, the one whose parents were killed last month?" Jess whispered conspiratorially around me.

Angela shook her head, a sad frown on her face. I had no idea what Jess was talking about, but from the change in Angela's demeanor, it couldn't have been good.

"That's too bad," Jess said, oblivious to her friend's expression. "He was hot."

I was about to ask Angela what Jess was referring to, when the warning bell rang, signaling the end of lunch and letting us know we had about five minutes to get to our next class.

We then get an EPOV and learn that he is currently residing in the psych ward of Forks General. It seems that our beloved Edward is under the impression that he is a vampire.

Every day it was the same routine; someone trying to get me to eat. Most days it was Sally, but occasionally, it was the tall, mannish woman with the sideburns and five-o-clock shadow. They had a large staff here, but it made no difference to me. If I didn't select anything, it would undoubtedly get reported to Dr. Marshall that I wasn't eating, and that just caused me a bigger headache. I didn't want the IV again, which is what they did the last time I refused food. How they managed to find a needle that would penetrate my skin, I'll never know.

The thing about it is that Edward thinks he has the characteristics of the Twilight vampires, not of the traditional vampire lore. We also learn that he has been in the hospital since his parents were killed and that he is under the impression that he killed them.

Bella goes to the hospital the next day and learns that she has been given a permanent volunteering position in the psych ward, which she is really apprehensive about at first.

I nodded again, unable to speak. I was becoming a bobble-head. Absently waving to Linda, I followed her directions and headed down the hall, my mind churning. Were all the patients in straight-jackets, being force-fed medications? Would I be ripped apart by cannibalistic crazy people? Were there any violent patients in solitary confinement, like Hannibal Lecter? Anthony Hopkins still gave me the creeps, even a couple of years after I first saw Silence of the Lambs. Every possible scary scenario raced through my mind until I looked up, realizing that I had stopped walking. I was in front of a large door, marked both in English and Braille as my destination.

She soon finds out though that she likes being there and working with the patients, especially a green-eyed boy who is very stand-offish with her at first.

The relationship between Edward and Bella develops slowly, which I actually like in this story. I always find it unlikely of them to fall in love at first sight when one of them is damaged and in this kind of situation.

The story takes off from there, with the arrival of the golden eyed Cullen’s and Aro learning of Edward’s condition by reading in a Psychology journal. I don’t want to give too much away of the story, but trust me, this one is worth reading. PhoenixRising25 writes beautifully and I found myself laughing out loud at times when Edward is speaking of his condition. Go read this and you won’t be disappointed!

New Fic of the Week: 6/20 - 6/26

Set Fire to the Rain by SunshineGal3

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7056954/1/Set_Fire_to_the_Rain

Review by Obsmama

Rating: M
Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Drama, AH
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: A woman whose job is to bring people back from the brink of self-destruction. An alcoholic who prefers his addiction to facing his demons. Everyone has given up on him...everyone but her.

"Edward," Dad speaks again, more softly this time. "You need to have a seat, son. It's your sister's wedding for Christ's sake."

I roll my eyes, the lightheaded feeling coming back again. I have to hold my arms out to steady myself while taking in a deep breath. "I'm sure that's what you think, Daddy Dearest," I grumble. "But you don't have a fucking clue what I need." I move to charge past him, but he reaches out and grabs my arm tightly.

"I'll do it," he whispers harshly into my ear. "There are officers right outside this room, Edward. You know I won't hesitate..."

"To have me arrested? Again?" I ask incredulously. "What a fucking stand up guy you are, Doc. Having your own son arrested, and at your little girl's wedding no less." Yanking my arm from his grasp, I continue toward the bar, leaving him frozen in shock. I don't know why he's so surprised - this is the Edward he knows...and he helped make me this way.

Thus begins the sad and mysterious tale of a broken man and the woman who refuses to give up on him. We meet Edward Cullen at his lowest, making a complete spectacle of himself at his sister Alice’s wedding.

There is so much tension between his family and himself that you can really feel it through the author’s words. We then meet Bella, a rehab therapist, working at the rehabilitation center that Edward has been sent to. He is an alcoholic and has no want to change that. Rehab is the very last place he wants to be but when confronted with the choice of rehab or prison, it makes the decision for him. He has 30 days to turn himself around and yet he wants nothing to do with any of it.

This story is brand new and I’m so enraptured already. The author really does a fantastic job connecting us with the characters and I can’t wait to see the interaction between Edward and Bella and what kind of chemistry they have together. My heart breaks for Edward as he enters this world, meeting people that want to see him succeed, even if he is the last person to have faith himself.

Completed Fic of the Week: 6/20 - 6/26

Beneath the Undertow by aftrnoondlight

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6968728/1/Beneath_the_Undertow

Review by AnonymouslySufferingFromOCD

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

Summary: Dreams past, circumstance and sacrifice... young Edward and Bella bravely smile through the tears on life's complicated path. A short journey of pure and true devotion... of choosing love above all else. EPOV M for Language & Lemons

Beneath the Undertow is a short, three chapter, completed story that has an Epi and outtake for an overall five chapters. After reading this story a couple of weeks ago, I was glad that I had the opportunity to review it. Seriously, it is a really true to life short story of the struggle between two young people that face far more than they ever should have to.

