May’s Ménage à Fics

Welcome to another exciting week of Fan Fiction Fridays with The FicSix. Today we have a Ménage à Fics *grins* for you to enjoy, including a recap of some previous recs that are now complete, and several new stories that we’ve been enjoying recently. So let’s get to it!

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The Other Side of the Fence by Edward’s Eternal

*banner made by CullensTwiMistress*

The Other Side of the Fence ~ He hides to protect those he loves, she hides because that is all she knows. Isolation is a way of life for both of them. Two neighbours. All that separates them is a fence. Who knows what waits on the other side? Can they be strong enough to find out?

Rated: Fiction M - English – Hurt/Comfort/Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 37 – Words: 134,132 – Reviews: 7,424 - Favs: 2,090 – Follows: 2,142 – Updated: 04-13-13 – Published: 11-27-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8743349

Link to previous review here.

Gingerandgreen ~ This wonderful story ended with some of the most moving and exciting epilogues I’ve ever read. I will always have a soft spot for Fenceward, because he’s such a tease and has the best dialogue, so the fact that he got the HEA he did is immensely satisfying. If you haven’t read it yet, you should climb straight over that fence and do it now.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8743349/1/The-Other-Side-of-the-Fence

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I remain, Yours by Momatu

*banner made by Readergoof*

I remain, Yours by Momatu ~ Bella is unexpectedly given an antique desk that once belonged to Edward, and in it she finds a letter he wrote to his cousin in 1918. She responds and sets them off on a journey neither could ever have expected. Perhaps there are some things we aren’t meant to understand, just accept… Will eventually contain character death – NOT Edward or Bella.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance/Drama – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 50 – Words: 456,107 – Reviews: 3,882 - Favs: 1,342 – Follows: 1,390 – Updated: 03-09-13 – Published: 03-15-12 – Status: Complete – id: 7928270

Link to previous review here.

Cared ~ The unusual and interesting premise brought me to this story, but it was the beautiful, unconditional and irrevocable bond formed between Bella and Edward that made me fall in love with them, and their story.  

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7928270/1/I_remain_Yours

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Shattered Hearts by Greye Granger

Shattered Hearts  ~ Bella knows what it’s like to be alone, and when the only person she’s ever really loved commits the ultimate betrayal, she turns to the man who’s wife has stolen her husband. E/B. RATED M. TATTWARD. BPOV.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance/Angst – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 16 – Words: 42,667 – Reviews: 1,565 - Favs: 971 – Follows: 1,485 – Updated: 04-23-13 – Published: 02-06-13 – Status: Complete – id: 8984313

Link to previous review here.

Midnight Cougar ~ Shattered Hearts was one of my ‘drop all to read fics’ from the captivating beginning to the healing end; a heart-wrenching and sweet story all rolled into one. It dealt with a sensitive subject: infidelity; Edward and Bella’s spouses – Tanya and Jacob – cheating with each other on Bella and Edward. Yes, it was an intense and heartbreaking read, but oh so good for Edward and Bella, in the end! 

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8984313/1/Shattered-Hearts

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Heart of Stone by coldplaywhore

Heart of Stone ~ Edward, in an effort to make use of his ability to read minds, uses his gifts to rid the truly evil people in the world and protect the innocent. Unfortunately, he never expected her to come along and change his life so drastically. Nothing will be the same. AU Vampward. Rated M

Rated: Fiction M - English – Drama/Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 17 – Words: 26,454 – Reviews: 1,398 - Favs: 387 – Follows: 590 – Updated: 05-08-13 – Published: 01-04-13 – id: 8874407

Link to previous review here.

Cared ~ While the story is not marked as complete, it is not going to be continued.  It has been included here regardless, as it makes a very enjoyable read and IMHO it has been brought to a satisfactory conclusion.  Go on, take a chance on Vigilanteward and Pregnantella – not a combination you find every day!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8874407/1/Heart-of-Stone

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The Workings of Fate by RosieRathbone

*Made by RosieRathbone*

The Workings of Fate ~ 10 years ago, Edward was hopelessly in love with someone he couldn’t have – out-of-reach, classmate, Bella. But when his 7yr old son is the reason they meet again, will Fate help this single father and give him a second chance?

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance/Family – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 27 – Words: 75,444 – Reviews: 1,526 - Favs: 717 – Follows: 1,084 – Updated: 05-10-13 – Published: 01-09-13 – Status: Complete – id: 8893171

Link to previous review here.

Cared ~ This story has a sweet Bella I would happily befriend, and a gorgeous, shy Nerdward I would happily corrupt, but the icing on the cake is the utterly adorable Cooper.  Cut yourself a little slice of happiness and read this lovely fic.  I’m thrilled that there is a sequel, which started posting yesterday, as I’m not ready to let this gorgeous family go just yet.  If like me, you have already enjoyed the story, be sure to read Because of Hope.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8893171/1/The-Workings-of-Fate

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Accidentally in Love by Missus T

*banner made by time_lights*

Accidentally in Love ~ A personal ad for a fake fiancée leads to something they never expected. Two lonely souls discover that faking it might be the best thing that ever happened to them. ExB AH

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance/Humor – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 31 – Words: 128,675 – Reviews: 3,702 - Favs: 2,650 – Follows: 3,941 – Updated: 05-10-13 – Published: 01-27-12 – id: 7778961 *complete except for futuretake*

Link to previous review here.

Midnight Cougar ~ Sadly, all that’s left to complete this delightful, romantic story, is a futuretake to post in the next couple weeks. I say sadly because, I absolutely adored this story: the romance, the humour, the intriguing start of how Edward and Bella – Docward and Teacherella – met through Craigslist, and just the overall love and emotion overflowing from the story and its sweet characters. A beautiful love story for your reading pleasure. *le sigh* 

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7778961/1/Accidentally-in-Love

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Let it Be Me by ChantieMaya

Made by forthelongestday

Let It Be Me ~ A new guest at Bella’s hotel turns out to be a ghost from her past. He doesn’t seem to remember what happened between them, while she is being plagued by bad memories. Edward feels a deep connection to that beautiful, angry girl, but she seems to shy away from any male attention.

WARNING: under age drinking, drug use, assault, dark themes.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Angst/Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 67 – Words: 94,156 – Reviews: 1,031 - Favs: 344 – Follows: 516 – Updated: 04-30-13 – Published: 12-17-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8803917

Link to previous review here.

Wiltshire Glo ~ With just an epilogue to be posted very soon, Chantie has marked Let It Be Me as complete. It was beautiful to see Edward and Bella reconnect, exorcise the ghosts of their memories past, and go on to build their lives on new foundations. A beautifully written tale of forgiveness and redemption…I’m glad I’ve still got the epilogue to look forward to! 

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8803917/1/Let-It-Be-Me

http://letitbeme2.wordpress.com/

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You Own Me by BeeCute82

Banner made by Ellen 

You Own Me ~ At the roll of the dice, Edward wins what he has been dreaming of for the last two years. A night with his mob boss’s son’s girlfriend, sexy pole dancer Isabella Swan. What will happen in one night full of passion and lust? What dangers will follow after their one wild night?

