New Fic of the Week: 1/23/12

Blind Spot by FictionFreak95

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7705638/1/Blind_Spot

Review by Obsmama

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

Summary: All her life, Bella Swan saw things before they happened, until him. He was her blind spot. How do you stay out of someone's life when you see it flashing before your eyes on a daily basis? AH,BxE

You have me. Forever. 

Those four words speak so much to me as a reader. Because as a reader, Fictionfreak95 does have me. Forever. I adore her writing style and she's a master storyteller. I have such a personal connection to this story because I was lucky enough to be there the day the idea came her. She mentioned in passing a tv show that she was losing interest in but had sparked the idea of a psychic Bella; not necessarily the fortune teller type psychic we are use to in canon Alice, but a more modern day version. One that feels peoples pasts and futures, one that struggles to fit in her small town with the knowledge that she has. I was hooked and begging for more. Jo was still writing Meet the Masen's, so she just kept saying we’ll see. Here we are and I can’t tell you how blown away I am already, only 5 chapters in. The reason this story is already so fascinating to me is how layered her characters are, how emotionally connected I am.

His voice was low and needy, rough and sultry as he teased, "You're mine, now." 

I always was. 

The illumination of a soft glow shimmered from one of the windows as we approached our new home. I felt the anticipation of what was about to take place when he opened the door for us, whisking me up into his arms to carry me across the threshold. 

His smile was disarming. His lips even more so as they traveled along my jaw, underneath the soft curls that dangled against the back of my neck, then finally, near the upward tilted corners of my mouth. He was everywhere. 

Soft fabrics surrounded us in the bedroom. In our bed. I couldn't quite make the colors out, but they felt like deep purples and reds and sheer curtains rippled from the breeze flowing into the room as though reaching out to me.. 

Gently scented candles flickered and danced, invading my senses, romanticizing the mood. As though it needed any help. 

"I want you." 

You have me. Forever. 

The dress I'd worn was gone and his black suit as well as he hovered above me, placing soft, tender, needy kisses, much like he was following a map of some sort to my lips. 

The backs of his fingers moved lightly against hardened nipples… down along the dip between my breasts, slowing against my belly, stopping only when he found the wetness that was a direct reaction to his touch. 

To everything about him. 

Slight wrinkles appeared at the edges of his eyes when he smiled down at me and my heart wanted to burst from the intensity of what he was conveying in that smile. 

I knew him. 

Better than he knew himself. 

"I'll always protect you." 

From what? I wondered, but not for long. 

As we meet these characters, they feel like friends already. I feel comfortable with them, their life so relatable. With Edward there is such sadness but you get these fantastic flashes of happiness from him in his past, how carefree he was and its so heartbreaking to see where his life is now. So as he sets off for a tiny Louisiana town full of crazy characters. We have hope that maybe he can find some of that carefree back. I’m so excited to watch the supporting characters plot lines, as well. I know she's got some superb things worked out for them. One of the biggest characters so far for Edward is his relationship with his dead brother, Garrett, and how much it tortures him even though we don’t know why yet. This story is so full of relationships and love in all forms and we see how family (blood and and chosen) work. Bella’s friendship with Emmett might be my very favorite thing in this entire story so far.

"Yo BELL!"
 

I pulled the door open again and smiled at him. "What are you doing? I thought you had to cover all of Rose's shifts for the week?" 

"On a break, wanted to come by and say hi to my favorite girl." 

Emmett winked and then picked me up to twirl me around just like he had my whole life as I squealed. 

"I'm telling Rose you said that," I teased, slapping his arm when he put me down. 

"You wouldn't." 

"I totally would." 

"Bella, no." He got down on one knee and pretended to beg, kissing my hand. "Please!" 

I just laughed at the buffoon. He was so terrible, that Emmett McCarty. 

"You want dinner, I'm guessing." 

"You offering?" 

I threw my hands up and turned to go to the kitchen. "I don't understand how you own a diner, and yet come to Gran's to eat." 

