JaspersIzzy's Rec of the Week: 8/29/11

Prima Nocte by Elvirina

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7103292/1/Prima_Nocte

Review by JaspersIzzy

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Humor
Characters: Emmett/Rosalie

Summary: Disarmed by a woman as crude and brash as himself, Emmett experiences a truly electrifying connection with the striking Rosalie Hale. Beauty is only skin deep and beneath the tough surface is a person of depth he never expected. This is their first night.

I usually don't care for Emmett fics, no matter the pairing. I also usually don't care for a bitchy, snide Rosalie, but a friend of mine on twitter had been talking about starting this story and sent me the link, so I checked it out.

I'm glad I did.

The prologue was very powerful. Just the few short words she used to describe future events had me hooked. Being struck by lightening, not in the physical sense, but in the metaphorical. This is what Emmett has experienced, and with Rosalie Hale nonetheless.

Emmett is a football player who, trying to be a good friend to his new acquaintance Edward, attends an event with him and his famous ex-girlfriend Rosalie. No one knows that Rosalie and Edward have broken up, and Edward is now with Bella, but he goes and “fakes” a relationship for her sake and the media.

Little does Emmett know, the spitfire that walks into his life will change him forever. Rosalie might not be as hard-ass as she comes across, and meeting Emmett might be just what she needs. As the night goes on, they learn things about each other that disarm them both and pulls them together in ways that have yet to be seen, but you can feel it growing and blossoming into something that will either be beautiful or devastating.

This story is short, only 7 chapters in so far, but the banter between Rose and Em is amazing. They honestly are the typical canon couple, but somehow Elvirina has made them unique through her breathtaking words. She's taken Rose's insecurities, along with the wall she's built around herself because of them, and given her Emmett, who has fallen hard and fast in just one night of meeting the beautiful woman who's stealing his heart. He calls her on her bullshit, and is also tender with her when she needs it.

Honestly, if Emmett and Rosalie were human in our day and time, this is exactly how I would imagine them, and it's fascinating to see these two interact. Their snark with each other is rather entertaining, but it's in the way they eventually soften to one another that makes me fall in love with them both.

This is a really good story, and I hope that those of you who love Em/Rose fics, and even those of you who don't, will give it a try. It's very well written and it has my full attention.

Banner by JaimeArkin

RandomCran's Rec of the Week: 8/29/11

De Immortalitate by Raum

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7116125/1/De_Immortalitate

Review by RandomCran

Rating: M 

Genre: Drama/Romance 

Characters: Edward/Bella 

As the summary of the story reveals, this is a vampire story set in ancient Roman times revolving around a human soldier Edward (renamed Antonius) and a beautiful slave named Bella: 

"The life of the Roman patrician Antonius is put at stake by his father, Felix. When Felix brings to his only son a new slave, Bella, more reasons arise for Antonius' concerns. Felix's secret can change Antonius' and Bella's destiny." ExB AU/vampires. 

In an intriguing break from canon, Felix is Antonius’ father, a revered warrior who leaves for battle when Antonius is a young boy, only to disappear for ten years. During his father’s absence, Antonius seeks a paternal role model in Caile, a man who provides a moral education to counterbalance the military upbringing Antonius received from Felix. It is easy to sense that over time Antonius has every possibility of evolving into a very powerful man as a result of these dual educations. He is a fascinating character from the very first chapter.

When Felix returns from war, Antonius is more than willing to welcome back the man who left a decade before, but it quickly becomes clear that Felix is a changed man with a sinister side. As a result, great tension begins to build as Antonius must accept that the father he remembers as a young boy is not the same man who has come back. Although Felix is fueled by his belief he is more powerful as a result of his great change, it is clear that the power his acquired abilities has given him has only corrupted him.

Among the possessions Felix brings back to Antonius is a young woman named Bella. She has been forced into slavery after enduring the slaughter of her entire family at the hands of Felix. Felix has brought her to Antonius as a gift. As he becomes familiar with Bella, Antonius cannot help but become intrigued by her. He finds her to be a most wonderful addition to his life but wrestles with the fact that he has Felix to thank for bringing the exceptional young woman into his world.

However, the situation is something Antonius cannot run away from. He is held under house arrest by Felix, his requests to return to the battlefield falling on the deaf ears of his father. He is held firmly in place by threats from Felix to cause harm to others living within the family villa should Antonius escape. Although it is clear he yearns to return to his life a solider, Antonius shows incredible restraint and compassion for others by staying put. One can only admire his determination to keep others safe even at the expense of his own personal freedom. And as a reader, I can’t help but feel that his time spent at the villa will only serve him well in the future.

Spending time with Bella helps Antonius to pass the time during his imprisonment and his fascination with her begins to grow. The boundary line between Master and Slave begins to fall under pressure in a stirring and effortless narrative that is a joy to read:

"Bella, come here," I instructed. 

The first image that came to my mind when I saw her approaching was of the goddess Diana. Although covered in a simple tunic, Bella was more attractive than many patrician women I had met in the city just because of the way she stood. She was lean, but not too thin, and well-proportioned. Her skin was like the finest alabaster – smooth and flawless. Her cheeks, framed by some loose strands of hair that had escaped from her braid, still held the traces of her previous blush. 

She's so innocent. Her voice was hesitant, soft. "Yes, Master." 

Shifting on the triclinium to make room for her, I directed her to sit beside me. "Have you tasted it?" I asked with a nod to the pie. 

Her eyes widened. "No." 

The urge to touch her made me feel in a daze. The thought of the food in front of me was strangely alluring. She had touched the things I had just eaten, she had made them with her hands. For me, in a certain sense. I was aware that they weren't made out of love, just out of duty. But regardless, I felt cared for. 

Esma had always been as a mother to me, always loving. I was used to being spoiled by her. But arriving to dinner, finding a room well prepared, eating the food that Bella had cooked...It was new, and it felt so good. 

I took a small piece of the pie and, holding it with my fingers, I offered it to her. She didn't move, and I stared at her glorious mouth. Her lips were slightly parted, and they seemed like a juicy pomegranate. I wanted to feel them. In a slow motion, I put the piece of pie directly in her mouth. 

She remained still, and the blush to her face came back, this time in a shade of deep crimson. 

As his interest in Bella takes shape, the young slave is also cultivating feelings for her Master. For the times, she is an educated woman but also takes joy in the tasks that keep her busy in her new reality, particularly if they can benefit Antonius:

I did the ordinary darning work for the simple tunics and cloaks of other slaves and freedmen who didn't have a wife or a daughter who could do that for them. Then I could devote my attention to the work I liked most. At home, my wet-nurse had taught me to weave and to embroider, and I was making a new tunic for Antonius. After working with the coarse fabrics of the servants' clothes, the fine wool that had been purchased for the master seemed even softer. 

The wind outside had grown and rattled the pine shutters, creating drafts around the small room where the loom was. I felt at ease there, more than in the spacious, rich rooms reserved to the master and his guests. At first, I had been impressed by the mosaics and the frescos that decorated the master's quarters, but then, I preferred the intimate atmosphere of the kitchen or of the cozy room where I was weaving. I was so focused on the task that I barely heard the sound of footsteps. I imagined it was Esma who was coming to see how my work was progressing or to give me a different chore to do. 

"Do you think that the master will like the new tunic I'm making for him?" I asked without looking behind me, as soon as I sensed that she was entering the room. 

