Amber1983's Rec of the Week: 4/30/12

Feisty in Four Inch Heels by MarLea Pie

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7419593/1/Feisty_in_Four_Inch_Heels

Review by Amber1983

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

Summary: I organize Events for a living; Weddings are a different kind of hell. Try planning a wedding when the brother of the bride is an infuriating, arrogant, breathtaking man, constantly at odds with your opinion…evil in Armani. God help me, I wanted more…

Less than two chapters in, I knew I simply had to choose Feisty in Four Inch Heels as my debut review for Indie Fic Pimp. MarLea Pie’s well-written tale of fun, fashion and the filthiest-talking Edward you’ll ever encounter has captured my heart, and lead to me consuming all 14 posted chapters in mere days.

Sassy and sexy, event planner Bella gets more than she bargains for when she stumbles upon the stunning Edward playing piano alone in the dark at one of her regular venues. After a rocky first meeting the pair experience one of the hottest slow dances I’ve ever read:

The piece ended but we remained wrapped in each other. His fingers at my back had splayed his pinky almost, but not quite teasing, a smidge too low, for a bit too friendly contact. Don't get me wrong – I wasn't complaining, especially since I was close to outright fondling the hair at the nape of his neck. 

Our breaths mingled. I could almost feel the air around us steaming; it was intense with him so close. 

I felt possessed by him. 

His beauty, his harshness. 

His voice, his fingers. 

His movement, his laughter. 

His scent, the scent of his breath, the breath that came from his lips, the lips I wanted to taste. 

And Taste. 

 And Taste. 

And TASTE. 

I willed myself to concentrate. The look in his eyes reflected mine. 

 Lust and Want. 

My gaze fell to his mouth and my lips parted, the tip of my tongue barely escaping. I couldn't look directly at him, I would pounce for sure. 

Things get complicated when Bella discovers that Edward is in fact the brother of her biggest client, and apparently off limits. The push and pull of their UST is truly captivating; in every scene you know that they are only moments away from giving in to their desires, and their verbal sparring is merely foreplay.

MarLea’s writing style flows beautifully, making FiFIH truly a pleasure to read, whilst her vivid imagery has you feeling every single moment alongside her characters:

It was like I had never been kissed; kissing before this was nothing, menial, not even a blip on the radar of what he was giving me now. They shouldn't even have been considered kisses. What he was doing to me now, this was better than any caress I had ever read, watched or dreamed of. He was achingly delicious. My fingers threaded through his soft sexy hair and I angled my head slightly, thrusting my tongue deeper into his warm mouth, hungry for him, hungry for more. More, please let me have more… 

I love that this story is set in Canada, and the best part about this is that Edward speaks French - and boy does he speak it! Dirty talking Edward is my kryptonite and juicy morsels like this had me truly tingling:

"I want to fuck your mouth. I want to watch your beautiful lips wrap around my cock. And when I cum - because you're going to make me cum Isabella - I want you to swallow." 

MarLea clearly knows her stilettos from her Mary Janes and it's so refreshing to find a Bella who loves fashion and looking great and doesn't only want to slop around in her Converse. I adore the way MarLea artfully runs this theme throughout, and uses it to complement the plot rather than detract from it:

"His nearness made every inch of me fill with warmth; the things his voice could do to my body alone had me trembling in my BCBG Booties."
 

There is another scene that may just be the sexiest moment I've ever witnessed in a shoe store.

It's very easy to fall in love with these two. Edward is sexy and kind with just the right amount of arrogance, whilst Bella is strong, funny and not afraid of going after what she wants. Interesting turns of phrase like "my heart liquefied in my chest" and "Did she break me, even before she could fix me?" make this story really stand out.

Their interactions will certainly have your heart racing, both from the emotion and the incredible sex scenes; some of the best citrus I've seen in a long while:

Then his mouth enveloped my right peak, nipping it between his teeth as his fingers pinched and lengthened the other and it was there, the spark, except it wasn't a spark anymore, it was a flame, it was a fire, and it was growing, overtaking me, spreading through my body from deep deep deep inside my belly, to my legs, to my chest, to the tips of my fingers, and the tips of my toes, and I rode him, overtook him and I felt him watch me let go… 

"Yes, baby, cum for me, I want it, I want you…" he growled, then his teeth scraped at the sensitive skin of my neck right below the lobe of my ear and grazed down until he hit the spot where my neck met my shoulder and he bit, and I couldn't feel pain, only outstanding pleasure, and it was enough to break skin, enough to show me he owned me, and I was there, over the peak, soaring, exploding, like never before. 

The supporting characters in FiFIH definitely shouldn't be overlooked either, from Rosalie and Emmett's hilarious meddling to Seth as Bella's adorable brother, and not forgetting the creepy Royce, they are all fantastically drawn.

MarLea Pie has exceptional writing ability and a great storyline. The heartfail of the prologue has left me anxious for the future of her characters but I have every faith in her abilities to reach a brilliant conclusion. From the lush lemons to the language to the Louboutins, this is a roller coaster ride you won't want to miss.

One Shot of the Week: 4/24/12

Wherever You Go by Messy Bar & theswandive

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7149666/1/Wherever_You_Go

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

Summary: Collaboration with theswandive. Our donation to Fandom Fights Mental Illness. Summary: The old adage is true...you don't know what you've got until it's gone. Rated M for language.

New Fic of the Week: 4/24/12

Hold Me Down by peristew

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7949385/1/Hold_Me_Down

Review by Lemon Charlotte

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

Summary: Not me. That's who this girl is. She is not me. And for the first time, Edward wants someone who is not me. The tequila sits at the bottom of my stomach and begins to grow tentacles. I am tequila brave. 

I'm not ready to sit down and play nice, so I make a b-line to the bathroom. 

Standing in front of a sink, staring at my reflection in the dull mirror, I touch my lips, remembering the feel of his—the lips I know so well. It had been too long since I last kissed Edward, since before he last kissed me. 

This is familiar territory, this…game… I guess you could call it a game. We play it often, and I always win. Tonight he is putting up a fight. He wants me to believe it's over. 

It can't be over. 

A thickness builds in my throat, and I swallow it down. No tears, please. The thickness builds again, and I spit into the sink and lock my jaw to keep my tears from escaping. 

Pull it together,Bella.

What if Bella is the bad guy?

Hold Me Down opens with Bella rushing to meet her friends for their weekly Thursday night meet-up. Three guys and her, friends since first grade, only this week Edward is bringing along a date. She’s nervous, and edgy and immediately there’s tension in the air. This night is not going to end well because this is no tale of unrequited love, or unresolved attraction. Edward and Bella were already lovers, until some time in the recent past, when, it seems, Edward could bear Bella’s messed up games no longer and cut her loose. This particular night in the bar, it’s hard to see why Edward would want to be with her at all. She’s selfish and at times cruel, treating both Edward and his new girl with scant respect. Clearly, she doesn’t care for herself much either. Yet she’s in agony, albeit of her own making, and it’s impossible not to feel her pain. As for Edward, he’s determined to make things work with his new girl. But Bella just won’t leave him be. Peristew had me gripped from the start.