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Crime – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 54 – Words: 215,408 – Reviews: 3,301 – Favs: 1,452 – Follows: 1,875 – Updated: 04-25-13 – Published: 08-06-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8400917

Link to previous review here.

AllyVera ~ You Own Me was a wild ride, and one that I enjoyed very second of.  This story has a bit of everything, action, drama, intrigue and lots of very heated moments with our beloved Edward and Bella.  Perfect for all you Mobward lovers out there. The great news?  The sequel has just started posting recently.  You will find it here: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9256768/1/We-Own-the-Night

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8400917/1/You-Own-Me

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Yosemite Decimal by MagTwi78

*made by MagTwi78*

Yosemite Decimal  ~ Bella has nailed her dream job as Seattle Times’ newest Outdoors writer. She’s found new friends and is settling into life in her new city. Things are coming together for her, but an arrogant stranger sends her reeling at every turn. Will her new life be as comfortable as she’d hoped, or is she set for a rocky ride? AH B&E M COMPLETE

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Humor – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 23 – Words: 129,560 – Reviews: 1,417 – Favs: 1,099 – Follows: 1,306 – Updated: 04-01-13 – Published: 09-17-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8534317

Link to previous review here.

Wiltshire Glo ~ Yosemite Decimal taught me to lots of climbing terms and gave me a real admiration for climbers! Both Edward and Bella are part of the climbing community – Bella uses it to free her mind from turmoil, but for Edward, it has become a source of anxiety. Mag lets the story unfold with humour and some sadness, however the warmth of Bella and Edward shines through to a sigh-worthy conclusion.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8534317/1/Yosemite-Decimal

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*Reviews by Cared*

A Dove’s Cry by karenec

*Made by karenec*

A Dove’s Cry ~ Bella’s innocence was taken from her at a young age; the secret has dominated her life ever since. When she meets a reluctant vampire, Bella decides to ask his help in seeking revenge. Warning: This story contains sensitive and graphic material. BxE, AU Vampfic

Rated: Fiction M – English – Hurt/Comfort/Suspense – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 35 – Words: 176,424 – Reviews: 896 – Favs: 389 – Follows: 594 – Updated: 05-04-13 – Published: 12-13-11 – id: 7633333

Warning: This story contains sensitive and graphic material, including descriptions of violence and sexual assault.

This story is refreshingly different while still being somewhat canon, a surprising yet delightful mix to really capture your attention and keep it throughout the story.  Yes, Edward is a vampire pretending to be a high-school student; yes, Bella is an introverted girl living with her Chief of Police father; yes, the Cullens are a loving family and vegetarian; and yes, of course, it rains in Forks.  Having said all that, A Dove’s Cry’s unique qualities are displayed not only in the heart-wrenching back stories of Edward and Bella that are gradually and painfully revealed, but also in the almost bizarre way and reason their relationship develops, and in so much more, including their first meeting…

I fled Garrett’s Music like a man on fire. Which, in a way, I was. I wasn’t sure what had passed between the girl in the shop and myself, but it startled me. My hand still tingled with the aftereffects of the… charge that had sprung between us when our fingers touched.

What the hell had just happened? My brain demanded answers, but I had none.

I had seen her petite figure while parking my car, but she was gone by the time I locked my door. The sky was overcast, making the afternoon a bit dark, but the girl’s face had jumped out at me through the gloom as if lit from within. The fatigue and stress in her expression struck me, and made me wonder why she looked so terribly sad.

I pocketed my keys and crossed the street toward the music shop, frowning as I walked. A strange feeling came over me, as if someone was calling my name.

A flash of blue caught my eye when I entered the shop, and I felt a jolt of excitement. The girl with the dark hair was less than ten feet away, browsing through the CDs.

I made pleasant conversation with the shop’s proprietor while I kept an eye on the girl. I hoped she would turn around and let me get a better look at her face. And then I was seized by curiosity; I wanted to know what she was thinking.

I sharpened my attention immediately and listened closely to… nothing. The proprietor’s internal monologue was perfectly distinct, if overeager to make a sale. I could hear the thoughts of humans in the surrounding buildings and streets as well. But there was nothing from the girl with the dark hair.

Frowning, I focused my attention more intently, just as she began slowly turning in my direction. I saw a smudge of dark eyes in a white face before I was distracted by the clatter of plastic CD cases hitting the floor.

The girl threw herself to her knees and I moved at once, bending down to help gather the scattered cases. “Let me help you.”

Her eyes rose to meet mine and the rest of the shop faded around me. I saw the proprietor hovering nearby, unsure whether to help. I heard the old Dinah Washington recordings playing over the sound system. But my attention was drawn almost totally to the girl’s face. For the first time I really looked at her.

Her heart shaped face was fair and quite pretty, with petite features and a light dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose. Her lips were plump and tempting. Long, brown hair tumbled over her shoulders in rich waves.

But her dark eyes were truly arresting. In them I saw surprise and embarrassment mixing with the haunted expression I had glimpsed earlier outside. That fear and exhaustion surprised me all over again.

The girl’s cheeks grew rosy with self-consciousness as she reached to take the CD cases from my outstretched hand. She stammered her thanks, and I felt myself begin to smile. She was lovely. I shifted forward slightly to speak to her and noticed just how very enticing she smelled.

Her scent was heady, like freesia and orange blossoms, and incredibly rich. I inhaled slowly, letting her scent roll over my tongue, and I felt my body respond in ways that I hadn’t felt in since my days as a human. My chest tightened and my breath hitched in my throat. I felt myself grow hard. Jesus. I bit back a groan.

A very different smile began to take hold of my lips, my vision changing and sharpening as my pupils dilated. Take her, a voice in my mind whispered. It will be easy to get her outside. Get her in your car and she’ll be yours.

But a saner part of me realized something shocking. In spite of the compulsion I felt to take the girl kneeling in front of me, my venom and bloodlust were in check. It was longing I felt, and not hunger. I felt an intense desire for the girl in front of me – my hunter’s instinct was already plotting ways to take her.

The Summary tells us that Bella asks a vampire to help her pursue revenge on someone who wronged and damaged her in the worst way.  I’m not giving too much away by telling you that the vampire in question is indeed Edward.  That plea is merely a hint at the complexity of both the story and the fledging relationship, as Edward struggles to help Bella in his own way.  The friendship between Bella and Alice forms from their mutual understanding of living through something they should never have been forced to endure.  This story carries a warning for “sensitive and graphic material” for a reason, but, IMHO, the authors deal sensitively with the issues that are an integral part of the storyline and in no way gratuitous.

The tantalisingly written suspense, with its unexpected twists, kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself reading faster and faster towards the resolution. As the story progressed, one of the elements I enjoyed most is how A Dove’s Cry shows the strength of the human spirit…even when that spirit lives in the body of a vampire.  That is something I love to find in an AU fic.  While some elements of A Dove’s Cry made my heart hurt, the many lighter moments entangled with romance, friendship, and loving family bonds brought a real smile to my face.