"I'm sure he will!" I heard. But it wasn't Esma's voice. I spun around and felt the rush of blood to my cheeks. 

Antonius was just behind me, almost laughing, his eyes bright and shining as the sea on a summer day. 

As Antonius and Bella are drawn closer together by their mutual attraction, one can also feel the encroachment of tension surrounding them from every direction. Raum’s buildup of suspense is quiet but undeniable and it is deceptive to think that their shaky sense of peace can maintain itself for long. It feels as though Antonius is gathering his focus, summoning his courage for an upcoming battle. He knows that he and Bella are likely to lose against the powerful Felix and is trying to prepare for that possibility.

De Immortalitate is a work in progress with ten chapters posted. It remains to be seen what will ultimately happen to any of the main characters but with Raum posting updates faithfully on Saturdays, one doesn’t have to wait for long to see what happens next.

And I am not alone in my enthusiasm for this story. It has been nominated for the Emerging Swan Awards and is more than deserving of the accolades. Raum’s work is an absolute delight to read. Please take the time to do so.

TheRainGirl's Rec of the Week: 8/29/11

Paper Moon by mskathy

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4743181/1/Paper_Moon

Review by TheRainGirl

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Drama
 Characters: Bella/Alice & Edward/Jasper

Summary: Follow Bella & Alice on their journey through complications and their pasts to build love together.Edward & Jasper face their own trials in dating & making it work. Slash, femme slash, lemons, adult, AU/AH. 

Bella doesn’t believe in love at first sight. Bella believes in lust and worships at the altar of pure, unadulterated sex. My kind of girl. ;)

“Alone. Always alone,” is what Alice hears and knows that Bella is not looking for a commitment; she is not looking for love or someone to share the world with. Bella is known for “lovin’ and leavin’,” so after an incredible evening of pleasure, Alice leaves in the middle of the night to get away before Bella can kick her out.

My heart went out to Alice in these first chapters, she really did feel like she’d made an amazing connection between herself and this beautiful, feminine, controlled woman. Unfortunately, Alice doesn’t see a reciprocation of this indelible thread that she feels growing from her heart. It’s aching to see her sadness as she speaks to her brother Edward about the captivating woman from the bar.

When you hear from Bella, you realize profoundly that Bella is jagged and raw, but she’s not as cold and numb as she’d like to believe. Her best friend for years is Jasper and their connection is adorable and deep. I fell in love with Jasper, actually, before Bella. His strength of character and empathy reacts beautifully with Bella’s strength and desire to control. They are both independent and love each other fiercely. I wish I had a Jasper.

Through out all that I’ve read, the emotional content is deep and soul-stirring.

I decided to try honesty for once. "I just need to be touching and loving you," I said. "Please stay?" 

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." 