The story of Bella and Edward’s long friendship unfolds, with revealing glimpses from their first meeting at age seven and throughout their school years. It becomes clear that for Edward at least, she has always been more than a friend:

By the time we were freshmen in high school, Edward and I had explored a little more than each other's mouths. 

"Are you my girlfriend?" he asked. 

We were lying on his bed and had just finished rounding second base. His hand was up my shirt, his palm flat and warm against my stomach. The spot just beneath my earlobe was still tingling from the way he had suckled on it—pulling at the delicate skin with his lips, bringing the rosy blood up, just to the surface. 

"Oh, um… we're friends." I shrugged and sat up, scooting to the edge of his bed. 

"So, you do this with Jasper and Jake?" The expression on his face was disbelieving, with his brows furrowed and his mouth slightly agape, as he joined me at the edge 

"Ew, no. Edward… it's fun, isn't it?" I hopped to my feet and stood in front of him, wrapping my arms around his warm neck. 

His evergreen eyes narrowed and did a full left-to-right sweep. 

"Okay …you're not my girlfriend, but you're not just my friend?" 

That was a subject that came up more and more. What was this? What were we? 

I didn't want to know....Leaning in, I sucked on his bottom lip, before slipping my tongue inside his mouth. Kissing was easier than talking. It was easier than telling him things he didn't want to hear.

 Bella has never been able to give more. Edward has been so sweet, so kind, so decent, it seems, patiently fulfilling the role of fuck buddy for too long. Don’t get me wrong, this Bella is strong, feisty, loyal and game. But she has hurt and used our boy. It’s not his story, but Peristew lingers over his clear anguish.

He shook his head as he moved toward me, his steps slow and prowl-like. He reached out, his fingers hooking into the belt loops of my jeans, and he pulled me to him. He had gotten so tall, just in the past few months. He towered over me, forcing me to stare up at him. He pressed a soft kiss to my lips once, twice, then one more time before capturing my lips in this near-desperate way. 

I backed off a little, but he held me tighter, his forehead pressing against mine. "Don't pull away from me." He was nearly begging. Kissing me again, he urged me to keep going. "No one's here," he murmured, curling his fingers around my neck, pulling me closer. "Don't pull away…" He pressed his body into me until there was no space between us. Placing his hands at my sides, he gripped me tightly, like he was holding me in place, like if he let go, I would run away. He may have been on to something.

Between these glimpses of the past and the present Bella has had a change of heart. We don’t know why. What we do know is that Bella is desperate, and will stop at nothing to get Edward back, flirting recklessly in front of him and all of their friends in a sad and frightening bid for his attention. I am not sure yet, why she wants this. I am not even sure that I want this for Edward. Bella is damaged, their relationship dysfunctional. We don’t know how much pain Edward’s endured at this stage. Is Bella likely to change for the better? I don’t know. And this is what makes this story intriguing at just five chapters in. I love angst. I think this story will have it in spades and on both sides. Fasten your seatbelts, we could be in for a bumpy ride.

Banner by JaimeArkin

Completed Fic of the Week: 4/24/12

Summerboy by Little Miss Mionie

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6666188/1/Summerboy 
Review by AnonymouslySufferingFromOCD

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

Summary: Every summer, Edward was Bella's secret escape from wintry Forks. Her worlds collide after "the incident" occurs, and Bella can't hide from the whispers at school saying she deserved what happened. AH, Edward/Bella 

Bella Swan is the typical snarky popular girl at Forks High School. Her and her friends rule the school. After Bella’s mom, Renee, leaves when she is three, she grows up around the kids in her area and knows what her place is, people look up to her and her friends and Bella loves that about her life. Every summer Bella goes to visit Renee in Florida where they vacation at a RV park, and where Bella has a fling with her Summerboy each and every year.

During her junior year, Bella is sexually assaulted by someone who she trusts and she has a hard time moving past it. She only speaks about the incident to a couple of people, her mom, her dad, and, of course, her friends. After her friends share Bella’s story with the entire school she becomes the outcast, most people thinks she got what she deserved due to her blatantly promiscuous ways. That summer she decides confide in Edward and he helps her to forget about what happened to her, at least while she is with him.

The beginning of Bella’s senior year leaves her in an awkward place, she is still upset by what happened to her, and that her friends felt that they should share her life with the rest of the school, but she needs them because she has no one else, she has alienated everyone most of her life. Plus she faces the fact that Florida Bella Swan and Forks Bella Swan’s lives have collided and it may be difficult to find the balance that she needs.

The furious torrent of rain is the soundtrack for my drive to school. I check my make up in my rear-view mirror as I start the engine of my old, faithful Chevy. It looks Bella-Swan-Forks appropriate, I suppose. My Maybelline concealer has done a great job covering up the remnants of the dark corners and large, spindly fingers playing with the thin straps of my white t-shirt that plagued my nightmares. I desperately want to take all of my make up off and go soak up the sun in Florida. 

Edward Cullen is Bella’s Summerboy. He is always there for her and while Bella tries to say that she doesn’t have true feelings for him, deep down Edward knows she loves him as much as he loves her. Relocating to Forks from Florida his senior year, Bella doesn’t give him the warm welcome that Edward expects, instead he learns quickly that the Bella he has grown to love each year in Florida is a completely different person in Forks; or at least she tries to be.

My throat feels dry, and my words stumble over my tongue. Edward waits patiently with an amused expression. As I speak, the amusement slips into concern. 

"I can't deal with this…you…right now," I explain worriedly. "I haven't even dealt with the incident properly – which Charlie keeps reminding me of. He's been hinting that I should see a shrink." 

Edward interrupts me before I can finish. "The nightmares are still as bad as they were on vacation?" 

His question distracts me as memories of waking up in the dark, sweating, to find Edward's strong arms cradling me, infiltrate my mind. 

I nod my head a little, embarrassed by his concern. I don't like showing my weakness like that – and he had been privy to all of it. I continue to talk for fear if I don't get it out now, I never will. 

"You moving here out of the blue just blew me away," I admit slowly. "I don't know what to think. I don't even know who I'm meant to be here anymore. I feel like the same sad girl from last summer." 

Edward looks even more concerned by this. "Bella — " he starts again in a low voice. 

I can hear the pleading tone in my voice. "Can we just pretend that we don't screw around every vacation? That we don't know each other?" 

"Screw around?" Edward's eyes narrow. I think I've hurt him. "Is that what we do?" 