He closed the front door for me. "Too much of the same food over at the diner, and besides, Gran's a better cook then me any day of the year." Then he elbowed me as he made his way past me into the kitchen and helped himself to some of Gran's leftovers. 

I sat down across from him at the kitchen table and watched him eat like he hadn't been fed since Rose left. I just had to laugh at him as I picked from his plate of fried chicken legs and mashed potatoes. 

Come on down to Madisonville, Louisiana have some catfish, a cold beer and settle in with me while Jo tells us a tale.

Completed Fic of the Week: 1/23/12

Merry Textmas by DiamondHeart78

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6486529/1/Merry_Textmas

Review by AnonymouslySufferingFromOCD

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

Summary: Bella is forced to tackle the crowds on Black Friday with her best friend, Angela. Can a random text message from a wrong number change the course of her day and her life? Banter galore! AH. VOTER'S CHOICE WINNER for the Naughty & Nice Holiday Contest!

We’ve all done it, gotten that text from a random person that we have never met before. For most of us that means nothing. We ask who it is, they reply sorry wrong number, or something of the like and we move on never giving it another thought.

Imagine though, if you kept texting the random person, and said random person turns out to be Edward freaking Cullen…That would make all of our inner Bella Swan’s very happy indeed.

This story was a breath of fresh air for me. To be perfectly honest I have found myself sliding into that angsty place, that I really don’t like to go to, lately and I needed some good stories to pull me out of it.

The story begins with Bella and her best friend Angela out shopping on Black Friday much to Bella’s dismay, when she gets a text from a random unknown sender asking if she is meeting him out later that night.

I have a couple of co-workers, family members and friends to shop for, but something tells me I won't find anything here that my dad, Charlie, will like. I make a mental note to look for some lures for his fishing obsession online later. As I go rummaging through my black hole of a purse to find a pen to add a note next to my dad's name, my phone vibrates, signaling a text message. Strangely, it's from an unknown number. 

Hey. Just woke up. We still on for later? The Sleeping Beagle down on E 40th. 9pm. 

I look at it for a moment, running through the list of people I know who might be texting me this early in the morning. Did I make plans with someone without knowing? 

Angie briefly catches my expression, looking concerned. "What is it? Did something happen?" 

"No, no, nothing. But I just got a text from an unknown number, look," I say, extending my arm for her to read the phone's screen. 

"Hmm. Weird. Maybe you met someone, gave your number to them when you were drunk or something?" she remarks, grinning mischievously. 

"Ha ha. Not funny. I seriously don't know who this is." 

"Well, text them back, doofus." I widen my eyes at her and sigh. 

"Ok, then. Here goes." 

Who is this? 

Edward had just purchased a new phone and had accidentally superimposed Jasper’s number in his contacts, but becomes very intrigued by the random girl who received his text. The texting goes on for hours; random pictures are exchanged and they even get into the sexting department before Bella even leaves the mall.

This is the most unique form of twenty questions that I have read in a while. They really spend a lot of time getting to know each other with no preconceived notions, and they both feel that instant bond that we have all come to expect from Edward and Bella. The banter that goes on between them is hilarious and you can’t help but cheer for them right from the start.

Despite only being five chapters long, DiamondHeart78 really does a great job at bringing us an all around great story. There is the perfect amount of everything. From humor, to drama, to fluff and best of all for me no angst, this story has it all. Don’t get me wrong, there is some drama, things aren’t always perfect but that is okay, because we all know that life isn’t perfect. However we get to learn and grow with these characters and for me that makes a great story. I really hope you check it out, don’t let the title fool you it is a great year round story!

WIP of the Week: 1/23/12

Fated Love by twilover76

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7189026/1/Fated_Love

Review by Agrutle

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

Summary: Bella's life is a somewhat lonely existence, until one day she unexpectedly meets her soulmate. SexyBella and Doctorward fall head over heels quickly. Will their friends and family approve of their whirlwind romance? AH/M for a reason

Love at first sight is thought of often as mythological, not real. Not so for Bella and Edward, after seeing each other in different spots of New York City, getting stuck in an elevator is exactly what the pair needed to get them together to see if the pull they felt before was real in the flesh.