Alice gives us the impression that her heart is large and open, but she does have a past. She wants things to work with Bella so much because she knows in her heart that thread is there and it leads to Bella. Bella might be gruff, but deep down she wants what everyone wants. Love.

~~~ 

So, MsKathy gives good lemon. Believe me, she gives good lemon. If you’ve never read anything from my dear MsKathy, please do run, not walk, to her profile and pick up anything she’s ever written. My personal favorite is The Trip Home, which is a poly AH. If you need something with less people (not sure why you would though), she has Discovering Bella as well, which is another favorite. Her works speak for themselves, though so I’ll shut up and go back to Paper Moon.

I was personally hesitant to start Paper Moon because I am terrified of WIPs, but I trust MsKathy implicitly with my heart and she has never steered me wrong.

She is doing a bang up job with PM. Yes, there are lemons... but there is heart. I love me some lemon, and I love to rec the dirty on my smutblog, but sometimes you need an unwavering connection to cement that physical tie. You can see that within the pages of Paper Moon.

There is one chapter in particular that focuses on Alice’s brother, Edward, and Bella’s best friend, Jasper, and I remember actually lip quivering at one point. The heart is so full within these characters... it’s almost unexplainable.

All four characters, Alice and Bella, Edward and Jasper, as well as the connections between each character are well thought out and appealing. You want to keep reading, you want to learn more about them, and you want to see the choices they make with each other and for themselves.

Yes, you can read Paper Moon because it’s hot and lusty and naughty fun, but that’s not the only reason to read it. The emotional tethers between all of the characters will warm your belly like hot soup on a winter’s day and make you smile like when you see a baby giggling. It’s just really, very good stuff!

Stop by and read Paper Moon by MsKathy. Tell her Rain sent ya!

Anonymous Twilight Erotica Contest

Anyone can write smut, but can you write erotica?

We want you to show us what erotica means to you. Wow us with your work. Sight, sound, sensation… think about what turns you on and then give it to us. Allow us to get lost in the world you create. Make it lyrical, make it sexy, make it artistic, make it haunting… we want it all and we want detail! We want you to leave us remembering the words you weaved long after we finish the last one.

The What's Your Fantasy: Anonymous Twilight Erotica Challenge runs from September 1st, 2011 to October 1st, 2011 and we want your BEST erotica!

Are you up to the challenge?

*1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded by popular vote.
*Judges will select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Judges’ Choice awards for creativity, originality, eroticism and writing style.
*Special Awards will be given out at the discretion of the judges, and will include an IndieFicPimp Pick (selected by IndieFicPimp).
*Winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the popular and judges’ categories and all special award categories) will receive a banner (made by beegurl13 or aleighy), the undying devotion of your erotica lovin’ hosts, and bragging rights. 1st place Popular Vote and Judges' Choice winners will also receive an author interview at PIC FF Corner, and a review of your winning entry on the IndieFicPimp website!

For complete rules, dates, and submission guidelines, please see the contest page at: http://fanfiction.net/~eroticachallenge.

Make sure you follow us on Twitter @TwiErotica for contest updates and information!

Remember: think pretty, not porno.

Good luck, authors!

To Love Again by eureka twilighter

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5858927/1/To_Love_Again

Rating: M
Genre: Romance
Characters: Emmett

Summary: A thirty-six year old woman, after suffering the tragic loss of her husband months before, takes a much needed vacation to the isle of St. Bart's. There she meets a young twenty-two year old budding actor who teaches her To Love Again.

Submitted Fic of the Week: 8/22/11

Hands Open by Nikita2009

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6104772/1/Hands_Open
Review by AnonymouslySufferingFromOCD

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

Summary: Foul mouthed Bella temporarily moves to Los Angeles for Alice and Jasper's wedding where she meets Edward "Firecrotch" Cullen. Will these two romantically challenged people be able to get it together and realize they are perfect for eachother? BXE, AH 

I was intrigued with this story from the moment I read the summary, I mean Edward “Firecrotch” Cullen, what could be more hilarious and awesome at the same time? Oh wait, I know, Bella “Grannypants” Swan could be!

We first meet Grannypants as she is boarding a plane to Australia and leaving behind her beloved Firecrotch just after he shouted to her that he is in love with her to the whole airport.

Was I worried to be leaving him for 3 months? Nope. I trusted in the fact that if it was meant to be, it would be, and that I had no right to ask anything of him while I was away. If it was meant to work out it would in all due time. 

I picked up my carry-on bag and turned to walk away. I got about ten feet away when he called my name, well, my nickname of Granny Pants. I stopped, but didn't turn around. If I would have looked back at his fucking beautiful face I would have stayed. 

So I kept walking, and he blurted out loud enough for me to still hear, "I just want you to know I'm in love with you Bella." I put my head down and kept walking. I was sad to leave but I had to go, and honestly really fucking pissed off that Firecrotch had pulled this moment to tell me he had fucking "feelings." Not Grannypants, my nickname he'd given me when I'd first met him, but "Bella." So that shit must have been serious. Argh. If he wasn't such a seriously intelligent person I'd think he'd had a brain injury for his lack of timing. 

The story then back tracks four months and allows us to understand first how this snarky Bella, and this anal retentive, closet nerd Edward met and then how they became known as Grannypants and Firecrotch.

If you are looking for a good laugh, this story will give you that. Bella and Alice are besties as they should be. They met when they were about twelve, and living in a group home. Bella had lost her mom when she was eight to cancer and her dad when she was twelve to a car accident. She has always been a bigger girl and because of that she was made fun of most of her life. The teasing that she is subjected to helps Bella become the strong, snarky, foul-mouthed Grannypants that we all come to love. Because of their friendship Bella is, of course, the maid of honor to Alice when she marries Jasper.

Edward, being Jasper’s best friend, grew up very differently than Bella and Alice. He was a doctor’s son and always had access to everything he wanted. Fortunately, instead of turning him into a snob, it turns him into someone that understands working hard to get what you want means more than having it handed to you.

Because of Bella’s past she does have a hard time letting our Firecrotch in. However, once she opens her heart she understands how good it can be with the one that you are meant to be with. Edward never has any doubts about wanting to be with his Grannypants, and is willing to take his time and let her be ready for him.

I closed my eyes. Bella, you're killing me here. All these mixed signals from here were confusing the hell out of me. 

"Edward." 

"Yeah." 

"Open your eyes." I did and met hers, a powerful emotion burning in hers. 

The sky chose this moment to let loose and the rain started pouring, drenching us in seconds. 

"Please. I want this to work more than anything I've ever wanted in my whole motherfucking life." She begged me, her voice taut with emotion. 

And against my better judgment, I made my deal with my own personal devil in a dirty garbage filled alley behind a restaurant. 

"Ok." 

A rain soaked Bella with her hair a mess and her makeup running, begging me for something was my undoing. I'd bet Bella had never begged for anything in her whole life. 

She closed her eyes, drew in a deep breath, and murmured. "Thank you." 

I wrapped my arms around her and buried my nose in her hair. 

Nikita2009 really does a great job making us laugh throughout the whole story. She also throws in some really hot makeout sessions and a few lemons along the way. I highly recommend you check it out when you need a break from all of the angst that is out there in the fandom. Oh and just so you know, Nikita2009 has decided to continue the saga of Firecrotch and Grannypants in the sequel, Over My Head, it is only 3 chapters in but, so far, I think it is promising to be as good as the first.

New Fic of the Week: 8/22/11

Dear Maggie by Jenny0719

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7179931/1/Dear_Maggie

Review by Agrutle

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

Summary: A heart leads Bella back home to Forks... and to the brother of the woman who donated it. M for Lemons/OOC/Language

This story starts out with Bella moving to Forks after she’s had a heart transplant. She’s searching for someone...someone that knew Maggie, her donor. Carlisle is her new doctor and tells her about a job at his son’s shop. Bella stops by and meets Edward. He is a complete ass to her, blowing smoke in her face, even though she tells him she can’t be around it. Thinking that she was just being bitchy he continued doing what he wanted, not realizing that it was for health reasons. Although Bella is dumbfounded by this person, she doesn’t let him walk all over her.

He shrugged and turned away to dig in the massive toolbox behind him, leaving me to stand there stupidly. My jaw dropped at his blatant disregard for manners, and anger pounded through me. 