It takes some time for Bella to let Edward tear down her walls. He has to break through the snark and help her work through her issues. Bella doesn’t make it easy that is for sure. On top of it all they have to deal with typical high school drama, plus overcome what has happened to Bella. Of course, this is Edward and Bella so you can’t help but root for them through it all. If you like some drama and you don’t mind high school fics, I think you will really enjoy this one.

WIP of the Week: 4/24/12

Letting Down The Walls 

by Edwards My Obsession 1971

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7554892/1/Letting_Down_the_Walls
Review by Agrutle

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

Summary: Bella is a transfer to U Dub from Phoenix with severe self-esteem issues from a chronic disease. Edward is a med school student seeing patents at his Dad's practice. When they meet, will Bella let Edward in her life or is she too damaged for love?

Bella leaves Phoenix to give her mom and new stepdad a chance at some space. She moves to Seattle to start her junior year at U Dub. Bella is plagued with psoriasis and as a result she has spent the last seven years being somewhat of a recluse. Going to school and reading, that’s her life. She’s hoping that she can start over and have a new life. Who she has for a roommate, though, isn’t what she was expecting.

"HI! I'm Alice! We are going to be roommates and the best of friends! I can see it! What's your name? Where are you from? What's your major? Oh, do you like to shop? I hope so because we need an outfit for the Back to School party next weekend! Do you have a boyfriend? Mine's named Jasper; well Jazz for short and you will meet him later. He lives on the sixth floor. I love your hair! I'm a fashion design major and I'm starting my junior year. I'm from the outskirts of Seattle but my parents thought my brother's and I needed to learn to live independently so this is my first year in the dorms. Oh and you will meet my brothers later too. Well one anyhow. Emmet is here at U Dub and he rooms with Jazz and his girlfriend, Rosalie will be rooming with us but she won't be here till tomorrow. My other brother lives off campus and his name is…" Alice rambled on and on and on without taking a breath. 

"Uh, wow." I cut her off before she passed out from not breathing. "I'm Isabella Swan from Arizona but please call me Bella. I'm glad to meet you, Alice. Uh, I'm a literary major," I have been placed with the Energizer Bunny on crack. 

"I am sorry to be such a spaz but this is sooo exciting, don't ya think?" Alice said as she grabbed my arm and spun me around in a full circle and shrieked. "I know you, Rose and I will have so much fun together! Which bed do you want?" 

Random much? Hello? Oh shut up Bella, be nice. She is just trying to be nice to you. Take a deep breath. Where is my Xanax? I may need one ASAP. Now I'm having an inner monologue. I've officially lost it. 

She doesn’t know how to handle people that are nice to her. What she dealt with before were people that didn’t understand what her disease was so they made fun and acted as if they would be able to catch it. Alice, Rose, Jasper and Emmett are they opposite. They are warm, welcoming and they want her to be a part of their group, their family. Bella just can’t believe that these beautiful ‘normal’ people want to be her friend and accept her no matter what. Coincidentally her new doctor is in a practice with Alice and Emmett's dad, Carlisle. Edward is a med student and is shadowing a doctor at Seattle Memorial's Dermatology Institute. He has worked his ass off the last five years, not only taking regular classes but summer courses as well. He wants to help people like his dad does. His first day he is given a list of patients and their files to get acquainted with and Isabella Swan is one of those patients.

 "Isabella? My name is Dr. Edward Cullen, but please call me Edward," I said as I stuck out my hand to her.

I looked up to her face and was met with the deepest, chocolate brown eyes I had ever seen. Soulful and intelligent but I could sense pain as well in their depths. Before me sat a beautiful young woman, with soft features and a head full of chestnut hair that curled softly around her heart-shaped face. What I saw was simply a natural beauty with a horrible disease.

"Uh, yeah, but I like to uh, be called Bella," came a voice so quiet that I had to strain my ears to make out all the words as she raised her hand to meet mine and I enclosed her tiny hand in my large one.

When we touched I was immediately hit with a jolt that felt like a lightening strike had gone straight through my body. What the hell was that? I need to remember to make sure to wear my anti-static tennis shoes next time. This tile must have caused the shock. I felt the need to say something in apology since her breathing had gone slightly erratic and she already seemed to be trying to calm herself from the nerves of the visit. I was a little thrown myself so I just went into professional mode.

Instant attraction for both parties is there. Edward can’t get Bella out of his head and not in a doctor way. He wants more with her. Little does he know that Bella wants more from him as well but doesn’t see herself worthy of his appreciation or attention. She believes she is the only one that is attracted but that is soon put to rest when Edward shows up when the group is out at a club. After talking and dancing, Alice asks Edward to take Bella home because Jasper’s truck is cramped. Edward jumps at the chance and he takes a leap of faith.

"Bella. I know you're afraid of letting down your guard. Hell, I am too. But I really do like you. Inside and out. I want to get to know you better and I know that you may not be ready for that step so I am willing to take things as slowly as you want. If friendship is all we can have then so be it." 

I watched as the tears began to fall freely down her face as she stared into my eyes. She was silent for what seemed like forever and I was afraid that I had really scared her away with my bluntness. She wiped the tears as much as she could and took a deep breath before she made her reply as she shook her head. 

"Edward. I have no idea what is happening here. I mean, I've never had "this" with a guy at all. I wouldn't know what to do! But I feel this draw to you and I haven't been able to get you off my mind since we met. I'm scared of letting someone in. It's taken a lot for me to let Alice and Rose into my life and I've barely been around Jasper and Emmet. So I don't know what to do. My heart says yes but my mind is all over the place." 

"Then we will learn this together, Bella." 

Bella's breath caught and she shook her head again. 

"Why would you want me? I'm not whole. You've seen my skin and you know that it can get worse in just a matter of days. You're obviously gorgeous, successful and you need someone that matches you. I'm never going to be that girl. I'll always be an ugly duckling that will never be a swan." 

"Then it will be my mission to show you how wrong you are, Bella. I've seen you, that's true and I want you to know that I don't see the psoriasis at all. I see you for the beautiful, soulful, smart woman that you are," I pleaded. 

She never broke her eyes from mine and I knew this was terribly difficult for her. Please, God. Let her say yes! 

"Alright. I'll try to do this, Edward. You have to be patient with me and let me go if I hold you back," Bella said as more tears trickled down onto her cheeks. 

 "I will be whatever you need, Bella. Thank you for saying yes. Now, let's get you home." 

Bella and Edward begin a relationship that has its normal ups and downs but you also get to see Bella blossom under Edward’s love and attention. Come check out this wonderful story and see the love that Bella and Edward have for each other help Bella accept who she is and what her disease can’t cover up. Leave the author some love while you're there!