It is about teen pregnancy and the struggles you have to endure, not the drama of shows like “16 & Pregnant” but real life drama such as, how are you going to face life when things don’t go according to plan and you are forced to face things that you should never have to face as a young parent, and you struggle to pay the bills when someone loses a job?

As Edward and Bella find their way through these real life issues, it shows us that while true love can conquer all it isn’t always an easy path to get to the finish line.

The story is entirely from former Golden Boy, Edward Cullen’s POV. He was a superstar baseball player that was offered a full ride to college, when he is faced with longtime girlfriend and love of his life Bella becoming pregnant. Their hopes and dreams have to change pretty quickly.

"Do you like my dress?" She beamed, blushed and natural. "I actually feel kinda pretty."

"That's why I picked this one. You look beautiful." I held her close, swaying barely. "Where are your parents, Bella?" I whispered at her ear. Pulling back, she straightened my collar avoiding my stare.

"We had a fight." I reactively kissed her forehead, cradling the back of her head. "They aren't coming."

"Okay. That's okay." We held hands, moving towards the small church entrance. I would forever remember her courage in that moment. "Mom's inside with Pastor Black."

"Good. Let's do this."

Beneath the Undertow is a really well written short story. If you haven’t read it yet, you really need to. Aftrnoondlight is great at making us feel the emotions of their characters. They help us feel their pain, their disappointments, and their joy. I really think you will like this one.

WIP of the Week: 6/20 - 6/27

There is a Light by Belladonnacullen

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7015642/1/There_is_a_Light

Review by FictionFreak95

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

Summary: This was 1987; before the Internet, before Twitter, before Facebook – this was back when it was still possible for people not to know about things: big things - like bands, and little things - like G-spots. AH, ExB, with some other parings along the way.

I’ve been trying to figure out a way to accurately describe this fic that has me inexplicably stoked to read every time Belladonna updates. I think the best I can do is to try and explain how it makes me feel when I’m reading it. I should start by telling you, Edward Masen is a rock star and Bella Swan is a girl who thinks only he understands her. Edward and his lyrics. This may be true but I think what Edward doesn’t realized until it’s too late is that Bella is the only one who really understands him as well.

Appropriately, this story takes me back to the best of times and the worst of times…the 80’s. When I was in my *coughs* late teens *coughs* and everything I felt about boys seemed to new and exciting, heart breaking even…when I listened to songs on the radio with passion and attention that had me memorizing the words within hours of buying the cassette tape because I would rewind my walkman several thousand times in order to get the timing and air drums just right so I could vicariously live through the lead singer’s pain and anguish.

Prince’s movie, Purple Rain was released and taught us the meaning of the phrase rebel with a bad boy cause… we were taught the disarming truths about love and loss through The Breakfast Club and Top Gun showed us exactly how cheesy men can be when they are woo’ing a woman… then Ferris Bueller gave us a few lessons about taking life by the horns and making every day count.

There’s just something about that time that makes me extremely nostalgic and Belladonna’s story gives me this exact same feeling, every single time. Let’s not even get me started on the way she writes the mystery of a Bella with a child who we are never quite sure (yet) as to who the father is, a *coughs* gay Seth *coughs* that you will fall in love with despite his idiotic boy type tendencies in breaking Bella’s heart, and an emo Jake who wants to fly jets.

Plus the time warps. The way Bella has a moment in current time that transports her back to a memory of something that changed her life… and takes us right back there with her, only to end that memory, leaving us with even more questions and anxiety than we had to begin with.

EXCERPT from the PROLOGUE:

"Tell me more one day, Mommy?"

"How about a little every day until the story's told?"

"Okay, Mommy."

"Okay, Little One. Night, night."

"Night, Mommy."

I gently close her bedroom door. I tiptoe to my room and find the box at the back of my closet. I haven't opened it since long before my daughter was born. I sift through a dozen little notebooks filled with the twisted cursive handwriting I carefully constructed as a teenager. The books are full of poems and quotes and lyrics and drawings. A handmade card flutters to the floor and my breath catches in my throat.

It was made for my seventeenth birthday. Thirteen watercolor irises float in a sea of green. There are thirteen for the date we were going to see them together, and also thirteen for the date I first met him. Lucky thirteen. 

Tears prick my eyes.

I tend to think just of the good pieces of this story, but so many of those parts only happened in my head. The reality of it all is stuck between pages of my fantasy, thrown away with old memories, buried deep in the sandy soil of Long Island, New York, and throw over bridges into the gray waters of the Hudson.

I know the story won't be the same without those bits.

I hope I tell it well.