Tragedy struck when Bella was just eighteen, having her dad, her only living parent, killed in the line of duty. Being an adult already, she was able to stay in her home and finish her senior year. She had the help of her brother, Emmett and his girlfriend, Rosalie. They would come home from college when they could to check on her. After Emmett gets drafted to play for the Chicago Bears, they ask her to move with them too. She wants them to have their own lives, and she feels like she’s already burdened them too much.

In New York City, after her best friends Angela’s wedding, Bella is trying to check out of her hotel room and gets the strangest sensation and turns around, sees him, and her heart starts to race. She is instantly attracted to him. Knowing that she most likely won’t see him again, she pushes it out of her mind and heads to the airport. A thunderstorm grounds the flights until the next day, so she heads back to her hotel room that she was charged for already. On the elevator, Bella and Edward start their love story.

"My name is Edward Cullen. I figured we should introduce ourselves," I said, giving her a smile. 

"Isabella Swan, but I prefer Bella." She smiled back. Her voice flowed over me like dark honey. Her smile alone made my heart pound. I had never felt anything like that before. I knew it was probably Lifetime movie network worthy, but I couldn't help it. I was smitten. 

"Bella. Beautiful. Very fitting." I nodded as I said her name out loud. I saw her blush, even in the dim glow of the emergency light. "It's nice to meet you, Bella." 

I couldn't resist leaning in a little closer and breathing in her potent and desirable scent. I inhaled sharply when her small hand reached up and brushed my cheek. I closed my eyes and leaned into her touch. She pulled back slightly, and I opened my eyes to see her biting her bottom lip. 

"Sorry. You….it's just….um…." she softly mumbled, as if embarrassed. 

"Shhh, beautiful. It's good. I liked it." I didn't want her to be embarrassed. I wanted her to touch me. Everywhere. That touch re-ignited my cock which was then painfully hard. I felt like an out-of-control teenager. 

"Really?" she asked, moving in closer. I held my breath in anticipation, thinking that she might initiate a kiss; I didn't want to do anything to scare her away. We were so close, I could feel her breath as she exhaled on my face. At the last second, instead of heading for my lips, she leaned into my neck and inhaled deeply. My hand that had been stroking her hair stopped on the back of her head, holding her close to me. 

"Can you feel this, too?" she whispered near my ear. 

"Yes, beautiful girl. I feel it. I don't know what it is, but I feel it, too," I said as she leaned back to bring us face to face again. Her hands moved around to the back of my neck, and she played with the ends of my hair. My eyes slid from hers down to her lips and back up again, silently asking permission. She smiled and nodded slightly; I slowly leaned forward, giving her plenty of opportunity to pull back if she wanted. Instead, she closed the gap herself, and our lips met halfway. 

That’s all it took, they spend the night together. Bella decides she can’t live without Edward and they talk about her moving to Chicago and living with him on a trial basis. If, once she gets there and they don’t mix well, no harm not foul, Emmett and Rose would be there and she could stay with them. To worry about this was ridiculous because they were two halves of a whole, soul mates. Things progress nicely and they fall in love even more daily.

"Bella." I said, grabbing her hands, and looking into her eyes. Please love me like I love you, beautiful girl. I dropped down to one knee in front of her, pulled out the small velvet box, opened it, and placed it in her hand. 

"Bella, my love. Every day I spend with you makes me fall in love with you even more. I can't thank God enough for bringing you into my life. I never believed in fate until I saw you crossing the lobby for that elevator and I knew with every cell in my body I had to get to you before those doors closed." She smiled at me through her tears. "I love you more than anything and I promise to love you and cherish you for the rest of my life. Isabella Marie Swan, will you marry me?" 