One Shot of the Week: 4/16/12

I'm Never Far Behind by duskri123

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6729002/1/Im_Never_Far_Behind

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Hurt/Comfort
Characters: Peter & Charlotte

Summary: Sometimes you need to ask. Sometimes you need to beg. Other times you need to fight. Running isn't cowardly when it's saving yourself for something better. Running is just another way to fight. They chose to run. Peter/Char. Side-shot for Someday.Rated M.

New Fic of the Week: 4/16/12

Cooking for Dummies by Nikita2009

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7932246/1/Cooking_for_Dummies

Review by Obsmama

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

Summary: Chef Edward Masen is a talented yet temperamental up and coming chef. Bella Swan is a fiery culinary reviewer who is determined to get out of the shadows of her famous parents. What happens when their worlds collide? AH, OOC

"Hold the door, please!" I called to the back of the tall man walking down the hallway ahead of me. 

I put my head down and walked quicker, trying to juggle my luggage, a paper bag full of groceries, and a steaming hot to go cup of my favorite coffee. 

Any other time, I would have taken a brief moment to ogle his ass as only a woman who has been without sex for way too long can. What? Men do it, so why can't a woman? And a fine ass it was, not that I noticed, obviously too wrapped up in my own personal circus juggling act. 

When I finally made it to the old service elevator behind said owner of nice ass, I heard the tell tale ding that signaled the closing of the doors, my plea obviously ignored. My eyes met the defiant, dark green gaze of the only occupant who winked at me and watched the metal doors slide closed in my face with a smirk on his face. 

Seriously? 

The motherfucker winked at me. 

Motherfucker indeed. This is how we’re introduced to one of the best new stories I have read recently. It’s a story full of snark and food. It’s a story about passion, passion for what you do in life, passion for a stranger that is constantly in your way, passion for the taste and texture of a great piece of fish. I love, love a great, hard workingward, and I think most would agree that chefs do not have an easy job. Its full of heat, long hours, and nasty cleanup, but what Nikita2009 does is bring the grittiness of the kitchen and really turns up the tension. When Edward Masen talks about food, I want to taste what he’s tasting. He’s crass and has balls of steel. He takes no shit and loves what he does. Even if his staff can drive him out of his mind.

"TYLER!"

His head snapped up, only his fearful dark eyes visible above the stainless steel shelving.

"Yes, Chef?"

"In what fucking universe would you willingly send out a choice cut steak that I slaved over the hot fucking stove with a GIANT FUCKING PUBE stuck to the top of it? Is this Pubes R' Us?"

"No, Chef."

"When I say finish a plate off with a garnish, I don't mean your bloody trouser forest, you fucking idiot. Now re-fire me a completely new plate." I slammed it down in front of him and was satisfied when he jumped at the sound. "I want to see you display your considerable culinary prowess in five fucking minutes or you're toast. Got it?"

"Yes, Chef."

"Good. Now try to not blow up my fucking kitchen while I poison myself with nicotine for five fucking minutes." I grabbed my smokes out of my office and angrily pushed past my line cooks, who included a smirking tiny brunette who shared eyes the same shade as mine and considerably less of a temper.

Then we have Bella full of fire and a Seattle food critic who feels like she’s missing something in life. When she’s assigned Masen’s on 5th as her next review, she might just find that something. One bad review, a few nasty emails and I see fireworks headed our way. The humor is fantastic, the characters are well throughout and endearing (what? I think a foul-mouthed, tatted chef is endearing, sue me). I can’t wait to see the adventure these two go on with love and food at Masen’s on 5th.

"After hearing from several local celebrated food blogs about what a gastronomic epiphany Edward Masen's restaurant "Masen's on 5th" is, I had high hopes about being wowed by something new and different. Unfortunately, the meal wowed me, but not in the positive way one might have expected. For such a renowned and celebrated chef in the community, my high hopes were instantly dashed by the lack of prompt service and basic lack of general cooking techniques. The wait staff was friendly, but the long wait itself was ridiculous. My halibut with lemon butter sauce was nothing to write home about, and the fact I had to ask for it to be cooked twice was, for lack of a better word, underwhelming. If you're going to try something at this restaurant, try the Minestrone, the only shining bit of genius I happened to eat during the evening. In short: In a visit to Masen's on 5th, try the soup, skip the fish." 

Maybe fall in love?

Completed Fic of the Week: 4/16/12

Not Going There by luckyirishtart

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7518708/1/Not_Going_There

Review by Agrutle

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

Summary: When a dangerous job leaves Bella striving for balance, and an uncertain future leaves her yearning for normalcy, will a familiar face from her past risk all her careful plans? AH

Newly single Bella moves back to Forks to start a new life. Going home, however, isn’t as easy as she thought it was going to be. Her first night on the job at the Forks Police Department, Bella gets injured while taking down a perp. Shortly after this she meets the new deputy sheriff, who happens to be Edward Cullen, brother to her high school best friend, Alice. Not only is Bella trying to start over, she also has a policy of not dating cops. Reasons for which she explains to Edward.

"I won't bore you with the 'whys' because the 'how' is what's important. " 

He looked at me, and like a dam, I burst. 

"Katie was two when I quit the force to stay home with her. It was my choice, ya know? My mom…well, I wanted my daughter to have something different. So, there I was, the stereotypical 'stay at home mom', baking and cleaning and hooked on SpongeBob against my will. I'd lost touch with my co-workers, had no clue on the gossip at the station besides what I picked up from James." 

Just remembering it all hurt so damn much. I hated that he'd done what he'd done, but the attention and stares after… 

I cleared my throat. "Anyway. Imagine my surprise when one of the girls from administration called me out of the blue. She said she couldn't stand it anymore, that she felt bad for being part of my husband making a fool out of me. Maybe that was the truth, or maybe she was just mad 'cause he'd moved on from her to my ex-partner, I don't even know…" 

 "Shit…Bella, I had no idea—". 

After being upfront and honest with Edward about her policy, Edward tells her he wants to be her friend, if it is all he can be.

Bella decides she can’t be a hermit, and she takes a chance and goes on a date with Riley. It’s going great, but then her mind starts wandering and wish that Edward was on the other side of the table. She begins to think she was too hasty in making a ban on dating other law enforcement officers. Luckily other forces help her decide what she should do and finding Edward on her porch after her date was just the push she needed. They start seeing each other, but keep things quiet until Bella is ready to share with the world.

"You told me when you first came back that you took something from me and wanted to do your best to give it back," I said, struggling for the words I wanted to say. "I think I've figured it out." 

"Yeah? What was that?" 

"My heart." 

He ducked down, kissed the side of my mouth. "Ding, ding, ding." 

"It's yours to keep, you know…" 

He smiled and replied, "I think it's just the hair." 

I slapped him lightly on the chest and tried to pull away, but he held me fast, his expression happy. Mine felt the same—my face hurt from the mega-watt smile I was displaying. 

"How dare you mock me in my confessions of love," I teased, twisting away to sit up some. 