"What a fucking prick," I muttered, spinning around to leave. 

I was almost to the door when another loud clattering cut through the air behind me, stopping me dead in my tracks. I craned my neck slowly around to see him, catching him as he dragged his gaze over my ass. Heat bloomed inside me so strong that for the second time in the span of only a few minutes, I lost the capability to breathe again. 

"What?" I eventually snapped, still fuming through my haze. "Like what you see? Expect me to just bend over and let you do me here?"

As much as Edward wants to, he can’t get her off of his mind. All he can think about is her in her workout gear. Edward has his own demons that he keeps hidden from everyone, even his parents. He doesn’t know her name but he knows that she’s innocent and she was off limits. He could handle it since he was leaving for medical school after the summer. This was just temporary. After Carlisle lets the cat out of the bag about her coming to see if she could get the job at the shop, Edward admits that she had been there and would be coming back to talk to Emmett, the owner.

"You are, aren't you?" 

"I am what?" 

"Taking the job." 

She nodded. "Yeah." 

"Yeah. Of course you are," I groaned angrily, shoving my hands through my hair. 

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, putting one hand on her hip and glowering over at me. 

"It means that I would really rather you didn't. That's all." 

Her mouth sprung open in surprise from my honesty. "God, you're rude, you know that?" 

I shrugged, causing her to let out a little screech of frustration. 

"You really don't care?" 

"Not really." 

She huffed. "Look, I want this job. Need this job. So as much as it pains me to say it, I figure if we're going to work together, I should at least try to be nice to you. But let me make something clear. If it were any other circumstance, I would introduce my kneecap to your balls right now." 

Bella is drawn to Edward and she knows why, but she hates it. She wants to get to know him but he won’t let her close. Edward is just as drawn to Bella. He can’t stand that he wants to grab her, rip her clothes off and have his way with her. He is letting his past dictate to him what he does and he doesn’t think he is good enough for her. Even though we are a mere four chapters in, I am hooked and waiting for the next chapter eagerly. I love her Edward, even if he is a jerk. Her Bella on the inside is unsure of herself but stands up for herself despite it. All of the other characters lend a balance to her story and the small amount that you get of them makes you want more. Run, read this story and leave the author some love!! I assure you, you won’t be disappointed!

Completed Fic of the Week: 8/22/11

Lions Eat Lambs by Raggdoll of Twilight

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5753638/1/Lions_Eat_Lambs

Review by AnonymouslySufferingFromOCD 

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

Summary: A camping expedition goes awry when Bella's friends turn up missing. While searching for them, she stumbles upon the manor of Edward Cullen, unaware that she is about to become a pawn in his dangerous game - a game she can't afford to lose. AU/OOC/V&H 

This week’s completed fic is listed as Suspense/Horror, and let me tell you, it truly is. I have never read such a dark and fantastically scary Edward Cullen in my almost three years of reading FanFiction.

As the summary states Bella and her friends go on a camping expedition, and true to every horror movie you have ever seen, they all go missing while Bella naps in her tent.

She paused in a thick clump and called into the velvet cloak around her, "Hello? Is anyone here?" 

Silence. 

Her chest heaved and her throat leapt. Her stomach protested against the lack of nourishment and she felt a slight sting of guilt for wanting to go back to the safety of camp to eat, and wait. What if they're in trouble?, she thought. The prospect became constant and settled into her mind that they needed her help. She pushed forward even though fear tried to pull her back. 

Edward Cullen is a bored, egotistical vampire who likes to play with his food. He lives in his vast manor, surrounded by its high walls, waiting for his meals to trespass. Once they enter his property, the game begins and the chase is on. While most people erect fences and walls to keep people out, Edward Cullen’s walls are designed to keep people in.

When she looked up, the weave of trees had disappeared in the filter of the blue moonlight. There was blackness ahead, as if something was obscuring her vision. Her steps quickened, but were still mindful as her feet were bare and vulnerable. 

As she closed in on the object, she reached out to touch it. It's rough texture and crevices caused her heart to sink, all hope fading with it. Her eyes trailed the monstrosity until its dark figure met the sky and trees.

The wall. 

This story is a horror story in every sense of the word. If you are looking for our evil vampire to change his ways and fall in love with the girl, this is not the story for you. However, if you have some time, this quick eight chapter horror fic is really worth the read for the pure evilness, and suspense. Raggdoll of Twilight really does a great job at weaving a suspenseful, horrific tale and I really did enjoy the read, even though it is against what I usually go for. I hope you enjoy it too!

WIP of the Week: 8/22/11

Arms by VirginiaMay

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7155134/1/Arms

Review by Obsmama

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

Summary: After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, sharpshooter & former Olympian Bella Swan is forced to live under a new identity as a high school student in tiny Forks, WA. Will unexpected feelings for the wrong man be her undoing or her salvation? AH 

One evening on twitter, I was chatting fic with a few good friends and was told to check out Arms by VirginiaMay, that it was fantastic. That adjective just doesn’t do this story justice at all. I was mystified and intrigued with chapter 1 and  I was riveted and captivated every chapter thereafter. The mystery woven through this tale is amazingly well done and the UST from the start leaves the reader shaken. We meet Bella Swan, a 23 year old Olympic gold medalist sharp shooter, who witnessed her parents brutal murder and now is under the protection of the US Marshals, at least until she's able to take the stand against the perpetrators. The new life and identity she's given is foster child, Anna Bella Dwyer, to one Dr. and Mrs. Carlisle Cullen, who believe that she is a traumatized 17 year old girl. She has to return to High School and carry on this charade for her own protection. Enter her foster brother, now math teacher, Edward Cullen. Instantly there is a charge between them, but all that Edward knows is this is a student, a young girl hurt beyond repair, that came to live and be part of his family. Her secret preventing anything more from happening.

"Whoa now, hold on a second there," he stops me. "I'm not doing anything for my mother's sake here, Bella. I'm your teacher. It's my job to care about how you're doing. In school and otherwise. Not to mention, I have a dozen or so years of life experience on you. If you're struggling, let me help. Let me do my job."

I snort and then scowl at him, reacting on hurt feelings and indignation alone.

"Look, your job is to teach me math," I snap. "Even if it was more than just that, I don't need anyone trying to help me out of some ridiculous sense of obligation."
 

"Obligation?" he asks, eyes flashing and voice rising. He looks offended. So much so I think he's going to yell but, with a quick swallow that makes his Adam's apple bob, he regains his composure. "Perhaps we ought to finish this conversation another time, young lady. I only want to help you. I have no interest in arguing with you." 

I roll my eyes at him. "Don't dismiss me like I'm a child. You don't know anything about me."

"Anna Bella-" 

I ignore him and turn to leave his classroom in a huff. Pathetically, I forget that there's a desk right behind me and almost fall on my face while attempting to escape. Mr. Cullen's hands reach out and steady me. 

"Easy," he murmurs. "Don't hurt yourself." 

I pause only for a moment while his long fingers remain around my waist. He lets go immediately, but not soon enough to avoid my heart fluttering wildly again. I can also feel the heat of his warm chest against my back now. Unbidden, my mind decides that I'd really like to lean backwards and have him wrap me in his arms. Instead, I shake off my insane thoughts and fly out of the classroom as fast as I can.  

There is such a wonderful use of canon characters in this story. I especially fell in love with Agent Whitlock, who is placed in Forks as Bella’s protection and only friend at first. The author has a way with describing such in depth emotion and imagery that puts you in Bella’s shoes. You feel her desperation and fight against loving these new people in her life that are offering such a connection. As the story progresses, Bella’s secrets are harder and harder to hide from her new family, especially Edward. After a Friday afternoon at the movies, more then just her name is revealed to him, putting them all in danger, but lifting a taboo.  

"For the love of God, please..." Edward begs, his eyes wild, his touch setting me alight. I can deny him no longer. 

"It's me." 

His whole body sags. "It's you?" he gasps. "It's true?" 

I nod and he lowers his forehead against mine. "Isabella." 

I smile and lift my hand to cover his where it rests against my cheek. "You can still call me Bella. I'm never Isabella unless I'm being reprimanded, or paying taxes." 

He chuckles and lifts his other hand so that he's holding my face. Our noses touch together and I think he's going to kiss me, but he hesitates. 

"I need you to tell me one thing more, Bella Swan." 