I know one thing for sure: it all began with a question

Do you know The Masens?

*Gives me goose bumps all over again*. Belladonnacullen breaks my heart so good with this fic. It is a magical puzzle that we get bits and pieces of each week in an effort to put together the missing chinks so that we can eventually see the ultimate affect these two have had on one another over the years. True, we have yet to find out if there’s an HEA but I have faith and actually, in all honesty, even if it doesn’t end with a pretty bow on top of it, I will take it, hold my hand out to miss Belladonnacullen, tell her thank you and then ask, “Could I please have some more?” in my bestest impersonation of the orphan “Oliver”.

Read this story and I assure you, you’ll be left feeling like you just took a ride through time and space and all those feeling of love and loss you had back in the day, they’ll resurface again. It’s painfully wonderful and I am oh so grateful that one of the sweetest women in the fandom is sharing this ride with us.

Go now. Stop what you’re doing and open this story up. You won’t regret it.

Seriously.

One Shot of the Week: 6/13 - 6/19

Red, Not Green by AmeryMarie

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6341799/1/Red_Not_Green

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

Summary: "I have never understood why the color green is associated with jealousy; jealousy is red, the color of passion and anger and blood. It's the color of the blood boiling in my veins as I watch her touch him...and then he is moving towards her." OS, Mature

Writer Submitted Fic: 6/13 - 6/19

Red Letter Year by theswandive

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5896974/1/Voice_For_Me

Reviewed by Agrutle

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Drama, AH
Characters: Alice/Bella

Summary: Alice needs to leave her single life behind. Venturing out with her brother, she finds more than she expected in a pair of warm brown eyes. What started out as a physical need may, in fact, be more

We first meet Alice and Edward, brother and sister, on their way out for the night. I notice right away that this Alice is different than most I’ve read. She is shy and a homebody and it takes a lot to get her to go out. But Edward succeeds in getting her to go out with him. While there they both meet someone. While heading to get a drink, she literally gets knocked over and is set to yell at this person, but when she turns, she sees this beautiful woman and is tongue tied. It's Bella and her brother, Jasper, is the guy that Edward has met. What are the chances right? Instant connections are there and they end up back at Alice and Edward’s place.

I close my eyes and tilt my head. It takes a millennium, but I lean in and our noses are touching, our hearts are beating rapid-fire, and I can feel her breath on my face. Slowly and surely, I move just a fraction of an inch closer and place a kiss on the corner of her mouth. I can feel her smile under my lips. Instant courage. I take her bottom lip in between mine and pull just slightly. She moves closer and presses herself against me and my hands encircle her waist.

"Do that again, please," she whispers.

"My pleasure."

After that first night, they are inseparable and they start sharing their secrets. Secrets that Alice is scared will push Bella away. One night, while at Bella’s, Jasper asks Alice point blank what he wants to know. Alice starts to tell her story, not knowing that Bella is hiding in the hallway eavesdropping. Alice blames herself and will not listen to anyone telling her any different.

Her breaths were broken and staggered, my shirt damp from her tears. How could this have happened? My sweet, loving Alice. I cried even harder when I imagined her sitting there all alone, both of her parents gruesomely shot to death right in front of her. Then, I imagined what it must have been like for her brother to hear the news over the phone, and have to come and rescue her. Why did they have to suffer so much? There was no one there to answer my questions; there was no justification. That frustrated me more than anything. Giving up on trying to figuring anything out right now, I closed my eyes.

We lay there for an immeasurable amount of time before her crying began to fade. I kissed the top of her head and ran my hands up and down her arms, and along her side.

She whimpered in my arms. I had to hold back more of my tears. I needed to be strong for her.

"Oh, Alice. I'm so sorry," I say, rocking her still. I know there's nothing I can say or do right now that will make it any better.

"It was all my fault," she says in a raspy voice.

Still worried that something will click in Bella and she will realize that Alice is unworthy of her, Alice holds on tight and pulls Bella in to her cocoon, wanting to stay home all the time and never leave. Bella tells her that she needs to go outside the house. Bella wants to go on dates and be a couple outside. She's worried that Alice is ashamed of her, that she only wants her for sex. Alice realizes that she has to try to be a better girlfriend. They begin to be a couple on the outside, too. Then Bella asks Alice to meet her parents.

The three Swans having reunited finally remember that we're standing there. "Oh, God. I'm sorry. Dad, this is my girlfriend, Alice. And her brother, Edward," Bella says, letting go of him and moving towards me.

"It's nice to meet you, sir," I say, holding out my hand. Edward follows suit, totally copying me.

"What's the matter with you two?" Charlie asks. I freak.

"Uh. I...um..." I babble.

"There's no way in hell you two are dating my kids and haven't realized that this here is a family of huggers," he says, quite seriously. He grabs us both and pulls us close to him, wrapping one arm around each of us.

Holy shit.