"Say it," he said holding me fast and not letting me get away. 

"I love you, Edward Cullen. Always have." 

This time I was positive the pure joy on his face mirrored mine. 

They fall into a simple routine of spending time alone when they can and spending time with together with Katie. Sadly though, Bella’s ex-husband, James decides to come back into the picture more regularly. It seems that his purpose is to make Bella’s life harder than it is. He seems like he loves his daughter and wants to be with her and making things crappy for Bella is a perk.

Luckyirishtart has a way of making you feel like you’re sitting in the room watching the story instead of reading it. Head on over and check out what is going on in Bella’s world because I can tell you there are some things that I left out that you will want to read. I can’t give away all the goods can I? Make sure you let her know you love it with a review!!

WIP of the Week: 4/16/12

An Italian Winter by Raum

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7541183/1/An_Italian_Winter

Review by Camilla10

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

Summary: His rebellion began for a reason; it still holds true and brought him to Italy. His life's been predicated on revenge for decades; forgiveness seems impossible. When Edward meets Bella, only a winter separates him from his last prey & his own destruction.

I have had the pleasure to pre read this fic and at the beginning I could not believe that The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, a comedy of mores, could be the inspiration for a very dramatic supernatural plot. But Raum made it happen and the story is gripping. This Edward did not have a happy and secure childhood, safe in Chicago with loving parents until the influenza struck. Like Earnest, Edward was abandoned by a mother who evidently could not afford to keep him.

Passed from an orphanage to the next one, unloved and unwanted, Edward ended up in the streets, victimized by bullies, until he got the influenza and was taken to a hospital to die. In his delirium he called a blond, angelic doctor “father”, and that made Carlisle do the unthinkable.

So for the newborn the transformation was not a tragedy, he loved and trusted his sire and did his best to adhere to his way of life. He was happy with his adoptive mother and siblings and never touched a drop of human blood until the fateful night when he had reason to think that Carlisle had betrayed him. I won’t tell you what Carlisle did, but it was a serious mistake on his part, one that enraged Edward and drove him away from the family.

"Can't you trust me more and believe that I only wanted to protect you?" 

"How? By taking away my choices?" I provoked. 

"I am here to help you to move on," he offered. "We are all here for you." 

"Have you told them?" I couldn't imagine what I would do if Esme and the others had known what Carlisle had discovered, and they'd kept it from me. 

"No," he murmured. "I've been the only one dealing with the truth. I'd do anything to spare you from suffering more than you have already." 

He was quiet but allowed me to read his thoughts. He had hoped that I would have found my mate, and that her love would have healed me, even if my family's acceptance wasn't enough. He had even hoped my human memories would fade after so many decades. Then the truth wouldn't hurt me as much. But his compassion only made my rage greater. 

"Damn you and your principles! My life with your coven ends tonight." 

Now on his own, the existence of Edward is a long descent into Hell. His mindreading helps him to get money both in gaming houses and in the stock exchange, but the time comes when he will taste his first human. When we meet him in the story he is in Italy where he plans to find his by-the-Volturi-death, as he loathes what he has become, but, first, he will have his perfect revenge over Carlisle. He will kill his last human victim, chosen for a reason.

However, destiny intervenes in the form of a pretty human girl, his neighbor in the Tuscan town he is temporarily living in. This Bella, a young teacher, has also secrets of her own, but the chemistry between the two is immediate and unavoidable. Will it be enough to stop Edward from the course he has chosen? Don’t take it for granted, the hurt is too deep, as shown by this last telephone call between Edward and Alice.

"Whatever you've done, you know that Carlisle would forgive you," she tried again. 

The phone cracked in my fist but didn't break. "What are you saying?" I growled. "He would forgive me? What does he have to forgive?" 

Nothing had changed, nothing ever would. For all of them, Carlisle would always be the perfect father, the one who knew best – the guide who, in his great magnanimity, was ready to welcome back the black sheep. He had betrayed my trust and kept the truth from me, but still, I was the one who needed to be forgiven. Alice didn't relent, desperate to find a way to bring me back. 

"You aren't the first of us who's had a moment of weakness. Emmett slipped, too..." 

"Slips?" I yelled. "Who do you think you're talking to? I've killed, Alice, and I'll do it again. After all these years, can you admit that they were my choices and not just instances of distraction?" 

"Why?" She asked, anguished. "Carlisle has always refused to tell us what happened between you and him, and you certainly didn't share anything with us." 

"I can't say I don't appreciate that he didn't spill my secrets to you," I admitted. "But maybe he did so only because he didn't want you to think less of him. He must remain the perfect one, right? The infallible vampire, the good doctor, the loving father. Right?" I mocked. 

The story runs in parallel between the present and flash backs of the past – so that the readers can learn what brought Edward to these straits.

I hope you will read An Italian Winter and love it as I do. It is still a WIP, but the draft is complete and Raum is a fast and dependable updater.

Reviewers get a little virtual gift, and there is a literary suggestion, linked to the story, at the end of each chapter. Happy reading!

One Shot of the Week: 4/9/12

Unlawful B & E by Morgan Locklear

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7071992/1/Unlawful_B_E

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

Summary: One shot written for Southern FanFiction Review. From the roomy back seat of their Cadillac Imperial, to the sweaty piles of money in a bank vault they're robbing; Bella and Edward are not just unlawful, they're unstoppable. AH

New Fic of the Week: 4/9/12

C'est La Vie by busybrie

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7767546/1/Cest_La_Vie

Review by Maxandmo

Rating: M
Genre: Romance
Characters: Edward & Bella

Summary: Hollywood, 1929. Actress Bella Swan's life seems perfect, but something is missing. When she meets musician Edward Cullen in a hotel speakeasy, she discovers love despite all boundaries, but can it survive?

Set in Hollywood in 1929 with Bella as an actress and Edward as a musician, C'est La Vie by busybrie has the beginnings of a great story. There are currently four chapters posted, and the story is very well written. The prologue is written in third person, followed by two in Isabella's POV, and the next in Edward's.

Isabella Swan dreams of being an actress and has bought a one-way ticket out of Forks much to her mother's dismay. If it were up to her mother, Isabella would get the 'dream' out of her system and settle down with a nice young man for marriage and children.

 "There's still time to change your plans, Isabella," she remarked after several minutes of insufferable silence. I had been waiting for her arguments to begin again, just as they had during my morning bath, as I'd gotten dressed, and as I prepared for the journey. "But there won't be once you board that train." 

I kept my face tilted down. I couldn't look into her piercing, judgmental gaze, and the hollow way it wordlessly accused me of abandoning my family for nothing. I pushed the plate away from the edge of the table and shrugged, eyeing the valises that had been stacked in the foyer. Only a handful of minutes left. 