"What?" I ask immediately. 

"Tell me you're not seventeen." 

I laugh and shake my head. "I haven't been seventeen in six years, Edward." 

He pulls me closer and what was left of my laughter dies in my throat. "

That's all I needed to hear." 

We are 8 chapters in so far and there is so much left to discover and watch as these characters start on what I’m sure will be quite a ride. Join me?

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

A Life in Shambles by mcgt

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6968981/1/A_Life_in_Shambles

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

Summary: First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a house Jasper and Bella hope to fill with the pitter-patter of little feet. Can they overcome Bella's obsession or will it turn their dreams into rubble? **A Love Like Fire Contest Entry

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

The Mystery of You by DivineInspiration

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6348280/1/The_Mystery_of_You

Review by Agrutle

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

Summary:  Mystery writer Edward Cullen stumbles upon a mystery greater than the ones he writes: Isabella Swan. Life happens as he unravels the mystery. AU/AH. Canon couples.

Edward lives in a quiet little town, Evonside Bay, and is a mystery writer and a bit of a loner. When he’s not writing he is spending time at his sister, Rosalie’s bar with his brother, Jasper. One night, after finding a way to finally off one of the characters he had been having difficulty getting rid of, he is at the bar relaxing when a petite woman comes and he can’t seem to stop watching her, so he goes to the bar to chat.

I sat down at the bar, leaving the stool with her coat between us, and ordered another beer. She was even more beautiful up close, even if she did look as stressed out as I did. She was fiddling with a cell phone and several parts, apparently not able to insert the SIM card correctly. 

"Can I give you a hand with that?" I asked, giving her my best crooked smile. 

She looked up, startled. An ocean of emotions flittered across her face, reflecting in her eyes in the most mesmerizing way. I didn't have a chance to decipher them before she tentatively returned my smile with a gorgeous one of her own and nodded her head, holding the dismembered cell phone out.

"Please. I seem to be taking it apart more than putting it back together." 

I took the parts from her. "Did you know that the inventor of cell phones can't figure out these newer models himself? They're getting so damn fancy that most people can't figure out half the crap that these fuckers can do." I realized too late that I was rambling, but she just smiled. 

"I'll be content if I am able to make a call on that one," she said as I finished putting it back together. I turned it on to see if it was working, but she ripped it out of my hand. "No! Don't turn it on. Just…don't, please." 

"Sorry, just checking to see if it works," I apologized, holding my hands up in mock surrender.

"No, I'm sorry," she said, a blush spreading across her cheeks. It was like watching the sun rise from the ocean – simply stunning. "That was rude of me. Thank you for putting it back together." 

She slid the phone into her bag and looked down at her drink. 

"So, what brings you to Evonside Bay?" I asked. It wasn't that big of a community, and I would definitely have remembered seeing this girl before. 

This time, there was no mistaking the emotion in her eyes: Fear. She bit her lip. "I…um…I'm just looking for the right place, you know?" 

After that, it gets pretty steamy. He thought they could have some fun. She introduces herself as Marie and they go to leave and proceed to kiss. Abruptly she pulls away and runs. Edward can’t get this girl out of his head, but it’s like she’s disappeared into thin air. He asks his siblings to keep an eye out for her and let him know if they see her. Two nights later, he’s back at the bar and there is an enormous man hitting on his sister and she is having none of it. Emmett McCarthy is there with his sister, Alice. They just moved to town and Alice is opening a clothing store. The funny thing is that neither Rose nor Jasper are particularly interested in either of the McCarthy siblings. Different right?? Usually it’s BAM, instant attraction, and we are in love and going to get married and have babies. Not the case here.

The day after that Edward is having a serious case of writers block, so he goes for a walk in the woods only to land face first in the dirt, having tripped over something. He finds Marie passed out with dried blood on her head. She wakes up in a bed and house she doesn’t know and finds Edward playing the piano and while he was preoccupied with that she ran. Edward runs after her and gets her to stay so that she can heal. While she stayed, she was always conscious about the fact that she didn’t need to get comfortable, and Edward soon realizes that there is more to Marie and she’s hiding something and from someone. She stays for a while and lets Edward know that her real name is Bella. One day Edward wakes up and finds Bella gone, leaving behind a note.

Edward, 

Thank you so much for everything you've done for me. 

I'm sorry I can't stay, and that I left the way I did. It's for the best, trust me. 

- Bella

For fuck's sake! The girl made me goddamn muffins before disappearing? 

She runs and literally runs into Alice, who promptly offers her a job in her store. Now that Bella has a job she can’t run anymore. Alice gives her clothes and Bella finds that she’s happy there and wants to stay. She’s just afraid that the past will come back to haunt her. Edward finds out that she’s still in town and they start a friendship that he hopes will eventually become more. All of gang start to have a weekly dinner at Alice's apartment, and they become a family.

So much more is going on in this story, I can’t even tell you it all, you have to go read it!! It’s amazing. The author sucks you in from chapter one. I loved each of her characters because she used similar traits that they always have, but made them different in her own way. The way DivineInspiration writes makes you feel like you’re in the story watching it. Please go check it out and leave her some love!

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

Sexual Napalm by KlrTwiluver

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7055480/1/Sexual_Napalm#

Review by Les16

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

Summary: Edward Cullen's a 28 y/o billionaire who makes his fortune being a savant of sorts when it comes to world currency markets. He's firmly ensconced as Wall Street's Golden Boy when he meets his match in tigress, Bella Swan. Cosmopolis Edward. AH Lemon

Sexual Napalm is written by the very talented KlrTwiLuver who is 1/2 of TheBondGirls. The author tells us that her Edward is based very loosely on Eric Packer from Cosmopolis, but she has most definitely made him her own. If you like brash, confident ... naughty Edward, then this is the fic for you.

The first line of the story, I think, gives us quite the hint about Mr. Edward Cullen:

I don't interact with the world, it instead reacts to me. ~ Edward Cullen 

Can anyone say confident? As he should be, I suppose, seeing as how he's a 28-year-old billionaire that has taken the financial world by storm.

At twenty-eight, I've done what no one my age should do. I've commandeered the world's currency market. I own it, I control it, and I leverage it. My wealth didn't come from some strange fortune teller or crystal ball. Instead, it comes from my very being, my essence. I am the ringmaster as the world exchanges brawl in the fields of battle. 

To be honest, he's not the most likeable fellow, but his charisma leaps off the screen at you. There aren't a lot of details given out yet; KlrTwiLuver is very sparing at the pieces of information she shares with the readers so far. The writing is ripe with imagery and it flows effortlessly. You really feel like you are a part of the story, not merely reading it. I love finding a story that totally pulls you in and won't let go, and Sexual Napalm definitely does that.

Once we get our first glimpse of Edward, we find ourselves following him as he attends a black tie benefit. You know the kind, where the movers and shakers are, where the beautiful people go to see and be seen. As Edward enters, he's of course the man of the moment. Tall, good-looking, sexy … aloof, and knocked totally off his game when he spies a certain brunette across the room. He's immediately intrigued, something we find out doesn't ever happen. He's in for quite the shock, however, when the woman immediately turns the tables on him for a change.

"Let me introduce myself. In polite company I go by Bella Swan, but in hushed whispers I've been called the Man-maker." I watch as she winks and runs her little tongue across her bottom lip. I swallow, hard. "I'm a specialist at taking boys like yourself and turning them into men. I've never failed. Not once." 

Ohhh, it seems like Miss Swan has a secret or two herself. That's what makes this story so refreshing. It's impossible to tell what everyone's angles are at this point. Bella obviously knows more about Edward than she lets on. Her mother, Renée, is the wealthy widow of the founder of the charity the benefit is for. Jasper is her half-brother who from first appearances, definitely gives the impression that there might be something else going on.

I'm telling you, after only two chapters, you'll find yourself wondering what the hell is happening and waiting anxiously for the next update. Sexual Napalm has it all: mystery, complex characters, the promise of hot lemons, writing that is refreshingly original, and a plot that can go any number of directions. I have no idea where it's going to end up, but I do know I'll be along for the ride until the end. Read it now … catch up and strap in. I think it's going to be an exciting one!