There is only one chapter left to post before this fic will be marked Complete.  Initially, karenec wrote the EPOV and transitory07 wrote the BPOV, but following transitory07’s exit from the fandom, karenec continued the story, writing both points of view.  I want to commend karenec for doing so, and for doing it with such skill and precision.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7633333/1/A-Dove-s-Cry

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Show Me Something More by karenec and Discordia81

*Made by RoseArcadia*

Show Me Something More ~ For ten years, Edward Cullen has had a secret desire. Isabella Swan is in the business of making fantasies come true. Together, they’ll discover more than they ever expected. 1st place winner for Public Vote and Judge’s Choice in the LDA anonymous contest. 

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Drama – Bella & Edward -  - Chapters: 2 – Words: 14,625 – Reviews: 90 - Favs: 112 – Follows: 202 - Updated: 05-15-13 – Published: 05-08-13 – id: 9276046

WARNING: Warning: This story explores F/M pegging. “You can Google it.”

Both separately and together, the talented karnenec and Discordia81 have proven they can successfully write any genre they fancy. It came as no surprise to me, therefore, that their brilliant entry won 1^st place in the Public Vote and Judge’s Choice in the Let’s Do Anal contest.

So, what’s this hot one shot all about?  Simply put, Edward has a secret desire, and Isabella makes fantasies a reality. The thing is, the chosen setting is a hotel, not an island; the only man wearing a white suit is probably the chef in the kitchen; thankfully there is no sign of Tattoo rushing around shouting about planes or indeed Edward’s secret fantasy…

“I’ve had this fantasy for years,” he explains. “For a while, I thought maybe I was gay. I went out on a few dates with guys, kissed them, even fooled around a bit. It was nice, but I wasn’t attracted to men. My sexuality had nothing to do with it. I was still attracted to women; I just wanted one to fuck my ass.”

You know how in ‘Fantasy Island’, Mr. Roarke usually commented that the person’s fantasy would not turn out as they expected?  Well, for Edward it did, but I was left with the feeling that it will also turn out to be something more – much more.  While I loved the sweet ending of the one shot, my imagination ran wild with ‘the morning after the night before’ scenarios for Assward and Tartella, and then way beyond.

*Made by Discordia81*

I may or may not have squealed in delight with the news that the authors are going to share a 3 chapter continuation, and, even better; it’s going to post weekly! The first new chapter has now posted and I’m glad to report that it surpassed my expectations. The palpable tension and the intensity of Edward and Bella’s longing is beautiful to feel, and indeed, beautiful to read. It’s written using third-person narrative which is simply perfect for this tale.

My dear readers! On behalf of karenec and Discordia81, your writers. Welcome… to Edward’s fantasy.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9276046/1/Show-Me-Something-More

You can find all the other LDA contest entries here.

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*Review by Midnight Cougar*

Break in the Clouds by AnotherPen

Break in the Clouds ~ Bella’s husband’s office might as well be labeled “home” on his cell phone. Edward’s wife has magical headaches that appear nightly.

Fiction M - English – Hurt/Comfort/Drama – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 6 – Words: 7,474 – Reviews: 120 – Favs: 76 – Follows: 211 – Updated: 05-16-13 - Published: 05-08-13 – id: 9275867

I have a new WIP rec for you today, written by a mysterious Twilight fanfiction author . . . she says on her profile, “Hi. I’m Pen. Sometimes. Usually someone else in the Twilight fandom.” I wonder who she might be? *wink* Well, regardless of who this new author is . . . her story – with 6 chapters posted to date – is well worth reading, and it’s called Break in the Clouds by AnotherPen. The plot thickens, too, because at the end of each chapter it says, “Fanfiction written by AnotherPen, beta’d by InFlight75, pre-read by LAchick85 – we usually go by other names in the fandom.” Do I have your attention now? Good, let me give you a synopsis of what we have so far . . .

What first caught my attention about the story was the short, vague but unusual summary – those cryptic two lines invited me to read between them, making it intriguing in itself, because it implied, to me, that Edward and Bella might not be husband and wife; that they might be married to other people . . . So then, I wanted to read to find out exactly what was going on. I learned that I was right. Bella is married to Carlisle Cullen – Edward’s estranged cousin, and Edward is married to Lauren, but . . . are they happy marriages? Um, I would have to say: a big resounding NO! Where will this lead? Oh, I get the feeling to something very interesting!

What I also discovered, though, is that the story is set in a world of its own, or that’s how I kind of perceived it. Grove Mall: it’s where many of the main characters work and where we learn many of the facets of their lives; it’s also where we have the whole Twilight gang plus some, all seemingly connected to the unique setting is some way, shape or form. The characters are every day workers: we have a “mellow – all working class – and down to earth” Edward; I really like that. And a relatable Bella, who is struggling with a variety of issues in her life, one being her weight and “full curves.” There also seems to be a lot of unrest amongst the other “normal” characters in the story, as they “resent life” . . . and this seems to be a recurring focal point for the storyline surrounding and interwoven through Grove Mall. There’s a divorced-father Jasper who runs the music story; Lauren, Edward’s wife, works at the nail salon; Edward is a security guard, along with Emmett McCarty; Bella is the management’s – Carlisle Cullen – wife and works at the smoothie shop, with Rose and Angela . . . Like I said, it’s like a world of its own, this Grove Mall; it’s kind of a cool and interesting setting. I think this excerpt from chapter 2 sums up, not only the state of Bella and Rose’s lives, but many of the central characters, as well . . .

When lunch rolled around, Rose returned after a quick trip to the food court to buy lunch. It was always pretty quiet at Grove Mall until school was out for the day, so they sat uninterrupted behind the counter with their chicken salads and iPhones ready to try this new app.

While they waited, they made small talk, but they didn’t have a lot in common. Rose was the forty-four-year-old closeted alcoholic who’d had her heart broken one time too many, which had turned her into a shell with dry humor and vacant eyes. Bella was the twenty-six-year-old disappointment who’d fallen for a man on a business trip simply because he wanted her. There had been no question; when Carlisle’s business trip was over and he had asked her to move with him, she said yes. Because he wanted her. Of all people.

Perhaps an unfulfilled life was what she had in common with Rose.

I know it may sound a bit depressing, but I get the feeling, after reading the last couple chapters, that these characters have a story to tell us; one that I think I am going to want to hear, and one, I have a feeling I am going to want to continue to read. I can tell there is animosity between Edward’s family and his estranged cousin, Carlisle’s, but we don’t know what, really, or why . . . and ooh, I have to wonder what that story is all about because Carlisle is a real piece of work in this story. He may love his “trophy wife,” but he sure has awful ways of showing it, which is reflected in Bella’s sad inner monologue, and I wonder what she’ll do to get her “Break in the Clouds,” or who she may turn to *cough Edward? cough* to fulfill all that’s lacking in her life . . . and in her heart.

Want a wicked, new story to read, one where you don’t know anything about the author and where this may go? Wanna take a reading risk with me? *grins excitedly* Then read on . . . because I’m actually pretty stoked about this story – the unknowns – and I sure as hell am ready for something new, and willing to take this uncertain literary ride! And don’t forget . . . this is rated M and I have a good feeling it’s going to earn that rating! *wink*

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9275867/1/Break-in-the-Clouds

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*Review by AllyVera*

The Art of Getting Fluffed by ChocolateSparrow 

The Art of Getting Fluffed ~ Like every professional, Edward Cullen needs the right tools for the job. But what happens when they just don’t work anymore? Cue Bella Swan, an expert at being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The adventures of Bunny and Fluff. Short funny chapters rated M for a reason.