"I'm certain this is what I want." If I answered any more thoroughly, I was afraid I was going to crack. I had been having this argument with Mother for months, and while I knew I would win, and had won, that didn't ease my fears. The day had finally come, and I was uneasy enough without her added commentary. 

Charlie enters as her secretly supportive father. He wishes her nothing but the best and believes in her.

Isabella quickly finds that Hollywood is much more challenging than she thought it would be. She appreciates the weather, though is not a fan of the smog. She quickly starts to go on auditions but her nerves seem to get in the way when it's time for her to prove herself. She first meets Edward Masen on the way to her first audition. She is late and asks the street musician for directions.

He can immediately tell that she is of a higher social status, and feels that she's looking down upon him. He's homeless, and depends on people to put money in his cup. He also sometimes performs at speakeasies, though they are sometimes closed down unexpectedly leaving him penniless.

We quickly learn a little bit of Edward's back story. His parents are dead and Esme and Carlisle took him in. He refuses to let them take care of him anymore and vows to one day take care of them.

As I walked down the creaking stairs toward the street, I turned back to face the house. The shingles were falling from the roof while black, dirty smoke billowed from the chimney, and the chains on the window would only hold for so much longer. I sighed. I felt as if I was continually taking advantage of them. Every day, I prayed that one day I could give back everything they'd ever given me. 

Life is about to change for Isabella when actress Rosalie Hale follows her out of an audition. She encourages Isabella to audition for a role that Rosalie thinks she'd be perfect for. Will she be the next big Hollywood actress? I encourage you to start reading and find out for yourselves!

Completed Fic of the Week: 4/9/12

Such is My Luck by ImHereToReview

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5900964/1/Such_Is_My_Luck

Review by AnonymouslySufferingFromOCD

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

Summary: Bella's bad luck has landed her in Chicago for a business trip, with no luggage and no hotel room. Her co-worker, Edward, steps in to help! Her luck is about to change. AH. Canon pairings. Fluffy. Rated M for lemony goodness.

When I read this story I instantly fell in love with it. Such is My Luck is a well-written relatively fluffy story, which of course is right up my alley. ImHereToReview gives us a little bit of drama wrapped up with a little bit of funny, and a whole lot of love.

I completely relate with the Bella of this story. She is clumsy, feisty and unlucky, so of course she reminds me of me (or the me that wishes my life could end in a happy ending!). Our story starts with Bella landing in Chicago for a training seminar that she doesn’t want to attend. After deplaning she realizes that her luggage is lost. While not the end of the world, as we all know anything packable is replaceable; it just irritates Bella who already hates this trip. After arriving at the hotel that Bella’s incompetent assistant, Jessica, forgot to book, her irritation level is skyrocketing, and all she wants to do is take a nap.

Bella’s day takes a turn for the better when her co-worker, Edward Cullen, comes to her rescue and offers to share his suite with her. Now, of course for most of us this is a dream come true, and while Bella tends to agree that Edward is the most gorgeous man she has ever laid eyes on and she has had a major crush on him for as long as she can remember, she also knows to steer clear of him because the office chatter says that he is a man whore. Thankfully Bella, although reluctantly, agrees that sharing a room is the best option she has going for her.

"Are you alright Bella?" he breathed out slowly, washing me with a wave of his scent. He held me in place with his gaze. It took me a few seconds to answer. 

"Ummm… yeah… I mean…yes, I'm okay. How are you?" I stammered. 

He smirked with the cutest half smile and whispered, "I'm good… now." He turned his head away a bit at the last part, so I wasn't sure that I had heard him right. "I noticed you were having trouble with your check-in. Are you sure everything is okay?" he asked as he leaned in a bit closer with a concerned look on his face. 

I decided to be honest since I really sucked at lying. "Ugh…no, everything is not okay. My assistant apparently didn't think to book a hotel room for me. The flight she can book and even upgrade, but the hotel… no!" I rolled my eyes as I responded with a bit of sarcasm. "I swear I think she can only do one accurate thing a day, before her daily supply of brain cells are used up." 

I snorted at my stupid half-joke before I could fully contain myself. My eyes opened wide when I realized that I had just snorted in front of Edward Cullen. Oh. My. Gosh. I was mortified. 

Edward's small smirk turned into a full blown, orgasm inducing, smile at my antics. Great, wet panties were not in the plans for the day. Hell, I didn't even have any more panties to change into…crap! 

Of course, our hero Edward saves the day, he has to, and office chatter is wrong, a lot…especially in this case when we learn that the hero of this story has crushed on Bella for as long as she has crushed on him. Thankfully, sparks fly between our two favorite characters and it doesn’t take long for them to lose themselves in each other.

 ImHereToReview does a great job with this story and it hasn’t gotten near the love it deserves. It is about seventy-five thousand words, all wrapped up into a quick twenty chapters that include an epi and outtake and I couldn’t help but wish for more as the story came to a close. I am hoping that you will all love it as much as I did and perhaps that might inspire ImHereToReview to write more about these two.

WIP of the Week: 4/9/12

Olly Olly Oxen Free by Dandelion Mind

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7600388/1/Olly_Olly_Oxen_Free

Review by Twilly

Rating: M
Genre: Suspense/Humor
Characters: Edward & Bella

Summary: Until the murders, it was difficult to enjoy anything in this dull town. Now CSI has nothing on my life, and I have my own killer to catch. I just wish I didn't have another mystery to solve. Bella. Just as puzzling, only infinitely more annoying. AH ExB

The combination of being the slowest writer on the planet and that all the focus the ADD meds give me is whittled away by my real life job, means that in mid-March I am still writing the first chapter of that fic I was going to start posting on the first of the year.

On more than one occasion, Dandelion Mind has taken pity on me and agreed to WC with me. Coming to the end of our session, we tease what we’ve been writing. Her tease was a bit of great banter between Edward and Bella cloaked in stealthy suspense. You know how much I love banter!

You don’t? Oh, you must be new. Hi, I’m Twilly; I can’t spell, and I love banter. *curtsy* Nice to meet you.

Although I thought I had checked out her stuff before, I didn’t really recognize what was going on in the tease, so I sucked up my embarrassment and asked.

  

Twilly: I thought I was reading it, but now...what's it called again? 

Dandelion Mind: Olly Olly Oxen Free 

  

On the sly, Twilly Googles Dandelion Mind’s FFn account and reads the summary: 

Until the murders, it was difficult to enjoy anything in this dull town. Now CSI has nothing on my life, and I have my own killer to catch. I just wish I didn't have another mystery to solve. Bella. Just as puzzling, only infinitely more annoying. 

AH ExB Twilight - Rated: M - English - Suspense/Humor - Chapters: 9 - Words: 30,475 - Reviews: 73 - Updated: 3-22-12 - Published: 12-1-11 - Edward & Bella 

Twilly: Suspense/humor, that's an interesting combination, especially, considering the summary. I must read. 