I don't know what comes over me. Maybe I'm in shock. Maybe I just really fucking miss my dad - I don't know. But I hug him back, and I hold on tight.

It’s great to see Bella and Alice interact and to see how different they both are. Alice is muted compared to what she is in other fics and its a nice change! Bella is a personal trainer and not clumsy at all. Its also nice to see a bit of the relationship between Jasper and Edward. The emotions this author conveys are amazing. I felt the anguish that Alice felt as she was telling her story to Jasper and then Bella. Bella isn’t without her stories though, you must check out this story to find out whats going on with her. It is well worth the read. I can’t wait until it updates again!!!

New Story of the Week: 6/13 - 6/19

Dripping Red by PunfoxAngel

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6844516/1/Dripping_Red

Review by Obsmama

Rating: M
Genre: Horror

Summary: People are dying in the close knit town of Forks, WA. Does the new kid, outcast Edward Cullen, have something to do with it? Or is there something more going on in this small town? Can Bella Swan figure out the connection? Or will she be the next victim?

Are you like me and love watching a great scary movie with the lights turned off and the door locked? Then this is the story for you. I was captivated from Chapter 1 where we meet Sam and Emily, a young sweet couple of seventeen having a private, not-so-tender moment on the beach, living out a fantasy. The imagery is fantastic and really sets the scene; as a reader, you feel what the characters are feeling from the chill of the water to the heated skin that slowly becomes exposed. Then we are introduced to another character, a hunter who watches his prey and strikes behind a hockey mask. We feel the fear of our young couple but what is extraordinary with this well done 3rd person is that we also feel the exhilaration the killer is experiencing at the same time.

The killer jerks Sam's head back harder, eliciting a gurgle of pain, as he pulls the blade slowly across his throat cutting into his skin deeper. Euphoria cascades over his body as the first rivulet of blood runs over his fingers making him grumble with pleasure, and he plunges the knife in deeper severing the main artery completely. Blood is spouting out of Sam's neck slower and slower as his heartbeat starts failing, sprinkling the white sand in the crimson fuel of life.

"Nooooo!" Emily screams, immediately placing her hand over her mouth in horror and regret; Regret that she's reminded the crazed killer of her existence. Scrambling to get up from the blanket that Sam had laid out, she tries to convince her frozen muscles to start running.

We are slowly introduced to our cast of main characters; a loner, new kid Edward Cullen, who is bullied and mocked; to Bella Swan, a girl haunted by a tragic loss over a year ago. The death of her classmates brings up memories Bella would have rather stayed buried. The population of Forks High slowly begins to decrease and bodies begin to pile up. Suspicion quickly turns to the pierced outsider Edward as his mysterious past cast a shadow in Chief Swan's vision.

The authors writing this story do a wonderful job with the the mystery and building the tension through this story. It's only 4 chapters in and the story is brilliantly done. They really make the fear and terror palpable I’m having the best time reading so why don’t you join me? I mean if your brave enough.

"Who the fuck is there?"

Eric is scared, and that is exactly what the killer wants. The killer can smell his fear in the air as they toy with their prey.

As Eric makes out the faint glow of light at the end of the room, he takes a step forward. But, before he can move again searing pain shoots through his leg as a flaming sharp blade cuts through his Achilles tendon. Eric crumbles to the ground screaming in pain, gripping his leg, panic rushing through his veins. He tries to stand up again in an attempt to escape, but his tendon is severed making it impossible to stand.

He knows that he must get out of there. He knows that his life is in danger and the killer knows that they are going to enjoy this kill just as much as every other kill. Eric begins to slowly crawl towards the light, towards salvation, towards life. The killer slowly follows him, inhaling the air around them, savoring the metallic smell of his blood, dripping red from his wound.

The killer allows Eric to climb up a few stairs, giving him hope, toying with him before grabbing onto his injured ankle, yanking him harshly down a few steps, his head hitting a few stairs in the process.

"Argh!" Eric cries in agony, rolling over onto his back as he tries to see who is doing this to him. What he finds both confuses and scares him so much so that he is at a loss for words. He is so petrified that he can't even find the power to scream. The look on his face is enough to satisfy the killer's morbid desire. Eric's fear is his own personal brand of heroin.

What Eric sees before him appears to be a man with a painted white face, blue eyeshadow and black lips staring at him. An evil murderous clown looks down at Eric, a smile pulling at the corners of his black lips, showing black tinged teeth. Eric sees the killer raise a big axe above their head and just before they bring it crashing down into Eric's body, the killer says, ""Boo!"

Completed Fic of the Week: 6/13 - 6/19

Bella's Lament by Tat2missy

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6173157/1/Bellas_Lament

Review by AnonymouslySufferingFromOCD

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

Summary: Bella's life is changing drastically and in a short amount of time. Can she reconcile the dreams she gave up for a man who really didn't love her? Can Edward get over his own loss in order to help her pick up the pieces?