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

Bella and the Beastward by Zhivago3

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6631907/1/Bella_and_The_Beastward

Review by AnonymouslySufferingFromOCD
 

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

Summary: A modern re-telling of the classic. Can Bella learn to tame the beast? Rated M for language, lemons, and themes.

 I have to say I was a bit skeptical when I was asked to review this one, the summary and title hint that it is a Beauty and the Beast re-make, and that made me nervous. I wasn’t sure what type of Beast we would be dealing with and I wasn’t sure I could handle the amount of angst that could go along with it.

With that being said, I loved this story! It quickly ranked among my top 25, with as much fanfiction I have read, that is saying a lot. Of course, it shouldn’t surprise me really, I have read and loved another story by Zhivago. Bliss, is also among my favorites.

We all know the story of Beauty and the Beast and this story does follow it very closely. Edward Cullen had the perfect life in the palm of his hands, he grew up rich and beautiful, everything came easily to him, friends, women, school, he had it all. Until one fateful night when he and two of his best friends decided to take out the family yacht, only to have it explode a few hours later. That is where our perfect Edward Cullen becomes a very reclusive and bitter Edward Masen.

Edward was the only surviving member of the trio following the explosion, suffering severe burns during the crisis his parents decided to allow the press to believe that he too was lost. Edward struggles with the fact that he is not the same person he once was, not only did he survive a tragedy, he also had to endure a painful recovery that left him disfigured and in his eyes a monster.

I didn't leave the house often, when I did it was at night and for very specific reasons. Garrett was one of those reasons. Alice found him for me because needed a way of documenting my mistakes, my anger, my frustrations, my regrets. He was a genius with a tattoo gun and slowly but surely, had been covering what parts of my body he could with ink. 

The first tattoos I got were angry, horrifying scenes. There were fires, death, visions of hell, flashes of misery from my dreams. Over the years though, things became less angry and more... I suppose sad is the word. My anger and fears had melted into murkiness. I felt restless and ill at ease. I was pathetic and I knew it. 

I felt heavy-laden and hunched over. It was a new, unwelcome feeling. That being said, it was better than the unrelenting anger followed by crippling depressing that followed in my past. All I could think of was this sad willow tree by the lake in the park where my mother used to take me as a kid. I don't ever remember it having leaves; it always seemed barren and dead. The irony was fucking palpable and I wanted the image to be part of the collage. 

 Bella Swan is facing demons of her own, after the death of her mother, our Bella escapes to New York City to find herself. She is a dispatcher for a bike messaging service by day and a jewelry designer by night. She only has a few close friends as she has a hard time trusting anyone enough to let them in. The question is can she allow Edward in enough to tame his beast and if she does will she be the one that is hurt along the way?

My mother killed herself when I was 22. 

The only people in the world who knew that were my father and Sue. She wasn't a traditional mother. When I was seven, we spent my summer vacation on a commune in Colorado, pulling carrots from the ground and becoming "one with nature." When I was twelve and got my period, she took me to a local Native American Reservation and we experienced a sweat lodge together as a celebration of femininity. She was a Vegan before it was cool. She wore crystals not because they were pretty, but because she thought they were healing. 

My parents split when I was five years old. It was a mutual and calm break-up. No courts were involved with custody or anything. I split my time equally between the two of them - playing caretaker to my free-thinking mother and chef to my kitchen-allergic father until he married Sue when I was 17. 

I never knew my mother was unhappy because she never said or showed anything. To me, she seemed to find peace in her crystals and mediation groups. It never once occurred to me that the reason she sought peace and tranquility with such a fervent passion was because she never felt either. 

While this story deals with a lot of seriousness and some angst, it is understandable why our two main characters go through what they do. The story is dubbed Romance/Hurt/Comfort and I think that aptly describes exactly what it is. You know I am a wimp when it comes to angst and as I have said earlier, I absolutely love this story. The chemistry between Bella and Edward is electrifying and seeing their love grow from the beginning will make your heart melt.

I let him up and looked around relieved that everything was in its place. That's when I realized that it was still light out. It wasn't quite fall and the days were still semi-long. It wasn't his usual night owl time. He came out in the light for me. I was really very touched. He didn't even think twice about it either. He just dropped whatever he was doing and came right over. 

There was a knock at the door. I peered through the peephole to see him standing at the door, gray hoodie pulled over his head. I undid the locks, opened the door, and he stepped inside. When he was in, I closed and locked the door back up. I turned to him just as he was pulling his hood off. It's not that I had forgotten what he looked like, but it would take time before I couldn't see those scars anymore. 

I couldn't stare for more than a second before he had stepped toward me and pulled me into him. I closed my eyes, let my arms wrap around his waist, and let out a breath I wasn't aware I had been holding. Again, being held by him felt so good - so safe and warm. 

"I..." but he hesitated. 

"Yes?" I whispered. 

"I missed you," he said simply. 

I squeezed him tighter. I didn't want to say it. Maybe I was having a hard time believing that after only 48 hours of knowing him, I missed him too - but I did. I missed being in his arms. 

The story itself is twenty four chapters that suck you in from the very beginning. I started reading it and couldn’t put it down, I finished it in a matter of hours and trust me when I tell you, it takes a lot to captivate me like that. Zhivago3 weaves a wonderful, truly modern day fairytale that you will have you believing could actually happen. Her descriptions of New York are amazing and make you feel like you are there. I highly recommend this story, it is only a few reviews away from one thousand but it deserves so much more recognition than that. I hope you find it as truly captivating as I did.

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

Through a glass, darkly by middlewife

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6769963/1/Through_a_glass_darkly

Review by Dragonfly336

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

Summary: AH/AU. Bella Swan thought being invisible would protect her from the eyes of the world. Instead, it made her an enticing target for a sadistic predator. Can Officer Edward Cullen and his partner protect Bella from her unknown and persistent assailant?

My scrutiny continued as I waited until she was safely inside her little bolthole before leaving the seclusion of my surveillance point. I crept along the rooftops lining the alley behind her building until I found my favorite vantage point, giving me an uninterrupted view of her small living room. I watched as she unpacked her messenger bag, unloading her books onto the tiny dining table, which doubled as her desk. She disappeared briefly from my view, returning after changing from her 'outside' uniform to the 'inside' comfort of a tank and yoga pants. I studied her as she went about her nightly routine, as familiar to me as her dainty features. 

Soon, she would be mine and mine alone. One touch and I would know all her secrets. Soon… 

This is an excerpt from the prologue of middlewife’s first full-length story, Through a glass, darkly. This is told from an unknown person’s POV. The next chapter we get to see a glimpse into Edward’s life. He is a police officer and is partners with his brother in law Jasper. They get called to the scene for a possible code 48, a deceased individual. They arrive at an old warehouse district, where a group of teens happened to have stumbled upon a body.

My mental inventory kicked up a notch with that one. Oozing wounds, congealing blood – the body must be quite fresh then. As I held my flashlight focussed on her head, something shimmered in the periphery of the light, catching my attention. Her chest, had it moved? I crouched for a closer look. The arm laying over the top of the body obscured my view as I concentrated fiercely. Yes! It was rising. Barely, but definitely rising. I shot abruptly to my feet.

"Jasper, she's alive! Call an ambulance." 

After a few days of being in the hospital, they finally learn their Jane Doe’s identity, one Ms. Bella Swan. She suffered from an acute form of amnesia, due to her brain injuries, but soon starts recovering bits and pieces from her life. She was all alone in her life, her mother and father both deceased. She lived a life of obscurity, not having any friends, not doing anything to get noticed. She also lacks a verbal filter in the first days after her accident.

The tall one put out his hand, stating his name was Officer Cullen. I grasped the Cullen God's proffered hand in my left, since my right was still strapped into the brace. I held it awkwardly, staring at his long fingers with their clean and trimmed nails, mesmerized by how handsome they were, too. He stared at me as if he expected me to let go. 