Dandelion Mind: Lolol, those genre selections are questionable, but still, I'd love you to read. 

So, I gave it a whirl. The prologue felt very much like her tease, so I was still intrigued. Edward and Bella are bickering in the woods, looking for “the body,” leading Edward to complain, "Unfortunately, you'll notice, this happens to be the basis of our entire relationship - me, cleaning up your messes!" and Bella to defend, “Relationship! This isn't a relationship! It's a you-telling-me-what-to-do-ship.” 

 I have to admit, I was a little confused. Because the summary made it sound like Edward and Bella were investigating the murders, but the prologue left me wondering if they were committing and covering up the murders. In truth, I’m still confused, because now I’m back to feeling like they’re investigating them. Or maybe investigating some of them and covering one? I don’t know. That’s part of what’s making me read more.

I definitely wanted to read more. The first chapter backs up in time a bit with a teenage Edward complaining about his parents’ habit of collecting orphans since the disappearance of his twin sister years before. Bella is their newest addition, having been recently discovered back in Forks after running away from foster care that she’s been in since her own parents were brutally murdered. I started questioning myself; this is some heavy stuff, so why am I laughing? What is wrong with me?

As I worked my way through the chapters, these two kids have kind of worked their way into my heart and my brain. I love them, and I want to know more about them.

Bella, as she often is, is characterized as the shy and quiet wallflower. One of the things I love about her, though, is that despite her traumatic past, she’s not a pushover, especially when it comes to Edward. I want to figure out what really happened to her when she was missing just after her parents’ death and why they were targeted in the first place. I need to know why she left her previous foster home and where she goes when she disappears every night. (Actually, as of the last chapter, I know that last one. It actually made me cry. But, I’m not telling you. I know you want to know. Go read it!)

Let me tell you how much I love this Edward. He’s is adorable and I want to steal him and keep him in my pocket. Don’t worry; he won’t be lonely, there are other Edwards in there, a couple of Bellas and an Emmett or two.

This Edward is obsessed with TV crime shows, and has pieced together his own CSI kit that he uses slinking around Forks and LaPush in the dark of night and collecting his own evidence. He obviously has his own issues, having lost his twin and then dealing with his parents’ own methods of coping.

The chapters are laugh out loud funny while not making light of Edward and Bella’s traumatic past or the difficulties and challenges they currently face. Olly Olly Oxen Free is definitely worth the read. Dandelion Mind is a sweetheart, even if she didn’t use the awesome chapter title I suggested for chapter eight ("Untitled, because twilly needs it Now"). She even made the awesome banner for this story.

Oh yeah, and there’s Fruit Loop torture. You don’t want to miss that.

One Shot of the Week: 4/2/12

The Only Exception by SunshineGal3

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7241263/1/The_Only_Exception

Rating: M
Genre: Romance
Characters: Jacob & Bella

Summary: Jacob has always been in love with his sister's best friend. The problem? Bella, still recovering from a painful break-up, has a no-relationship policy. Can Jacob convince her to take a chance at love?

New Fic of the Week: 4/2/12

*PULLED*
Name by LitLover808

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7945544/1/Name

Review by Les16

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

Summary: Edward Masen, recently released from parole, meets Bella Swan. As their lives intersect, he realizes he cannot seem to get the beautiful brunette out of his mind or his life. All Human with Regular Pairings.

One of the best parts about helping IndieFicPimp with reviews is when I come across a story that has so much promise I just want to run out and tell everyone to read it. You know just by reading a few words that you've stumbled across something unexpected; you read so fast because you're dying to find out what's going to happen, so fast you have to go back and read again. Your heart beats a little faster, you find yourself gasping here and there, and there might even be a few goosebumps, too. Name by LitLover808 is just such a story.

If tatted-up, lip ring wearing, attitude to spare, mysterious, bad boy Edwards are your thing, then this story is most definitely for you. It's only two chapters in and already there's a plethora of information. Edward's just been paroled. He's friends with and works with Emmett and Jasper in a tattoo shop. He has a history with his seemingly up to no good friend, at least as far as Emmett's concerned, Jake. He's trying to put his life back together when he spies Bella at the bar with her friends, Alice and Rose.

Bella's dealing with her own problems or not, as is the case. She's a teacher and her friends talk her into going out … where Edward sees her for the first time. She goes back to the same bar the next night, to meet a date, where she just so happens to cross paths with the sexy, smirking, lip ring wearing Edward. Their chemistry and instant attraction to each other is so hot, it sizzles.

Exiting the restroom, she looked down the hall and noticed a man leaning against a back wall with a cigarette hanging precariously on his lips. She stopped briefly as she took in the entirety of him: holed jeans, leather jacket, black Vans. 

He had style. And it was obvious how much muscle he was packing underneath his clothing. All she could think about was how defined his abs must be. Would they have that incredible 'V' thing happening? 

Chancing a look at his face, she saw his sculpted profile: strong jaw, long lashes, and—she squinted to get a better look. Was that a lip ring? She felt a familiar rush in her stomach as she took him in. 

She was undeniably attracted him and his messy honey blonde hair. He was a cross between James Dean and Tyler Durden. 

She'd always liked a bad boy. There was something ridiculously attractive about star-crossed lovers. The good girl and the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. 

It was a fantasy. 

It was Sandy and Danny. 

It was absurd the only comparison she could think of had to do with a seventies musical. 

But dammit if she didn't love the idea of it. 

He looked over to his left, his eyes piercing hers. Her mouth was slightly ajar as their eyes locked and he slowly blew smoke out of his mouth in an impossibly sexy way. She couldn't take her eyes off of him and he knew it. She knew he knew it. 

But he wasn't taking his eyes off of her either. 

His lips curled into a smirk. A damn good smirk at that, and she had a feeling it was his trademark. A smirk like that with a face and body like his would leave any girl weak in the knees and begging for more. 

Things don't go so smooth from there, though, because it just so happens that Edward has an as of yet undisclosed past with Bella's date, who is none other than James Hunt.

And then the moment was ruined. It was ruined by the one person he would ever consider murdering in cold blood. 

James Hunt. 

James fucking Hunt. 

Fuck. 

Why in god's name would he be here. And why in the world did he seem relieved to see her? 

He felt his body go numb with rage. He couldn't believe James has the audacity to show his face in this town again let alone the bar he knew Edward frequented. 

 I am dying to see where this new author takes this story and how all these little things she's given us already fit together. Name promises to be full of nail biting drama and some extremely hot UST. I can't wait to see what comes next! With it only being 2 chapters in, now is the perfect time for you to join me on this wild ride. I know you won't be sorry!