I am a huge fan of this week’s completed fic. We have snarky, sassy, Tattella that is truly a bad ass; she really has one of my favorite Bella personalities. While she is sassy and snarky, she is still has a lot of self doubt and she uses her snark to help her cope. Bella’s mother was a nasty woman that used to beat her, finally dropping her off at local police department at 13 saying she could no longer deal with her. Bella goes from foster home to foster home until she finally ends up with her foster mother Renee who was really Bella’s saving grace.

The story starts off with an extremely creative Bella, who can do anything from sew custom made clothing, draw and even tattoo. Unfortunately, Bella is also dating a super oppressive Eric who is more concerned about maintaining his constant high than Bella and what she wants out of life.

Edward is a local bartender/composer with an awesome British accent, who works at Jasper’s bar. He meets Bella during a night out with her friend Abigail.

Abigail found a seat, and I pushed a stool out of the way so I could stand. I took the button up off and laid it on the stool. He was leaning with his back on the other side of the bar. His eyes were closed and he was pinching the bridge of his nose, looking very irritated.

When he opened his eyes, he gave a half assed grin. Still very hot, but not very happy. He walked over to us, and leaned across the bar. As I was feeling very brave at the moment, I asked, "What's your name?" He stood up and looked at me, and I wasn't sure he understood. So I planted my feet on the foot rest running the perimeter of the bar, making myself taller. "What's your name?" I repeated my question.

A look of recognition crossed his face and he smiled. "Edward," he said as he reached his hand across to me.

My heart stopped.

"My name is Bella," I half-shouted as I placed my hand in his. He was warm. I motioned with my other hand to my side, "And this is Abigail." As I looked over to her I noticed a man was standing next to her chatting. Edward offered her his hand too, and she said "Nice to meet you." before she went back to the other patron.

He was making idol conversation with Abigail, "I just moved here and this place is close to home. Do you know of any other good bars?" he asked her.

"Oh...not really. Bella and I don't actually get out much. You know boyfriends at home and all." I cringed when she said that. I had done a good job of forgetting about Eric for the evening. Edward backed up a little then, to lean on the bar. I watched him for a moment. He looked irritated again. Someone walked up to the bar, and he got them their drink, doing his duty at the cash register.

When he was done, I motioned for him to come over. He took a hesitant step. God this man is beautiful, I thought. "Edward, you look kind of bummed." He shrugged at me. "What's the matter?" I asked.

While Bella is with Eric and can’t do anything about her attraction to Edward, Edward is in a similar situation with a pregnant Jessica at home waiting for him.

Things happen and Edward finds out that Jessica was cheating on him, while Bella kick’s Eric out because he finally pushes her too far. Edward and Bella meet once again at the bar and form a friendship that quickly turns to more.

With Eric out of the picture Bella goes back to the career she loved, tattooing, in Emmett’s shop, who is a friend of Jasper.

Jasper came to stand behind me putting both hands on my shoulders, "And this is Bella." I smiled up at the huge man.

"Your an itty bitty little thing aren't you?" I shrugged and offered him my hand. His shook it firmly.

"Good handshake. So Jasper tells me you want to get back into the business?"

I looked around at the spotless area and said, "Yes," I paused, "But I want to check out the shop first. Not to be a bitch or anything, but I was trained with an extreme level of cleanliness."

Emmett's laughter boomed and I stepped back a hair. "And here I thought I was looking over a potential apprentice. Come to find out, I am under scrutiny." He laughed again, patted my head and looked at Jasper behind me, "I like her already." He looked back down at me, "Feel free to look around."

Unfortunately things for Bella are never easy and the drama ensues. Her and Edward have some hard times to face ahead but they realize rather quickly that they are stronger together. The bond that they form is nearly immediate and immensely strong.

While the story is dubbed, Drama/Angst, I think that it is more on Romance/Drama side. There is definitely drama that our favorite couple and their friends have to deal with but I didn’t have any trouble dealing with it, and as many of you know, I am a wimp and don’t like the angst. Of course, we don’t only deal with drama; we also get to read about great friendships, some amazing tattoos, and really hot sex. I highly recommend this one, it truly hasn’t gotten nearly enough love, and I hope that you will check it out.

WIP of the Week: 6/13 - 6/19

All the Colors of My Heart by Lo21

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6815649/1/All_the_Colors_of_My_Heart

Review by phoebes.promise

Rating: M
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: On a long red-eye flight to Italy, Bella meets Edward. Their mutual attraction leads to losing inhibitions and a sexy plane encounter. Bella has at least 4 weeks to see if lust can ever lead to love. Sometimes, you have to trust your heart. AH.M.

Originally written for the Up in the Air contest, the first chapter of All the Colors of My Heart won Host’s Choice. Lo21, thankfully chose to continue the piece and offers readers a breathtakingly vivid romance. Beautiful, elementary school teacher, Bella embarks on a month long journey to Italy to visit friends. Honest and sexually frustrated, her narrative on life, love and erotic dreams is quaint and adorably entertaining. During the long flight abroad she encounters a confident, sexy, businessman, Edward.