Rated: Fiction M – English – Humor/Romance – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 19 – Words: 33,328 – Reviews: 2,212 – Favs: 867 – Follows: 1,711 – Updated: 05-09-13 – Published: 03-17-13 – id: 9109151

Erectile dysfunctions, men with ‘quiffs’, Justin Bieber bedspreads, revolving beds on fire, hot tub shenanigans, sculpture classes, Batman suits and Twister.  Oh yes, The Art of Getting Fluffed has all this and more, dear readers!

I don’t find myself reading humour stories very often, sad to say, but am SO glad I stumbled upon this brilliant story written by ChocolateSparrow (a collaboration of the talented authors SparrowNotes24 and Chocaholic123).  I became addicted from the start, I love both the snarky banter and the characters that are amazingly over the top and unusual yet so believable at the same time (how do they do that??).

I am not divulging any plot secrets when I advise you that Edward is a Porn Star – not just any old Porn Star either – you could say he is ‘big’ in the industry *snigger*.   However, when we meet our fearless star, he is having some issues with his…err… moneymaker not rising to the occasion.  He tells his good friend and director Jasper, that he needs a “fluffer” – aka someone to…err…keep him at attention.

This is kinda where Bella comes into the story.  You see, she is the exact vision of the girl who Edward wants as his fluffer. She does end up in his dressing room, but, what Edward doesn’t know is that Bella is there by accident on an errand for her friend and roommate, Alice.  After visually assaulting poor Bella with his now fully-functioning equipment, a very interesting relationship is born. Honestly, that is probably the largest understatement I have ever made! (I said largest!) Please forgive me for acting like a 12-year-old boy – it’s all Pornward’s fault.  Or maybe you could blame the authors. LOL

Extract from chapter two in BPOV – First Sight…

“I’m stunned into silence at the scene in front of me. The reality of the situation slowly dawns, and I scream and cover my eyes. “What the fuck!”

I scramble for the door handle, squeezing my eyes shut, but the image flashes in my memory. The most jaw droppingly attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on is lounging naked on a leather couch. Dark, perfectly tousled hair, a face straight out of GQ, marble chiseled abs, and the cherry on top, his long, perfectly straight cock is cradled in his hand.

“This needs to be quick. Come over here with those pretty lips and suc-”

“What the actual fuck is happening right now?” I turn the handle, tugging on the sticking door.

“Keep saying fuck.” His low honeyed voice drifts across the room.

I drop my hands and glare at the pervert draped on the couch, forcing my gaze level with his lust-lidded eyes, flickering between my chest and bare legs. “Are you serious? Stop doing that you absolute fucking weirdo!”

His reaction is to throw his head back, a gutteral moan pouring from this throat as he palms his now fully erect cock from top to bottom. He stands at the end of the caress and stalks over to me.

“I knew Jasper would find me a winner. You’re fucking perfect,” he whispers, holding his wood like he’s going to pole vault with it, as he walks out the door.

I open and close my mouth, wondering what fucked up fantasy I’ve walked into now. Was I still asleep? I pinch my arm and it hurts like a bitch. No such luck.

“What the hell, Alice.” I say to the empty room.

I can feel the burning flush on my cheeks, but it’s not from embarrassment.

It’s from shock-cock shock.”

The Art of Being Fluffed is currently at 20 hilarious chapters, most of which I proudly admit I have been so desperate to read, I have made all sorts of excuses at work to disappear for periods of time to devour. Chapters sneakily stolen at work are the best!  If you’d love a good giggle at the same time as enjoying great unique characters, I’m sure you’ll join the ranks of devotees to Fluff and Bunny!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9109151/1/The-Art-of-Getting-Fluffed

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Please share with us what you’ve been reading this week.

The FicSix

MISSION MILITARYWARD

*The FicSix staring at banner … swooning … drooling …

Well, hello there, soldier, we salute you!*

Welcome to Mission Militaryward on Fan Fiction Fridays, sorry, we’re a little distracted by Edward in a uniform … well, Rob, too, because today’s post is in celebration of Rob’s exciting, upcoming role in Mission Blacklist. Can you tell we’re a wee bit excited? Hell yes, we are! And, we’re so excited that today we have reviewed for you some of our favourite Militarywards featuring the Navy, Army, and more, starting from pre WWII right up to present day service! 

Also, we’d like to take a moment to honour and thank all the brave men and women who serve our countries and risk their lives to protect our freedom and keep us safe! God speed!

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*Reviews by Cared*

This FanFiction Friday I have three wonderful stories all set to the backdrop of World War 2. Each of these talented authors have penned tales that are not only extremely entertaining to read, but interestingly informative as history seeps effortlessly from the pages. I salute solostintwilight, Camilla10 and Jennde, for it’s obvious they undertook an amazing amount of historical research to produce such an authentic feel for that tumultuous time, and seamlessly blended it into heartfelt love stories featuring our favourite characters. There is something bittersweet about seeing the seed of love shoot up from such harsh ground and then blossom against the odds.

Letters to Corporal Masen by solostintwilight

*Made by Penelope Griva featuring manip by Mina Rivera*

Letters of Corporal Masen ~ Writing to offer a bit of home to a soldier overseas, she discovers words can bind a friendship. Lonely in war torn Europe, he finds hope in letters from a stranger. What happens when the war is over?

Rated:Fiction M – English – Hurt/Comfort – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 37 – Words: 89,350 – Reviews: 6,485 – Favs: 1,782 – Follows: 1,517 – Updated: 11-11-12 – Published: 08-26-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8467119

I was compelled to include this romantic story, although I doubt there are many left in the fandom who haven’t read it. So, to the handful of ladies who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Corporal Masen – this is for you.

I couldn’t help but smile and sigh happily as I pondered how much to share about this gorgeously written and entirely captivating story. Not much at all is best I think; this seemingly simple yet intertwined plot is best revealed chapter by delicious chapter.

So, what’s it all about?

Bella undertakes writing to a soldier to boost his morale and in the words of solostintwilight,… “A patriotic gesture to offer a bit of support from home turns into a search for something more. A lonely solider discovers something worth fighting for in the words of a stranger.” Do I even need to tell you the soldier in question is one Corporal Edward Masen?

Edward’s first response…

Their relationship develops through correspondence alone but their love is no less real for it. Bella finds a purpose; Edward finds a reason to fight to survive.  The bond they forge is so strong that although they have never met in person, they have belief in each other and in their love. You know the expression: true loves never runs smooth, well, this is never truer than when facing the vagrancies of war, and for Edward and Bella, giving up on one another is not an option, and in the end…read it to find out.

Oh, and one more thing. There are no lemons in this beautiful love story and the amazing thing is, I didn’t notice their absence at all and neither will you.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8467119/1/Letters-to-Corporal-Masen

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Finding Home by Jennde

*Made by daisy3853*

Finding Home ~ Edward & Bella are lifelong friends. At 18, just as their true feelings for each other are coming to fruition, tragedy strikes and the US is thrust into World War II. Will Edward and Bella’s love be enough to see them through a world war? Rated M, OOC.