"Yes!" She sobbed. "Yes, my Edward, I will marry you. I love you so much." She was trembling with emotion as the tears ran down her face along with the rain. I slid the ring on her finger, her hand shaking, and she smiled at the perfect fit. The pixie strikes again. 

"It was my grandmother Masen's engagement ring. I hope you like it." I told her. 

Their whirlwind romance captures you from the start and you get caught up in the happiness they share. The author has that special something that makes you feel the butterflies of anticipation when the love birds are together. You must check out this beautiful story and show the author some love.

We will be closed for pimpin' through the month of December for much needed time for the holidays and organizing!  I want to personally thank everyone who has helped with the blog this past year!  I couldn't do this without all of the wonderful support from staff, guest reviewers and people who get the word out about us! I will still be tweeting updates and will be around, so feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season and fantastic end to 2011!  See you in the New Year! XOXO!

One Shot of the Week: 11/28/11

Cinnamon Bread and Awkward Head by VampiresHaveLaws

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5823628/1/Cinnamon_Bread_and_Awkward_Head

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

Summary: Entry for the Awkward Contest - Sugar and Spice and all things awkward. Will Edward's embarrassing behaviour blow his chances with the girl of his choice? Or will cinnamon gum lover Isabella Swan know just what to do with him? O/S AH - 2nd Place Winner.

TennesseeLamb's Rec of the Week: 11/28/11

Stolen Secrets & Shattered Dreams by FoxxyJ

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7385951/1/Stolen_Secrets_and_Shattered_Dreams

Review by TennesseeLamb

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

Summary: A NYC barman views his mind reading as an isolating cancer, until he meets a lonely 28yr old trying to escape her sad reality. His life is full of harsh lessons. Hers an uphill battle, so she never complains when a beautiful boy treats her badly. EXB AH

If Tom Cruise had Renee Zellweger at “Hello”, then FoxxyJ had me at “No ripping foil packets!” That’s right, I was pulled into this story on the sole fact that I would not have my (yes, MY) lemon interrupted with a frigging condom PSA. Now, before you write me off or make an even bigger mistake and forgo this story because of your moral obligations to safe sex, you might want to take a peek at this fic and stake your claim as an early reader because it is about to take off like the Space Shuttle.

The premise is a truly unique twist on Edward’s mind-reading capabilities and the barriers he creates to keep people and their thoughts at bay. He is still our favorite tortured soul, but he has a playfulness that carefully masks his pain. FoxxyJ has an imagination like no other, taking the characters we love and turning them into people we want to meet. Most of her story takes place in Edward’s bar named BE Bar. Edward and Jasper are stars in a nightly show at the Manhattan BE Bar, asking their patrons to follow three simple rules:

1. Leave your troubles at the door. (You quickly find out why this is the Golden Rule of Be Bar.)
2. Address the staff by name. (I ask you, when is a name just a name?)
3. Just be. (This is harder than it seems, for us and for Bella.)

The moment Bella steps into BE Bar, she grabs our attention with her mind chatter and stream of consciousness. She is a young lady with a lot on her mind and it is taking its toll on her spirit. However, buried beneath the worry and stress is a simple romantic soul in need. Specifically, Bella is in need of change for the pay phone and an orgasm. Sounds simple enough, right?

"I want you to follow the rules." 

"I can't. They're too hard," she admitted, although it pained her to do so. 

"Ah, finally you're being honest. That's a start. Thank you." He leaned with his arms folded on the bar, bringing him down to her height. She could look him right in the eye. 

"I'll make you a deal then. I'll loan you the quarters. You have to bring them back here tomorrow night after work, but before I do, I want you to think about what you want. What would you like right now to make you feel happy and free? Maybe it's something I can give you—maybe not—but I want you to think about it. Deal?" 

Bella had to agree that this deal was a lot easier than what she had been expecting. At his words, she felt a sense of relief and wanted to try what he had suggested. 