"Hi. Is your final stop Amsterdam? And are you going for business or pleasure? I'm Edward, by the way." 

He took my hand and I shook it, his big hand engulfed my own little one. 

Oh. Big hands.

"Hi, Edward. I'm going for pleasure, but I'm headed to Venice, Italy. I'm visiting my best friend and her husband who are stationed just outside of the city. I'll be there for one month, until July." I smiled then continued, "This will be my first time in Italy and Europe in general. I'm really excited."

I'm going for pleasure. Oh God, let it be pleasure. Please let it be pleasure.

Our hands were still connected as I said my entire little speech. It wasn't quite a handshake; our hands were just kind of sitting there. I wondered if that was my or his doing. His eyes were a wonderland, like a forest of mossy trees and I could get lost in them. I wanted to continue speaking so I had a reason to stare into them and not freakishly stare for no reason.

Oh…where was I? I snapped out of the hypnosis.

"My name is Bella, nice to meet you. So, what's your story? Where are you headed and what for?" I managed to utter out loud.

Hands released. Connection lost. Bummer. 

"I'm also on my way to Venice, but I'll be in Amsterdam for a day, meeting with a business partner, and I'll fly out that afternoon or evening. My family owns a couple of properties in Venice and I'm also taking care of some financial business matters for our company. We operate out of Seattle but we have ties in Europe. Once that's out of the way, I'll be there in Italy for the rest of the summer keeping up with the business operations and also maintaining the properties for my family." He talked with his hands and a light in his eyes.

Casual, pleasant conversation reveals a coincidental connection in their personal lives. However, that’s not all they discover about each other… In one hot moment, Edward and Bella realize the time tested sexual fantasy of many, high in the sky…

It was exciting and stimulating to be in a public area doing this, sharing this high above the clouds. There really was nothing like it. I imagined him entering inside of me and I pulled his head toward mine with both of my hands as my body rocked with absolute pleasure. I orgasmed and silently moaned into his mouth. As he removed his fingers, I whimpered at the loss and the sensitive nature of my sex spot. We both leaned back as we caught our breaths. Eventually we put the lower parts of our clothing back on.

He grabbed my hand and wrapped it around his own, placing it next to his rapidly beating heart. I felt the beating of my own heart and his beat at a similar rate as we lay there with our hands connected. There were no words as we drifted off into sleep.

With an intent promise to meet again, Edward offers to guide and show Bella Italy as he knows it. A quintessential, romantic date… a gracious gentleman, a stroll over a historic bridge, a dimly lit cozy restaurant, a quiver and a flirt… simply exquisite. And then he takes her to his houseboat… His houseboat in Italy… Collective sigh.

"It's beautiful," I said looking around the room in awe.

In the silence, my heels' echoing on the light colored oak hardwood floor was the only sound in the room. I took another few cautious steps forward, waiting for Edward to lead. The bottom level of the house was long, but spacious. There were at least two or three windows on each wall that were covered in white window shears, and I could feel the bay breeze from the outside, cooling the inside of the home. From the entrance, I could also see a little all-glass room that had a steering wheel and controls and was all that prevented this from being a land-locked home. It reminded me that that this was something special, unique, and something I'd never seen before.

I thought I might get sea-sick standing inside, but it felt normal, just like a regular house would.

"I need to do a quick look-through, but after, you promised you would tell me..."

"Yes, of course," I said as confidently as I could. I started desperately thinking of a fib. What the hell would be another fantasy in a houseboat? Driving it? Pssh! Lame! I needed more time to think of something else. But, my mind was drunk on Edward, Italy, and literally altered by wine. I was going to have to confess. It didn't mean we had to act on it. It was just words. A fantasy, I reminded myself.

"This is obviously the living room," Edward said, pointing around the entry room.

"Wow, it looks so modern in here, but I can tell it still has nice Italian touches."

"Some of the furniture was included when we got it, so a lot of it is from Italy. My mom, Esme, loves interior design. She decorated this place. In fact, she had some new furniture for the living room and bedrooms delivered about six months ago, but my parents still haven't seen it yet. This is a first for me, too. I like what she's picked so far."

I nodded but didn't say anything. I was focused on the word, bedrooms.

Following his lead, I walked with him to the kitchen area where there were two small steps up. 

Standing in the kitchen, it appeared as if the area we had entered was actually a sunken living room. In the kitchen, brand name stainless steel appliances took center stage. It looked like a chef's kitchen down to the high-end marble counters.