This is a continuation of the Age of Edward one-shot, Infamy.

Rated:Fiction M – English – Romance – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 28 – Words: 183,043 – Reviews: 2,850 – Favs: 1,758 – Follows: 949 – Updated: 08-16-10 – Published: 07-30-09 – Status: Complete – id: 5262540

Finding Home is a beautifully written tale of life-long friends becoming more. Their bliss is short-lived as their lives are immediately turned upside down by the consequences of Pearl Harbor. Suddenly, their neat, prospective future lies in ruins.  Edward enlists in the Navy and proposes to Bella, thus setting an unchartered and choppy course for the pair…

“Bella, the Navy lost a lot of men today, and they need to be replaced. My training will be fast-tracked, and I’ll be ready in six weeks. It won’t be a full education, but I can always go back after the war.” He moved his eyes from mine, and almost whispered, “I leave tomorrow.”

It took me a minute to process his words, and when I did, I shook my head and tried to pull away from him as my tears become full on sobs.

He pulled me back to him, enveloping me in his arms as he spoke softly but fiercely into my ear. “No, Bella. You listen to me. I love you. We will get through this. I need you to believe that; I need you to believe in me. Please. I can’t do this without you.”

When my sobs died down, he pulled away from me, but only enough to take my face in both of his hands. “After the six weeks, I’ll get 5 days leave. I’m sure my mother can put together a wedding in six weeks. Please say you’ll marry me, Bella. I need to know I have you waiting for me. We can get married here at the house, or on the beach; whatever you want.”

This story contains it all: there is drama and romance, there is love and loss; there is also fear of failure – oh, and there is a war that needs to be lived through. Life for a serving officer and the ‘little woman’ left at home is not sugar-coated and neither is the relationship. For me, the strength of this story is their struggle, their personal battle for the survival of their relationship against the odds in a war torn world. Bella had to develop into a strong and independent woman in order to survive. While I really admire her for that, a returning Edward has problems adjusting to the person his wife has become, as he also suffers from his own personal trauma.

Finding Home deals with the gritty reality of living in and subsequently returning from war, but don’t doubt how hopeful and hot this fic is too. Yes, I said hot! Sex was not invented in the 60’s – think of the film “Pearl Harbor” ladies. ‘Nuff said!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5262540/1/Finding_Home

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The Parachutist by Camilla10

*Made by Federico*

The Parachutist ~ It is 1943 and WW II is devastating Europe. Edward Masen is a 23 years old American parachutist sent by the OSS on a secret mission, meant to help the partisans fighting the Nazis in Northern Italy. There he meets a girl concealing a terrible secret. They fall passionately in love and plan to marry as soon as Italy is liberated. However, while going back to the Allied lines and trying to reach Anzio, where the Anglo American forces are struggling to break through Germans’ opposition, Edward finds his nemesis, in the form of two Volturi warriors.

Edward becomes a newborn vampire, fierce, desperate and bloodthirsty. Will he succumb forever to his inner monster or will he be able to recover at least some of his lost humanity? Will he see his love again and resist the urge to kill her?

Categories: Twilight, Alternate Universe  Characters: Edward  Genre: Supernatural Language: English Chapters: 33 Completed: Yes  Word count: 65856  Read Count: 5722

Now, after reading that summary, with such an extensive overview of the plot, I don’t want to give much more away. I will, though, say this fic is unique and that is no lie. Camilla10 says about Edward…“I am trying to keep him in canon, despite the very different circumstances; he is his usual guilt ridden self, chaste and pensive. And he has a latent mind reading gift. But, how funny, he has a problem with spilling blood. This might change, unfortunately.”

Yes, Edward is canon, this story has romance and adventure just as Twilight does, the situation seems impossible for our young lovers, but the backdrop of war, witnessing the change for Edward from human to vampire, Bella being the one who harbours a secret, all make this story something different. The author, a native Italian, shares and uses memories of the period from her own relatives, she married a son of a Resistance heroine, and those personal touches add greatly to this fast paced and moving story.

Edward and Isetta getting to know one another…

Isetta is curious, and so I tell her more about America, about the different characteristics of the different States, such as cheese making in Wisconsin and the wineries in California. As I speak she looks enchanted. I am also enchanted. She is more than pretty, she is subtly beautiful, with dark tresses, a heart shaped face and the deep brown eyes of a doe. She is funny, and she is also puzzling. I sense a mystery about her, and would like to know her better.

I’m not surprised The Parachutist won second place in the Shimmer Awards 2011 as Outstanding Story. For me the moments of tenderness shining bright amid the horror make it a worthy winner.

http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/library/viewstory.php?sid=5003

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5732101/1/The-Parachutist

Upon completion of The Parachutist you won’t want to let go of this lovely couple on the cusp of their new adventure, so don’t. Follow them in the sequel, The Parachutist 2 Our New World.

It is the summer of 1945 and the war in Europe has ended. Despite his transformation in a vampire, Edward has found his love again, has prevailed over his bloodlust and they have married. Now he is going back to America with his human bride, where they’ll join Carlisle’s family. How will be their life with the Cullens, when will it be the right moment for Bella’s transformation? Will the Volturi discover them, will they face new dangers?

http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/library/viewstory.php?sid=5677

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7219449/1/Parachutist-2-Our-New-World

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And now for something completely different…

Mud, Sweat, and Beers by SparrowNotes24

*Made by GossipLips*

Mud, Sweat, and Beers ~ Boot camp in the freezing winter sounds like hell on earth, but is there anything that would make it bearable? Bring on the sexy soldiers! A little bit of fun, a smidgen of angst, and a whole bucket load of muddy lovin’. All Human.

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Humor – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 25 – Words: 102,926 – Reviews: 1,226 - Favs: 794 – Follows:  1,362 – Updated: 05-06-13 - Published: 09-10-12 – id: 8515332

Mud, Sweat, and Beers is not a Militaryward fic in the strict sense of the word, but it’s close enough and such fun, that I had to sneak it in.

Bella and Rosalie are American exchange students attending an English university for a year.  They are obviously intelligent girls as they are studying Criminology & Psychology; it appears they are loyal and have other admirable qualities, all good things, but what struck me from chapter one, these are girls I’d love to have hung out with in my youth. *Cue a chorus of Girls Just Want To Have Fun sung loudly in my best Cyndi Lauper voice.*

Another admirable, enviable, and indeed most important quality these girls possess is that they can spot a hot soldier from 50 paces.  That’s no mean feat to be sniffed at ladies. Agreed? And so “Operation Sex-me-up, Soldiers” is born.  Commander Hale plans the operation with military precision: she requisitions the necessary gear (think high heels and short skirts), takes no prisoners, and the rather reluctant recruit Swan is press-ganged into service. Alice needs no encouragement to sign up as she also has a certain man in uniform fixed within her sights and plans some strategic moves of her own. I should add it’s time for the hilarious antics, witty banter, risqué innuendo, and smexy times to commence too.

Edward is enigmatic, intelligent, manly, and HOT – yes that is with a capital H, a capital O and a capital T! Smugward wants to put Bella through her paces, although Bella is undeniably drawn to him, he comes across to her as cocky, and so initially she is determined not to become just a notch on his belt. The resultant UST reaches Code Red levels. Hehe, the poor girl shows great resistance but is soon recruited by her traitorous body into the “Cullen Crotch Appreciation Society”.