"Deal. I'll bring the quarters back tomorrow night." 

"Good. Close your eyes." His smooth voice and the unusual ambiance of the place made it easy to do. Bella closed her eyes and held onto the brass railing to steady herself. 

"Now, think about the one thing that would make you feel alive and free right now. Anything you desire, if everything were possible." 

At the mention of the word desire, Bella's sexual thoughts reared again. She loved his voice. It was gentle on her ears, and she wondered if he could sing, too. Quieting her mind, she thought about what she wanted right now. 

What would end the day from hell on a good note? 

What do I want? 

Oh God, yes, an orgasm. 

But how… 

Oh, from him. Yes, from this annoying sexy stranger. He can give me one and the quarters. 

But where… 

Somewhere I'd never do it. Where? Just be… Just feel… 

Oh, yes, here…on the bar…in public…with his tongue. 

Trust me. You want to know how Edward sees this image in Bella’s mind and what it forces him to do. FoxxyJ’s Edward doesn’t just read minds, that implies a choice. It is more like he lives in a room of powered up TV’s - some muted and some with the volume up to deafening levels, leaving Edward forced to live with distractions. His trust and vulnerability are tightly guarded under a mask of games and parlor tricks. This story is not just generic fic with witty banter and steamy lemons. It is a story you want to go on forever because it pulls you away from your everyday routine, allowing a few moments of escape while reminding you that love and acceptance is all we really want in this life. Its immediate draw reminds me of a book I picked up a few years ago about a high school girl who falls in love with a vampire.

I suggest you block out several hours and put the Do Not Disturb sign on your door. This story is going to keep you up all night. FoxxyJ keeps your mind engaged with the carefully constructed plot line and your libido humming with the spicy lemonade served up at BE Bar. Currently, Stolen Secrets and Shattered Dreams is 9 chapters, which is just enough to make you sleep deprived for two days, but not nearly enough to satisfy your craving for more. FoxxyJ updates regularly and her author’s notes deserve their own reviews! I have been reading fan fiction for two years and I am uber picky about what I read. Life is too short and time is too precious for recycled story lines or sloppy lemons.  Stolen Secrets and Shattered Dreams is worth letting the laundry pile up on the couch and settling for that B- instead of the A. This is not a story to be put on your “to be read” list. This is a “drop everything and run right now” story that will end up in the Fic Hall of Fame.

There are many Edwards in fic archives and but only a few epic ones - Fifty, Penny, Ned, Dick,...ladies, meet Sugarlips.

LadyTazz7's Rec of the Week: 11/28/11

Compulsions by MissKingAtYourService

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6753085/1/Compulsions

Review by LadyTazz7

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

Summary: Fate seems to have thrown these two together. Will one explosive night of sex be enough or will destiny bring them closer? Can a relationship develop among the shambles of both of their lives? OOC, AH.

Most people are aware that I’m helplessly in love with Carlisle Cullen. Carlisle/Bella is my favorite pairings to read. And write. When I came across Compulsions, I was instantly lost in the story. MissKingAtYourService takes you on a wild and amazing ride. This is a must read for any Bella/Carlisle lover.

We begin with Bella’s friends taking her out for a night on the town to a Swinger’s Club to make sure she gets laid.

(From chapter 1) 

Staring into the mirror, I cringed as my hair was tugged and teased into a tangled mess. Or as Alice and Rose would argue; sex hair. My eyes had never stood out so much, the black eyeliner framing my chocolate eyes, and black glitter eye shadow finished the look. I was going to look like a call girl. 

"Oh, Bella, you're gonna get so much attention, whoever gets you is one lucky guy," Rose beamed. 

Crap. "What if I get a fat middle-aged psycho?" 

"Um, well, you could just close your eyes and fantasize again. After all, that's what you're good at." 

"Shut up, Alice, this is serious. I can't believe I let you talk me into this." 

"Look, Bella, you'll be fine. This is just about sex, and you don't have to be attractive to be good in bed." 