And so it goes a gorgeous setting for a heated conversation between two lovers wanting. They rationalize their desire and act, immediate and intense. Lo21 prepares the steamiest of scenes between her dynamic characters…

He lifted me up onto the counter, the cold counter, and even at that height he didn't have to bend much. My lips quickly parted as he expertly moved his tongue to meet mine. My hand still gripped at his shirt, desperate for what was underneath. My other was mixed up in his soft hair. I met his graceful, yet passionate tongue, and we explored each other first with kisses that alternated between lips and tongues. When he came up for air, the kisses on my face came down to a kiss on my ear, a small tug of my ear lobe with his teeth, and then he lowered his mouth down to the sides of my neck where he bit and sucked and kissed on my neck. Goosebumps began their knowing trail. I felt them creep up on my arms, and a shiver ran down my spine.

With our lips apart, I focused on taking off his jacket and tossed it lazily on the kitchen floor with a light thud. I worked my shaky hands over his shirt buttons. I felt like I had opened a gift. It was a rock hard gift of a mostly smooth upper chest. My gaze lowered as I saw a bit of dark hair leading to that special v shape on his lower body which was just barely peeking out from his low slung pants. He watched my expression as I ogled him, and I pulled that shirt right off him, feeling his chest with both of my hands.

He hiked up my dress to my waist, then lowered himself to lick and kiss his way up one of my legs. I felt a shiver of excitement spark its way as he neared my center. I arched my back as he rubbed my leg while he kissed upwards and left a wet trail from where his mouth had been. He continued until he worked his way toward my thigh, and I grew more excited from each kiss closer to my aching core.

They’re connected, body and soul. They can’t and won’t deny their attraction. Edward shares his thoughts as we learn more about his past and present life and love. Someone small and precious already owns the whole of his heart. How will all the pieces and parts melt together for Edward and Bella…

Lo21 creatively tempts a mood for each of the chapters. Labeled descriptively by a color and it’s deeper meaning, what emotion the color represents and invokes.

Blue represents: The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming and cooling. Physically and mentally, shades of blue can affect trustworthiness, dependability and commitment.

All the Colors of My Heart by Lo21, at only six chapters in, promises a mature romantic journey, rich in beautiful surroundings, a brilliantly told sensual escape. Slip away, dream and revel in this award winning love story in progress.

One Shot of the Week: 5/30 - 6/5

In Braille by Alby Mangroves

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6426309/1/In_Braille

Rating: M
Genre: Romance, A/H
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Winning entry into the anon Beautiful Edward Challenge. A young woman, scarred inside and out. A guilty man looking for forgiveness. Will they recognize their redemption in each other? Beauty is not just skin-deep. A/H, Bella and Edward, Romance

LadyTazz's Rec of the Week: 5/30 - 6/5

Playing with Fire by Zoya Zalan

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6968024/1/Playing_With_Fire

Review by LadyTazz

Rating: M
Genre: Drama/Angst, AH
Characters: Carlisle/Bella

Summary: Bella has an itch. Carlisle has a few stiff drinks. A gritty tale of lust, betrayal, and the search for redemption begins. AH/AU; some disturbing themes.

For those of you who know me, you know that I'm on a HUGE Carlisle/Bella kick right now. So, I jumped at the chance to share this yummy story with you.

First off, if infidelity is a hard limit for you, don't read.

This story starts out at the wedding reception of Edward and Bella.

"Dr. Cullen, how come you're hiding way over here? You do know the reception has an open bar?"

"Of course I do, sweetheart," I replied smoothly. "I'm paying for it."

Bella gaped for a few seconds before dropping her gaze and blushing furiously. "Of course you knew that."

I couldn't resist. The urge to mess with her as much as she'd messed with me was just too damned strong. Reaching out, I gently tipped her face back up, offering her a smoldering look. "Why, might I ask, has the beautiful bride escaped her own wedding celebration?"

A soft smile brightened her features, tightening my groin even further. "I was hoping to dance with my father-in-law."

I sense a little tension, maybe sexual tension between these two.

If the little girl wants to play, who the hell am I to say no? "Hey Frank?" In my peripheral vision I could see him slow the rag he was using to wipe the bar. "You got a store room anywhere around here?"

I leered. Bella smirked. Frank stopped wiping altogether, pausing only a moment before reaching below the counter. A small set of keys dropped into my open palm seconds later. "Around the back," he pointed. 

"Key's color-coded blue. Try not to wreck anything."

"Shall we dance?" I whispered to her, holding my hand out. Her tiny one slid easily into mine, the contact sending a jolt of pure lust sizzling down my spine.

I think they are about to dance, the tangled tango of lust, deceit, and pure estscay.

Planting each of her feet against the metal racks on either side of us, she slowly pulled up her skirt. I exhaled loudly as inch after inch of delicate hosiery, garter straps, and creamy skin was revealed to me, my fingertips eagerly following the receding material. When she finally cleared her waistline, I blinked in surprise, my gaze sliding up to meet hers. She grinned back, licking those sexy lips of hers.

"Isabella Swan-Masen," I scolded, tsking. She'd walked down the aisle of a Catholic church looking like such a good girl with her pure white dress and veil, but underneath… "Where did your panties go, young lady?"

She pouted. "I guess I forgot them."