*Made by GossipLips*

You know how in Twilight and in fanfic it’s all swoony when chivalrous Edward offers Bella his jacket, she inhales and it’s all so perfect. SparrowNotes24 certainly puts a unique stamp on that oh so magic of moments…

Cullen stood up and pulled his waterproof jacket off. “Here, take this.”

“I’m okay. Honestly, I’m not cold.”

“Take it. I can see you shaking.”

“I’m not shaking ’cause I’m cold, I’m just …”

“Just put the damn jacket on will you. Jesus H you’re so stubborn.” He shoved it into my hands. “I’m not being responsible for someone catching pneumonia as well as a broken wrist.”

A frown formed between my eyes in response to his comment, as I pulled his jacket over my head. I’d like to say that as I put it on, his intoxicating scent surrounded me, a delicious mix of wood smoke and spices that exuded his masculinity. But it didn’t. It smelled like crap: a combination of sweat, grass and damp clothes. I wrinkled my nose in distaste.

He chuckled. “You can blame Emmett for that. He was on washing duty and left all our kits drying in a heap on the floor.”

See why I’m enjoying this fic so much?  Now while it’s true there is much humour and lightness, as the relationships develop and the characters are revealed to us and to each other, the tenor of the story deepens. Some things don’t change but romance and love, low-level angst stemming from demons from the past, and fear of an uncertain future, are all skillfully blended into the mix. Love is the most powerful ingredient and as the lovely Bella says to Edward, “We’ve just been given a few obstacles to get over first. Like one of your boot camps.”

*Made by GossipLips*

The nick-name of Muddy Smugward is self explanatory, but I call him Dirtytalkingward for a different reason. *wink*

This highly amusing story is currently at 28 entertaining chapters with an expected 1 or 2 more plus epi to go. Take my advice and join up for the remainder of the term.

 http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8515332/1/Mud-Sweat-Beers

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*Reviews by Midnight Cougar*

It is with the utmost respect that today I review for you two Militaryward fics that have touched my heart and I have faith you will thoroughly enjoy. Both of these compelling stories depict a strong and courageous Armyward and the many facets of military life that have an effect both on the soldiers and their families. ❤

Tip of the Spear by Robsmyyummy Cabanaboy

*Made by CaraNo*

Tip of the Spear ~ The “tip of the spear” – in the military, they are the front line; the initial attack that draws first blood. As a CACO in the United States Marine Corps, Capt. Masen delivers that leading blow, too. He’s often faced with handling the collateral damage this life can bring. He’s accepted that love & commitment aren’t for him…until she opens the door.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance/Drama – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 15 – Words: 93,219 – Reviews: 2,446 - Favs: 1,086 – Follows: 1,787 – Updated: 05-01-13 – Published: 11-05-12 – id: 8677928

Before I start my review, I’d like to ask you to please take a moment and reread the summary because it’s the crux of this story, and where the author explains the importance and significance of the title, as this is a true Militaryward fic.

Tip of the Spear begins with a Prologue exhibiting the sad reality of Edward’s job as twenty-eight-year-old Captain Edward Masen, a CACO – Casualty Assistance Calls Officer – in the United States Marine Corps, where he visits a young wife, Mrs. Matthews, to tell her that her husband was killed in the line of duty. I’m not going to lie, it was very emotional to read, and I cried, but you can really feel this Edward; his emotions, his caring, his compassion for these people in which he is sharing such sorrow. And then in chapter two, when that woman, sadly, becomes a pregnant Bella Newton … I cried again …

Twenty minutes after arriving at Isabella Newton’s door and telling her that her husband won’t be coming home again, her two friends, the Whitlocks, arrived to comfort and support her through the shock while Chaplain Gillen and I remained to answer questions and help her through the first of many steps facing her over the next couple of months.

We learn that Bella drifts through the funeral of her late husband, Sgt. Michael Newton, but the loss and stress is too great, and she loses her baby boy. Life goes on for both Bella and Edward, and then the story jumps ahead, “One year. Two years. Three years later.” … to where we see Bella getting ready to go on the adventure of a lifetime. A trip to Hawaii that she was supposed to share with her late husband, but is now going to brave alone. And as she boards the military plane, that is when she again meets Captain Masen, who is on a well-deserved vacation of his own, and the rest, as they say, is history.

They reconnect as friends and end up going on this exhilarating journey together. Their adventures know no bounds, but I will let you read them for yourselves, because I could not do justice to them in a review. Robsmyyummy Cabanaboy presents the settings so well; she gives us the most excellent, vivid descriptions, so it’s like you are there with Adventurella and Spearward, enjoying their Hawaiian explorations. But, don’t forget, this is labeled Romance, and there might just be some of that hot, lemony goodness, too. *wink*

I’d also like to mention that, even though I know today’s post is focused on Militaryward, and this story is definitely that, for me, it is also, one of the few fics I’ve read where I can honestly say I have a Bella girl-crush. Bella, in this story, personifies, IMHO, what a woman who has literally lost everything can overcome and become, regardless of how much has happened in her life. She’s really an inspirational Bella … on so many levels, and I know she’s going to be very memorable for me. She’s a very strong-willed and spirited Bella, who, through her huge heart and adventurous spirit, shows Edward life when all he’s seen for years is death …

Excerpt from chapter 14:

I lift our hands and bring his palm to my lips. “I can. You said it yourself the other night. You’re a changed man, Cap’n.”

We’re silent for a moment.

“That I am. I meant what I said earlier; this place has been like a revival for me. Hell, I’ve been changing slowly but surely since that close encounter with your backpack on the tarmac in California. Aside from a bloody nose, you’ve ended up giving me more of a jumpstart to my heart.”

I smile, feeling my eyes get watery. “I’ve just tried to open your eyes a bit.” I squeeze his hand. “Your amazing heart was pumping long before I walked down that aisle on the plane, Edward.”

“Maybe,” he pauses, “…but now there’s a rhythm and a beat— a soundtrack with your name that plays on a loop.”

A tear falls over the bridge of my nose and I try to sniff quietly, but apparently loud enough that it alarms him and he leans over to look at my face.

“Hey,” he speaks gently and rolls me toward his body. Swiping his thumb across the tear stain, he shakes his head. “No tears, Clementine.”

I nod and swallow, my eyes brimming with more after hearing his comforting voice.

“We still have Maui and then Oahu again.” He raises his eyebrows, asking that I acknowledge his well-made point. “Lots more opportunities for making memories, just like you said. That’s what this trip is about; no regrets, right?”

I shake my head, freeing a few more tears. “Not a single one.”

He leans down and kisses me chastely. It lingers for a few seconds, and then he gives me another soft peck. His gaze is locked on mine as our eyes fill in the blanks for everything we haven’t had the courage to say yet. With confidence and sincerity he ensures, “We’ll figure it out.”

*sigh* Yeah, I love these two … their connection also knows no bounds.