Banner by JaimeArkin

Completed Fic of the Week: 4/2/12

The Ranch by EKSmith

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6596533/1/The_Ranch

Review by AnonymouslySufferingFromOCD

Rating: M
Genre: Drama
Characters: Edward & Bella

Summary: After finding himself deep in trouble, Edward accepts an unconventional offer to attend a rehab program for troubled teens and young adults on a ranch in northern Canada. A story of growing, learning and love.

I have two teenage boys so I have a lot of experience in dealing with kids that think they know everything and push the envelope whenever possible. Fortunately for me, my kids haven’t pushed me too far, but if they did I would love to be able to find a place to send them that would give them a fresh start.

The Ranch at Swan Crossing is just that place, at least in the world of fanfiction. In this story Edward Masen is an 18 year old that has been through a lot, his parents died when he was 11 and while he has truly loving adoptive parents in Carlisle and Esme, he has chosen a path that they would prefer he gets off of quickly.

Edward is a troubled teen by definition but he isn’t too bad. He has his flaws and has decided after graduating from high school that taking some time off to party with his friends is a better use of his time. Being the loving nurturing parents that they are Carlisle and Esme begin looking into alternatives for their son, ones that will give him a second chance and set him on the right path.

The Ranch at Swan Crossing is an alternative treatment facility for young adult males facing potential incarceration or other pertinent legal difficulties due to a variety of unfavourable circumstances. Participants will engage in various types of manual and physical labour, animal grooming and training, and other various tasks as directed. Daily chores will be tended to in a timely and productive fashion. Group and one-on-one therapy sessions will be mandatory. Academic upgrading will be offered to individuals requiring such services. 

At "The Ranch" we believe that trust and respect are earned through demonstrating hard work, dedication and commitment to the rehabilitation process. Privileges such as social time, day trips away from the ranch, phone calls home, visitors, etc. are allotted based on appropriate behaviour. Failure to comply with the guidelines of "The Ranch at Swan Crossing" will result in dismissal from the program, which may result in further legal action, depending on your situation prior to entering our facilities. 

Charlie Swan is the owner and operator of The Ranch at Swan Crossing. He runs a ranch in Northern Canada that is essentially a rehabilitation facility where young men learn to work through their issues by working on his ranch. Bella is Charlie’s daughter and after trying to go to college on her own, finds that she does better sticking closer to home and helping her dad out by cooking for the guys and helping out where needed on the ranch. She has grown up around a lot of guys so she doesn’t really take much crap, and she usually doesn’t give the guys on The Ranch a shot at her at all. She meets Edward rather abruptly and things spiral on from there.

"Um, hi," I stammered, while I reached down and plucked a piece of lettuce from her lap. I don't know what made me think that touching her was a good idea, but I wasn't really thinking things through at that moment. 

"Don't!" she barked at me, while she quickly scrambled off the floor. "Watch where you're going – and grab a plate." She stomped off around the corner, leaving the salad bowl and bits of lettuce scattered across the hardwood. 

Edward and Bella have some obstacles to overcome in this story. Edward is at there to work through his issues and become the upstanding person that everyone knows he can be. Bella has a past of her own that she needs to work though so she can open up to someone like Edward. They also have to overcome the fact that he is only there six weeks and they live thousands of miles away from one another.

 With all of that, this Edward and Bella really just suck you in, you will be rooting for Edward, the cocky bad boy, from the very beginning and proud of Bella for knowing when to stand her ground. I don’t always love the younger Edward and Bella stories (well except for the originals) I think because I have teenagers, so it is hard for me to relate, but I really related with this story and was impressed as much with the EKSmith’s writing ability as I was with the storyline itself. This story deserves so much love, and I know that you will love it as much as I did.

WIP of the Week: 4/2/12

Resurrection by TwilightMomofTwo

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5443190/1

Review by IcarusToSun

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

Summary: Without Bella's love, I can merely exist. Now that I've lost her, I am bound to wander this earth, alone and unchanging for eternity. - Edward, attempting to be noble, leaves again after the Night of Tears. Will Bella crumble or run after him? Eclipse/AU.

Some might disagree, but I find it a challenge spotting a good, engrossing AU these days. Part of it could be because I have been reading Twific for so long now, I’ve reached that point where it’s hard for me to come across a story, read the first few chapters, and not feel “been there, done that”.

So, imagine my delight to find a gem like Resurrection by TwilightMomofTwo. It plays on the intriguing “What if” scenario that many of us have speculated on but never been quite satisfied with: What if Edward reacted differently after the fateful night of tears when Bella officially breaks things off with Jake.

The few lines from the letter Edward writes in the opening chapter give the reader a good overview of what lies ahead:

“Dearest Bella, 

I deeply apologize for breaking my promise to never leave again, but it is unbearable to know that I am the cause of so much pain. Your tears last night broke my long-dead heart, knowing I was the reason you cried so desperately. 

But through them and in them, I have found the strength to do what should have done so long ago. I cannot let you give up your happiness for me. 

I cannot justify claiming you for myself when giving up Jacob brings you so much anguish...” (ch 1) 

In the early chapters we get a clear glimpse of the pain and anguish that lay hidden within Edward’s heart. The author does a brilliant job showcasing the deep scars Bella had inflicted on him with sheer ambivalence and disregard.

“She had wounded me by going back to him each time he had hurt her with his words or his deeds, forgiving him for it all, without taking my feelings into consideration. I was so angry underneath it all, but I had kept the fury at bay, playing the game she wanted me to play. Accepting him as her friend, and letting him drive a stake through my frozen heart. 

A stake that she'd held in her small hands while he'd hammered it home.

 … 

She had wounded me each and every time she refused one of my gifts, small and insignificant as they were, seeing how grand gestures were definitely not allowed. 

She had wounded me deeply when she'd refused to wear my mother's ring after accepting my proposal. If one could call it that – it had certainly felt more like a contract, like a covenant, a bargain we had struck to each obtain what we desired most, and it felt cheapened by the way it had come about.” (ch 2) 

Perhaps the part that articulates Edward’s decision to break his promise to Bella yet again is this:

“I couldn't stop the thoughts. They swirled around my mind, burned in the pit of my stomach, and ravaged through every cell in my body. I looked down at her face, her eyes screwed shut, streaks of tears lining her cheeks and my insides went cold. That had to be it. 

The message was clear – I pick you, Edward, but it's killing me.” (Ch 2) 

I will not share more of what happens as the consequence of Edward’s decision. But I strongly suggest that you read and find out. However, I will say this: TwilightMomofTwo is a brilliant author. In addition to having a strong grasp of grammar (the pristine clear text is just an added bonus), she has a certain way of infiltrating Edward’s mindset. Her choice of words and phrasing of expressions, transport you straight to Edward’s head, where you get to “feel” what he feels and “see” what he sees.

I can’t ask more from an AU. I have had the privilege to be reading this story almost from the very beginning. I invite you to join me on this journey. It will be a delightful one.