Edward didn't fucking deserve this beautiful little minx. She was way out of his league. The unfairness of it all rankled, but I knew there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it now; I'd forever held my peace, for better or worse.

I trailed ticklish fingers across her completely bare mons pubis before lightly stroking downward. God, she was so wet. All for me. She closed her eyes at my touch, trembling. "Have I found the right spot, Isabella? Is this what's been bothering you?"

"Fuck, yeah!" she whispered.

Is it hot in here? Wow, these two are very naughty. On her wedding day nonetheless. It makes you wonder what had driven these two together. What has made Bella turn to her step-father-in-law. What has driven Carlilse find his new step-daughter-in-law to be the object of his affection? Is this a one-time fling or is this the start of a very messy game of deceit and forbidden lust?

She smiled at me, looking every bit the coquettish minx she was. "We need to do this again. Very soon."

I frowned, feeling remarkably saddened by her statement. "If only that were possible." Hell, I'd fuck her every day of the week if given the chance.

Bella's eyes lit up. "Oh, but it will be." When I cocked my head in disbelief, she continued, "We're moving back to Seattle next month."

I swear my heart stopped. "You're shitting me?"

She grinned, reaching to straighten my bow tie and smooth down my vest and dress shirt. "Nope. Apparently Edward misses his Mommy."

I rested both palms on the table beside her and leaned down until we were nose to nose. "I guess that means more quality time for you and Daddy."

"Why do you think I married the little prick? Oh, and I mean that literally as well as figuratively, by the way," Bella whispered against my lips.

Jesus Fucking Christ! She married him so she could be closer to me? That's about as fucked up as it gets in the sticky little world of family affairs. I should really be running away as fast as I can, knowing how ugly this kind of thing can get, but instead I was just feeling…smug. Standing back up, I pulled out my handkerchief and handed it to her, my gaze smoldering.

This story has four chapters posted currently; so dive right in and enjoy this twisted tale of family secrets, deceit, and lust! Trust me, you won’t be sorry!

JasperLuver48's Rec of the Week: 5/30 - 6/5

Hard by SingleStrand

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6779603/1/Hard

Review by JasperLuver48

Rating: M
Genre: Humor/Romance, AH
Characters: Edward

Summary: Lonely in a new town, Edward is searching for something. He finds what he least expected in a coffee shop– Jasper and Riley. But will Garrett change it all? E/J/R 3some AH Slash

Hard is a beautiful slash story that was originally written for the Dirty Talking Jasper contest where it won for Judge’s Choice (Good choice Judges!). The author decided to continue it and it made everyone happy who had begged for it to be continued after the contest.

It’s the story of Edward’s journey in a new town. He’s lonely and finds himself ‘hard’ a lot. He goes into this coffee shop a lot and flirts with two of the baristas that work there. It turns out that Jasper and Riley are a couple but like to bring a third party into their relationship and Edward was a perfect fit for them.
Bring on the threesome smut and boy is it smuttastic! Edward loves the attention and finally feels like he’s found a place for himself in his new college town.

Enter Garrett… a beautiful boy who catches Edward’s attention on the basketball court when he goes to shoot hoops with Jasper, Riley, and some of their friends.

Garrett proves to be a good friend and the attraction that Edward feels toward him seems to be mutual. The problem is that he still really enjoys being a third party to Jasper and Riley. He can’t seem to resist their advances and who can blame him right?

As Edward and Garrett’s friendship progresses, he begins to feel guilty about what he’s doing with Jasper and Riley but isn’t sure it’s considered cheating since he’s not officially dating Garrett so he’s got himself a dilemma.

We’re just getting through the big drama and even though all of these boys still have a lot of stuff to work through, I’m hoping like hell for a happy ending for everyone! I really am rooting for a possible four-some with lots of licking, sucking, biting, and fucking! (You hearing this, SingleStrand? Can we please make this happen? *begs*)

Now, can we talk about SingleStrand for a second? OMG… I will take every chance I get to fangirl over her! I love this woman! She’s a fantastic author, who writes terrific smut, and the fact that Riley makes an appearance in more than one of her fics makes me love her forever.

For those of you non-slash lovers, she’s also written a story called Dirty Words that you will love. It’s an E/B office fic that incorporates Words with Friends in the most creative way!

She has a way with words that draws you into her characters and makes you feel for them. It makes you want them to get their ‘Happily Ever After’ and you are rooting for them the entire time.

In Hard, when Edward is going through his dilemma and not knowing what it going on, you can’t help but wish that he wasn’t hurting and sad. You want him to be happy and to me, that is the sign of a great author. When you evoke emotion from your readers: make them happy, make them angry, or even make them cry, it shows that you have created characters that your readers can connect with on a personal level and that, my friends, is a sign of true success!

So take a chance on this fic, even if you aren’t normally a slash lover. It’s truly a story of self-discovery and a beautiful one at that!

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this fic and love this author as much as I do!