Tip of the Spear is a compelling read right from the Prologue; it immediately pulls at your heart-strings but then, through the journey of the beautifully presented characters of Adventurella and Spearward, it exemplifies hope, healing and love all within an exciting storyline. And because it’s told from both EPOV and BPOV we get to experience it all from two very different and unique perspectives, and this just makes it all the better! Please enjoy this beautiful Militaryward WIP that updates regularly; I just adore the feeling of peace and love this story portrays!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8677928/1/Tip-of-the-Spear

For teasers, story visuals, and more: The Cabanaboy’s Playground  ~ you have to see all the lovely and inspiring photos that accompany the story.

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Departures by TheFicChick

*Made by Fallingsnow Winter*

Departures by TheFicChick ~ ”Every day for the rest of my life, I will wonder how kissing a virtual stranger goodbye could have felt like a hello.”

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 10 – Words: 95,090 -Reviews: 3,807 - Favs: 3,473 – Follows: 2,901 Reviews: 3,826 - Favs: 3,494 – Follows: 2,906 - Updated: 01-04-13 – Published: 10-20-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8625604

Some of you may have already read this short 10 chapter Armyward that started out as a one shot, but if not, then it’s a must read Military fic. Seriously, this beautiful, heart-warming love story that begins in O’Hare Airport in Chicago, goes far beyond its boundaries of the tarmac as it transcends time and space to make you believe in the true power of love between two virtual strangers.

When I read each chapter, I was either smiling big, literally laughing out loud, or crying, because I was so emotionally invested in the story and its wonderful, main characters of a strong and brave Edward, our Armyward, and an adventurous, loving Bella. They share such a fun and sweet airport adventure as they get to know each other, and then an intense and telling correspondence when he is away in Afghanistan; all the makings of a fabulous love story to make you swoon!

Here’s a taste of the wonderful writing and sensual connection shared by our beloved Militaryward and his Bella …

Despite the banter and the innuendo-laden conversation and the pancakes, Edward Cullen is a stranger in an airport. We’re not sharing anything more than an unexpected layover before we fly in opposite directions; once the snow stops and the travel starts, I’ll never see him again. The thought is physically painful.

“Listen, Bella.” He turns to face me, shifting his weight in one fluid motion to the shoulder still resting against the wall, and his face is as serious as I’ve seen it since he was recounting his decision to join the Army. “If this were any other day, and if I weren’t flying off to fiddle with bombs in the middle of the desert, I’d ask for your number.”

I attempt to swallow against the lump that lodges itself firmly in my throat. “If you weren’t flying off to fiddle with bombs in the middle of the desert, I’d give it to you.” My voice is barely more than a whisper.

Green eyes are pulling me in, and it takes all of the self-control I possess not to touch him. He watches me intently, and after a minute I see his throat muscles bob with a swallow. “If you gave it to me, I’d call. The same day. I wouldn’t even try to do the whole ‘play-it-cool-give-it-a-few-days’ thing.”

“I’ve always hated that game,” I breathe.

“I’d take you out for Italian. There’s a great little mom-and-pop restaurant near the house I grew up in that has the best ravioli on the planet.” My heart aches, then begins to race as his large hand cups my cheek. “It would be really hard for me to say goodnight without kissing you.” His thumb runs along my jawline.

“I’m not averse to kissing on the first date,” I confess, and his eyes blaze.

“If I’m misreading this, stop me now,” he breathes, and I can’t see the green of his eyes anymore because they are hidden behind the long lashes sweeping against his cheekbones as he gazes at my mouth. I stay silent in unspoken permission, and after a beat, his warm mouth covers mine. I can taste the remnants of strawberry on his lips, which are warm and inquisitive and insistent. His hand slides from my jaw to the back of my neck as his other one joins it, and I bring my own hands to the back of his neck, his short hair sliding through my fingers. He angles his head to deepen the kiss, and I rise to my tiptoes as he pulls us upright, abandoning the support of the wall. I feel his mouth open against mine, and his tongue whispers a trace against my lower lip; as I open my mouth in response, a small whimper escapes me. He meets my tongue with his, and instantly I feel heat like a wild elevator climbing and plummeting through my body. His breath hitches into my mouth, and what was gentle suddenly becomes demanding, his mouth moving smoothly over mine, lips and tongues dancing together.

His hands move from the back of my head down to my lower back, and he bands his arms around me, groaning softly into the kiss as he pulls me flush against his body. I think I whimper in response, and he deepens the kiss further, his tongue exploring the warm cavern of my mouth. I lose track of time as we stand there, shamelessly making out in an airport terminal, and it isn’t until he slows the pace of the kiss, his tongue receding to gently trace my lower lip before retreating altogether, placing a borderline chaste kiss to my mouth, that I regain my bearings.

So lovely and romantic, and such a divine flow to the words; one of the true pleasures of reading TheFicChick!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8625604/1/Departures

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*Reviews by WiltshireGlo*

OPERATION: Break the Dawn by katinki 

OPERATION: Break the Dawn ~ An experimental weapon, one of the most lethal chemicals ever created, has been stolen. It’s final destination is unknown, but there’s no doubt the powerful faction behind the theft is intent on one thing: War. But they didn’t count on a fight. A team of Marines, led by Capt. Edward Cullen and accompanied by Dr. Isabella Swan, isn’t about to let the world go up in flames. AH.

Follow/FavoriteRated: Fiction M – English – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 7 – Words: 40,359 – Reviews: 1,032 – Favs: 803 – Follows: 1,203 – Updated: 03-07-13 – Published: 08-06-12 – id: 8399608 WiP.

Oh good Lord! Captain Edward Cullen is just so commanding, mesmerising, strong and stoic. You really believe he’s going to save the world. Really. Really. This is gritty, dirty, the imagery sends you to hot, sandy, uncomfortable places, but it’s also intriguing and leaves you desperate for more.

Katinki has captured the sense of fear that Bella must have, as a scientist more used to working in a lab accompanying experienced and stoic Marines; some situations they encounter are terrifying. She also conveys the Marines’ admiration for Bella’s bravery, and their kindness when she is understandably overwhelmed. The whole story is infused with humour and the banter that you’d expect from a close-knit team – a team hand-picked to do the jobs that no one else can. It is, of course, made up of our favourite characters and they suit their roles beautifully. They clearly see Bella as a liability and their initial interaction is filled with frustration.

Edward’s fists balled inside his pockets. Like he’d repeatedly told both the General and those idiots at the CIA, regardless of her expertise, Dr. Isabella Swan had no business whatsoever on this plane or in those cammies. No matter how good she looked in them.

“Alright,” Emmett started again as he plopped back down in the bright blue seat beside her. Twisting halfway around, he blindly dug through one of the boxes behind them, grabbed two bottles of water, and tossed one of them to their scientist. “Rule number one. You don’t ever go outside that Humvee without your plates and your helmet. Got that?” He didn’t wait for her to answer and his instructions came out more like a series of barked orders. “You only take that shit off if one of us tells you you can. Clear?”

The woman’s face scrunched into a comically sour expression.

“Rule number two. You don’t go anywhere unless one of us tells you you can. Not even to piss.”

The hard, straight line of Edward’s lips broke when Bella huffed. “Yeah, got that one already. No unsupervised pissing.”