"You have nice hands, too," I said. "Soft and warm, and so big," I marveled. I stroked his fingers as I continued to stare at them. 

The other one tried unsuccessfully to suppress a laugh as the Cullen God changed color. I must have been doing something wrong, I realized, so I released his hand and tucked my now lonely one under the colorful quilt covering my legs. 

There are many things to like about this story. There is the suspense of a stalker, who keeps coming back. There is some humor and there is some nice UST. I actually really enjoy all of the police terminology and the realistic life of a police officer, not some hyped up Law and Order scenario. The case definitely does not get solved in forty-eight hours. I also enjoy the slow burn of Edward and Isabella realizing their feelings for each other and the reality of the fact that she is his case. We also see Isabella recognize how her life was before the attack, and even though she still can’t remember that, she realizes that she doesn’t want to lead that lonely existence anymore.

Now is the perfect time to start reading Through a glass, darkly. Things are starting to heat up for our favorite couple and I am sure there is plenty more suspense to be read as they try and discover Bella’s attacker. You won’t regret it!

One Shot of the Week: 8/1/11-8/7/11

Crossing the Line by Cass189

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6316198/1/Crossing_The_Line

Rating: M
Characters: Edward/Bella

Summary: Written for the Beyond The Pale contest. She knew some lines weren't meant to be crossed, especially considering what she did for a living, but she crossed them anyway. And he… He just crossed those lines alongside her.

Submitted Fic of the Week: 8/1/11-8/7/11

Come Find Me by SamRosey

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6340475/1/Come_Find_Me

Review by fnoslvrvlvo4lif

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

Summary: Alone, cold, too many rooms for one man. The black sky, lost and inviting. He can't see what's there but wants to want what's past it. She's lost and longs to be found, terrified and stuck in limbo, numb. Feel me. Come find me. AH. Edward and Isabella.

She was very upset. So upset, in fact, that she ran out of the bank crying. Out of all the people in the bank that day, only one person took notice. He took notice. He realized she dropped her ID revealing her name...Isabella Swan. He writes her a note and places her ID inside, sliding it under her door. He writes her such kind words and she realizes that somebody does notice her and does care, but who is this person is the question.

This story is written in a very different way that I've never seen before, but it fits the story perfect. It takes some getting used to but once you do, it just works. Here is a little snippet for ya...

He crosses the street instead and enters the bank, it's busy and crowded, he thinks to turn and come back later when he sees red shoes, out of the chaos of the busy lives rushing for their money to make for busy days, he can't stop looking at the red of her shoes. He follows them, shuffling, agitated. His eyes, from the floor to her knees, her curves and long hair, she is shaking her head, waving her arm, controlled and slight. But he sees it. He watches her and forgets all about his own dealings. He moves around to see her, show me your face.

No longer controlled, she feels the tears come, she can't speak to argue anymore, she gathers her things off the counter, ID, letters, purse, in her arms, gripping them like they are all she has and spins around to push her way through the long line of people that has formed.

She is walking straight for him, he sucks in a breath, her face so sad, tears of something he knows nothing about, her personal effects on display. She doesn't see him, she doesn't see anybody, she knows the bank is full but her tears, her sadness and anger blind her as she drags herself away from the line of people who witnessed her breakdown.

She brushes past him and a knocks a piece of her to the floor. He follows her with his eyes, turned around, mesmerised by her. She clumsily makes it through the rotating doors and he looks away, she's gone. No longer able to see her, he notices a card laying on the floor. He looks around, no eyes see him, free to pick it up. A lost bank card maybe, something important.

An ID. Except this girl had no tears, she has no sad look of a person lost. She is beautiful, ruby lips and brown eyes.

ISABELLA SWAN .

So, go check out Come Find Me! You won’t regret it.

New Fic of the Week: 8/1/11-8/7/11

Restless by RandomCran

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7012660/1/Restless

Review by Maxandmo

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

Summary: Bella's monochrome existence has left her feeling apprehensive. When the circumstances of tragedy introduce her to Edward, she feels emboldened. What will happen when her life begins to intensify? AU/AH/OOC

Restless is the first story that author RandomCran has posted. The fandom is nothing new to this beta and wife of Morgan Locklear. There are three chapters posted so far, and an update is expected soon.

The first chapter begins with an unexpected phone call about a family member who has been in an accident. Bella rushes to the hospital and receives terrible news from Dr. Carlisle Cullen. She is left with feelings of guilt and regret about her relationship with this family member.

At the funeral service she meets Edward Cullen, who is not only the doctor's son, but also friends with her friend Alice's husband, Jasper.

"My name is Edward Cullen. I didn't have a chance to introduce myself before the service began."

I nodded in acknowledgement. "I'm Bella Swan. Your father treated my dad at the hospital…" I trailed off, not knowing exactly how to finish the sentence.

Recognition flashed across Edward's features and I understood that he had heard my breakdown from the other side of the door. He looked apologetic as he spoke.

"My father asked me to send his regards. He's working today, otherwise he would have attended the service with me."

"Be sure and tell him I said thank you for everything he did for Charlie. And for me."

Edward drives her home after the service and offers her a peanut butter cup. Bella holds her breath and immediately gets out of the car. He can tell something is amiss, but gets out and says goodbye asking her if he can check on her in a couple of weeks. She quickly responds and let's him know she'd appreciate that.

She wants nothing more than to throw herself into her work after her life is turned upside down by this family tragedy. Her boss and her friends won't hear of it and encourage her to take a weekend trip to Charlie's cabin. Bella is pleasantly surprised to learn that Jasper has also invited Edward to come along for the weekend.

Edward is very observant and notices that Bella hasn't eaten due to a stomach ulcer. Swearing that he has just the thing to make her feel better he makes her a peanut butter sandwich, only to learn she is incredibly allergic to peanuts. He feels terrible for offering her peanut butter twice, but also realizes that was the reason she got out of his car so quickly the day he took her home.

They take a walk and she shows him around the property. She realizes that he is a good man, and she encourages her new friend to stay for the weekend. He seems to be very good at making her forget the pain she is in.

A nightmare changes things for these new friends. The mood shifts and they realize there is much more to discover about each other.

"I'm sorry, Bella. This isn't why I came in here."

I took in a breath and raised my hand to rest my palm against his cheek, copying his movement. Edward tilted his head and leaned into me, offering instant reassurance.

"What happened in your dream?"

"I don't know, really. I was falling into darkness."

"I heard you from my room. I didn't know what was wrong but I wanted to help you."

I knew there was only one way he could help me in that moment.

"Will you stay with me?"

RandomCran's writing style is very easy to read, and the story is well written. I am interested to see where the story will go, and can't wait to see how Edward and Bella's relationship will evolve. Now is the perfect time to start reading Restless.

Completed Fic of the Week: 8/1/11-8/7/11

Red Shift by latessitrice

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6437358/1/Red_Shift

Review by AnonymouslySuffereingFromOCD

Rating: T
Genre: Drama/Supernatural, AU
Characters: Bella

Summary: Fearing for the wolves and Charlie, Bella realises she can't wait for Victoria to attack the people she loves. Diverges from New Moon at the end of chapter 14.

Red Shift is a quick five chapters that are completely worth the read. Set at the end of Chapter 14 in New Moon, Bella realizes that if she doesn’t do something Victoria will hurt the people she loves. So she does the only thing she can think of; she seeks out the easiest Cullen to find.

After finding Carlisle on the Internet at a clinic in Ithaca, she sends a message hoping for help.

Sleep didn't come again easy, but I did eventually succumb, and with my dreams came a solution. I dreamed of the sterile, white walls of a hospital — not the clinic in Forks, one I didn't recognize at all, a generic representation of one. I was all alone, free to roam the bleached hallways. Down one of those corridors, I came face to face with a brass name plate on an office door.

Dr. Carlisle Cullen

I was awake once more, the beginnings of a plan stirring. There was one Cullen who would be easier to trace than all the others, because wherever he was, he'd be practicing his calling. If he knew that Victoria was placing the people of Forks in danger, he'd do what he could to help, no matter what Ed — his feelings towards me were.