Shrugging, I turned back to the mirror, "Okay, so what am I gonna wear? I could wear my little black dress." 

While across town Carlisle is getting ready to confront his cheating wife at the very same Swinger club.

(From chapter 1) 

Grabbing the package from the P.I, I pulled the contents out, splaying them over the desk. She had been with five different men that I knew of. I had to go to the club, to confront them, to find her. Looking through them, I found the name of the place; The Sleepy Hollow. How nice. 

Searching on the internet, I found the place she had been visiting. It was described as a place for couples to relax and socialize. Yeah right, my wife was apparently socializing with everyone she could get her claws into. Scribbling down the address, I stood and walked to the window. 

I had thought I was enough for her sexually, but obviously I was not. 

So, we have two lost souls going to a swingers club for completely different reasons.

(From chapter 1)

My breath caught in my throat when I came face to face with the girl standing there. She was stunning, her hair tousled beautifully, her deep brown eyes staring into mine. She looked so innocent. She was wearing a black trench coat that fell just above the knee, and her legs went on for miles, finished off with red stilettos.

Her attire screamed sex. However, her eyes betrayed her. She looked like a frightened deer caught in the headlights. What the hell was she doing here? 

(From chapter 2) 

Staring at the talk, dark, and handsome man in the doorway, I didn't know whether to run away and hide or to introduce myself. What was I supposed to say? 'Hey, my name's Bella and I'm here to fuck anything that moves. Maybe that would be a little too forward. 

"I'm here for the um..." 

A smile spread across his face at the sight of my blushing cheeks. Giving a slight smile back, I stepped inside, my eyes still glued to his bright blue eyes. 

"You could call it a party?" 

I nodded instantly, accepting his polite suggestion. And to think I had been worried about meeting a middle-aged man. I was extremely happy to have met him; age didn't matter when you looked as good as that. The rough-handed Mike shoved me hard with his bony shoulder, scowling at him. His eyes flickered from me to the handsome door man. 

"Oh, this is Mike, he's, um...my friend." 

The man before me nodded sternly toward Mike, "It's nice to see someone with such manners." His voice was soft yet stern. Blushing lightly, I smiled as I saw the anger growing on Mike's face. Nobody had ever stuck up for me like that before, and he didn't even know me. Perhaps chivalry wasn't dead after all. 

Muttering something under his breath, Mike stormed off in the direction of the low music. Glancing around, I didn't know where to put myself. Deciding I should probably go with Mike, I turned to the man, "It was nice meeting you...?" 

"Carlisle. And you?" 

"Bella." I nodded before turning and walking down the hall. 

I love this Bella, she is bolder and more confident than many I read. There are no words to describe how in love I am with this Carlisle, he is just sex on legs.

(From chapter 2) 

Turning, I saw that Carlisle was following me as I made my way to the stairs before stopping and tugging the horrible shoes from my sore feet. He let out another heartwarming laugh as he grabbed my shoes and helped to steady me up the stairs. "I should feel guilty taking an inebriated young woman up to a hotel room." 

Flushing, I tried to concentrate on my feet and keep my mind out of the gutter. If I analyzed it too much, I would end up backing out of it. Checking the key, I looked for our room; number thirteen, unlucky for some, but not for me. Fumbling around with the lock, Carlisle seemed to notice I was having a hard time, so he took the key from me. Opening the door, he allowed me to go in first. 

Before I could lose my nerve, I pulled the belt free and pushed the coat over my shoulders and allowed it to drop to the floor, revealing my outfit for the evening. Turning to meet Carlisle's expression, I let a sultry smile spread across my face. His eyes grew wide as he dropped my shoes and the key to the floor. 

Can a chance meeting a swinger club be more than a one night stand? Read this amazing, sexy story and find out. Compulsions is 10 chapters in and let me tell you, MissKingAtYourService keeps you on toes, and she leaves you wanting more! Tazzy gives this story 2 thumbs up!!