Carlisle receives a message for help and immediately leaves for Forks, putting Esme in charge of rounding up the rest of the family, as they have all scattered across the globe. Of course Carlisle, being the most rational one in the family, helps Bella understand that not only did Edward lie to her when he left but also about why he left.

"Because he's stubborn, too stubborn to listen to the advice of those of us who know what it is to be parted from our mates. For all his years of life, in the end he's only a seventeen-year-old boy, and sometimes fear takes him back to the emotional maturity and clarity any human boy has. He feared for you. He feared what could happen to you, at his hand, at ours, and although he never voiced it aloud, I think he feared that eventually you would wear his arguments down and convince him to change you."

After a conversation with Alice, Carlisle decides that in order to avoid a confrontation with Victoria on his own with Bella in tow, that he and Bella will need to leave Forks and head to their property in Canada. Along the way Bella takes her future into her own hands and has a conversation with Carlisle about what she wants, and why she wants it.

"I agree with everything you've said and I understand it. The bond you feel for Edward runs deep, and it runs both ways. You are vulnerable, especially if we have conflict ahead of us, and if something were to happen to you, it would destroy him. I don't want to lose either of you, and I certainly won't lose both. I know you understand the consequences of this choice. If you want me to change you, I will."

"Thank you," I said in an exhale. If I could have hugged him, I would, but the safety harness kept me in my seat.

This story is listed as a Bella story, and it really truly is, she interacts the most with Carlisle but it is all canon pairings. Each member of the family comes back and helps her train and she is allowed the ability to face her enemy on her own. Edward returns as well and sees that she isn’t a fragile human that needs him to protect her all of the time, but in fact a powerful vampire that can take matters into her own hands when necessary.

Again, this one is a quick five chapters about thirty thousand words. LaTessitrice gives a stronger, more confident Bella and I love the fact that Edward doesn’t return right away. It gives Bella time to grow as a vampire on her own for a bit, and while the story of course has a HEA it gives us a unique perspective into what Bella could have become had Edward believed in her a little bit more from the beginning. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Banner by JaimeArkin

WIP of the Week 8/1/11-8/7/11

Pocket Change by aWhiteBlankPage

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7122044/1/Pocket_Change

Review by phoebes.promise

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

Summary: Change is the only constant. Hanging on is the only sin." -Denise McCluggage. Brought together by tragedy, pulled apart by fear. The secrets she keeps and the lies he tells himself. Their history unfolds as they find their way back.

Direct and deliberate, captivating and visceral… aWhiteBlankPage weaves a beautiful, unique narrative laden with raw, real emotion. Pocket Change powers through the open, grabbing your heartstrings and never letting go…

After all this time, there is one thing that I know for sure: fast or slow, piercing or silent, change is nothing but a thief in the night.

My mother claimed to love change. Charlie feared it. And then there was Edward. Edward changed everything, but I couldn't let myself keep him.

Storytelling paced perfect, told alternatively from both Edward and Bella, we brace for a journey through shared tragedy and heartbreak. Professional success masks desperate and hollow motions of life and other love. Yet, physical distance and detachment fails to remedy the ever present regret of a love lost. Reality and consequence sting with palpable pain for Bella…

Edward.

And it's as if the ground has dropped out from under me.

My insides feel as if they are about to combust.

He brushes past me without a word or even a glance.

Nothing.

If it's possible to look through someone, he has accomplished it. I don't know what I was expecting.

I stand frozen, holding the door open. For a brief moment I wonder if it's possible that he's erased me from his memory.

He's at Alice's side. He looks different. Older. He looks the same. He looks like my Edward. He's not. I'm being selfish for wanting his attention. He's here for Alice. It's been years. He probably let go of me a long time ago. And yet somehow, I almost expected him to take one look at me and realize that it's not over. That it will never be over.

Even after all of these years, his voice is like home.

And equally for Edward…

"I should have said yes."

Everything goes cloudy. Bella's face crinkles as the tears fall freely and the words tumble out.

The words that I always wanted to hear but told myself I never would.

I want to believe her but I don't know how.

My fingers twitch to wipe her tears away, but my mind knows that she doesn't want it.

Even in a rumpled dress, sniffles and crying, she is still beautiful. More beautiful than I remembered. And even after all this time, she still doesn't know it.

"I shouldn't have proposed."

To fully appreciate the immeasurable void they’ve left in each other’s lives, this first time author employs bittersweet flashbacks. The past is consciously peppered through each and every chapter. The sweetest young love, a romantic telling of two tender souls bleeding from tragedy and loss. Romantic memories, a progression of first love so gentle, the innocence takes your breath away…

I pick up the blanket and start to wrap it around her before she has a chance to protest.

"Edward, what are you doing?"

When I pick Of Mice and Men up from it's resting spot, I get that smile. So I read, out loud.

"You have to do the voices."

"The what?"

"Lennie and George! They don't sound the same. You have to do the voices."

I look over the page and of course it's all dialogue.

I am not doing the voices.

Except I will and I do.

Stumbling over the words, trying not to die of embarrassment, I read page after page. Bella is in hysterics for most of it. And I realize that today is the first time that I've really heard her laugh like that. Like she means it.

After her giggling subsides, I still feel a little ridiculous, reading to her like a children's librarian. When I look up, there is still a smile, but in her eyes this time.

"Go on. Steinbeck suits you."

I don't know what that means, but I nod and get back to it.

Twenty minutes later, I glance up from the page and she's asleep. She looks so innocent with her guard down. Like a younger Bella.

I reach my hand out to her face, hovering there. I drop it back down to my side before I do something stupid.

I close the book and I just want to watch her forever. For the longest time, she's completely still, like a doll, but eventually she's fidgeting and mumbling and tangling herself up in the blanket. She's just about the cutest thing I've ever seen.

Soon there is nothing but the sound of the rain hitting the roof, drowning out the world.

I lie down next to her. Close, but not touching.

I whisper into her, "Please." And I don't know what I'm asking for. Maybe everything.

I let my eyes close for just a minute. I can feel her all around me even though she isn't touching me. I want to stay here always. I listen to the rain until there's nothing left.

Past moments of discovery, respite and refuge are set against the most organic and magical of backgrounds. aWhiteBlankPage offers imaginative and meaningful imagery. A quintessential, vast and vacant barn exists, seemingly for a pure and absolute reason. A place to share their darkest moments, to harbor, to escape…

I step off the back porch and into the trees like I'm getting on the 6 train downtown. I don't stop. I'm not sure where I'm going. I'm not sure how I would know if I'm lost. I feel like she's one step ahead of me, and if I can only go fast enough, I'll catch her. I walk like I'm going somewhere. There is a sense of calm in my chest that I haven't felt in a long time, maybe ever.

An old barn sits in the distance. Even from here, I can tell it is long abandoned. The elements have beaten the whitewashed walls for decades. Moss and lichen have made purchase on the pitched roof. The heavy barn doors remain permanently open, resigned to the fact that this structure is now only home to bats and field mice.

I walk tentatively towards it. Rays of light filter in through the siding. Everything is so alive. Old buildings have seen so much. The walls and beams probably hold thousands of stories.

I walk through the massive doors, out of the wind. The wooden support beams have been gnawed to toothpicks in several spots. The place still smells like animals. Horses, cows, goats. I don't know. I don't know about these kinds of things.

I climb a rickety old ladder up to some kind of loft. This space belongs to somebody. At least it did once.

I feel like I'm trespassing and I probably am. There are stacks of books all around. The classics, mostly. A plaid wool blanket lies folded in the corner. I stand on the top rung of the ladder, not wanting to disrupt the little city of books.

The air changes. I'm not alone. I can feel it.

The effectiveness to which this tale is told leaves the emphatic promise of a happy resolution a welcomed relief. Stylistically intense and powerful, Pocket Change consumes and stirs. Affairs of a regretful heart are so, so complicated and when written and detailed well as aWhiteBlankPage does… it simply overwhelms in the best of ways. Residual pain, love and time lost can settle. And a future wide and wanting can tease…

Be sure to pause and peek at the stunning and lovely image of the barn on the author’s profile page. Often the quietest places and pieces are the most significant, the most special…

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