Emmett shook his head before cracking open his own water bottle and throwing back half the contents in a single chug. “Look, the main thing is just stay behind one of us at all times and do what we tell you to do. If we take a knee, you take a knee. If we drop and crawl, you drop and crawl. If we tell you to stay put, stay fucking put. If we tell you –”

Bella cut him off with a sharp, “I got it. Trust me,” and this time Edward had to school his mouth shut to keep from laughing at the hot spark of her irritation. Maybe not a lamb, he corrected. A pissed off kitten was more like it.

Across the deck, leaning against the opposite bulkhead with her arms crossed over her chest, Rosalie glared and mouthed, “This is fucking stupid.”

The slight incline of Edward’s head was the only indication that he agreed.

“Jazz,” Emmett barked, standing and flicking his bottle cap at the corporal dozing across the aisle. “Go over the gear with her, will ya? I need to talk to the Captain.” Instantly alert, the younger man nodded once before hopping over to take Emmett’s seat.

“Okay, Doc,” Jasper said, not wasting any time, as he quickly burrowed through her pack to locate an item Edward hoped none of them would need to wear. “Gas mask. You ever wore one?”

I must admit, I barely breathe through some chapters! I’m gripped by the action, the tension, the oh-bloody-hell moments! But throughout it all, I’m constantly aware of Edward looking out for Bella, ever watchful, always protecting. Their connection is palpable even though he’s a man of few words…it’s probably worth mentioning that he’s swoonworthy…did I mention commanding? Oh boy, is he commanding!

Katinki really strikes the balance well, the story of the building trust, the common goal, the sense of purpose all made more real, believable, by the research she’s done, the details she’s included. It’s fiction, but grounded in the reality of war.

At seven chapters in, I know there’s plenty more to enjoy.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8399608/1/OPERATION-Break-the-Dawn

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Orange Kisses and Peppermint Hearts by SparrowNotes24

*Made by Cared*

Orange Kisses and Peppermint Hearts ~ He is gone, leaving her with the bitter sense of absence and the sweet taste of his name on her tongue. Then, a mysterious letter arrives, bursting with the flavors of a love story. Will the words that grace the page change the course of her life?

Twilight – Rated: M – English – Romance – Chapters: 1 – Words: 10,303 – Reviews: 147 – Published: 3-4-13 – Bella & Edward – Complete – One shot.

Ohhhh…this is a story that fills the air with romance, whimsy, nostalgia – and hope. Honestly, when you read it you’ll be sighing like a lovestruck starlet, reaching for your prettiest frock and swooning over the love of a man and the lengths he’ll go to show his wife he loves her. *sigh*

SparrowNotes24 has written such a beautiful, original piece – Bella is a chocolatier specialising in only the best, with a friendly attitude and creative flair. Together with her assistant, Rose, she creates a rather magical atmosphere in her shop, Cocoa Swan…when one day Bella receives the first of a series of letters requesting her help.

“This just came in for you.” She smiled and then left, the door swinging behind her. I could hear her crooning along to the song on the radio; her breathy voice was wonderful to listen to.

I brushed my hands off on my apron before quickly sliding my fingers under the edge of the envelope and ripping it open. My hopes were dashed when I saw it was just an order, handwritten in neat looping cursive.

Dear Cocoa Swan,

I hope you can help me organize the perfect anniversary gift for my wife.

I’d like a selection of chocolates that reflect all the things that made me fall madly and deeply in love with her. I have to admit that I’m no chocolate connoisseur, but she is, and she always tells me that your shop does the best. 

I apologize for the lateness in my request, and I have a feeling that I may think of some other ideas to add to the final box of chocolates once I’ve sent this. I hope this won’t be too inconvenient for you.

I thought it would help you choosing the chocolates if I told you a little bit about her.

The best place to start would be the moment I knew that she was the one for me.

We were sat in a coffee shop, her hands wrapped around a cup of frothy cappuccino, while she told me about her day. Excitement glittered in her eyes, and I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out and brushing the leftover foam from her lips with my thumb and tasting the sweet richness of the coffee.

She was mouth-watering.

Astounded, I turned the thin paper over in my hand, looking for more. The other side was blank, and the envelope was empty.

I poked my head out and gestured for Rose to come into the workshop after she’d finished serving a customer. I re-read the letter again. The disappointment I’d felt that it wasn’t for me was replaced by admiration for this man and a deep longing for the love that was absent in my own life. 

When Rose came, I showed her the letter. As she read it, her face softened, and when she got to the bottom, she reacted exactly the same way I did, searching for the ending. “There’s no more?” 

I shook my head, “Nothing. Perhaps there was another page, and he’s misplaced it?”

She clutched the letter to her chest, swooning. “How romantic.” 

“It’s beautiful, but there’s no name or address. What should we do?” He hadn’t even requested what he wanted, but I’d already visualized cappuccino swirls before I’d finished reading.

“I think you should make something. Just in case he arrives to collect them. We can always pick from the counter to make up a box if it turns out there was another page?” 

As the mysterious letters arrive we learn about this romantic man’s love for his wife, their special moments, his treasured memories – you really will swoon – and taking inspiration from his words Bella creates the perfect confections to evoke the magic of his love for him to present to his wife.

I don’t think it spoils anything that Orange Kisses and Peppermint Hearts is in the MilitaryWard post, but let’s just say SparrowNotes24 keeps us guessing on several points throughout the story, which definitely builds the mystery and anticipation! It’s a delightful tale and one to savour on a warm afternoon while the birds are singing and there’s romance in the air…I guarantee it will make your heart happy!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9069015/1/Orange-Kisses-and-Peppermint-Hearts

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*Review by AllyVera and Gingerandgreen*

By Your Leave by jonesn

*Banner made by FemmeCullen*

By Your Leave ~ Honorably discharged Sergeant Major Edward Cullen meets widow Bella Black and her young son Seth. The ad says room for rent, but maybe they have more to offer each other than just space. *Complete*

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Hurt/Comfort – Chapters: 22 – Words: 61,862 – Reviews: 1,764 – Favs: 1,528 – Follows: 1,953 – Updated: 02-25-13 – Published: 08-16-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8436114

Ally Vera and Gingerandgreen both loved this story so much, they decided to flail over it together…

AV ~ I am just going to come out and say this first ..  Oh. My. Goodness.  Sergeant Major Edward Cullen is HOT.  I spent quite a bit of the BPOV chapters of By Your Leave fanning myself.  To see him through her eyes and her thoughts about him…  well, *phew*

G&G ~ I agree Ally. Edward’s always hot and sexy, but in By Your Leave, he is the definition of delicious.

AV ~ I really think I would be great friends with this Bella – I love her trains of thought (extract from chapter 7)…

“Edward’s a wet dream in his long-sleeved midnight blue coat with gold buttons lined down the front. His angular jaw accented by a firm collar. Several ribbons hang on the right side of his chest. I only recognized one. His purple heart. I wanted to kiss it. It’s what brought him here.

The scarlet and gold chevron on his left arm shows his status as Sergeant Major with three pointed, gold stripes on top, four curved gold stripes on the bottom, and incased in the middle, is the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. The same symbol he has inked into his skin on his left shoulder.

I remember.

How could I forget?

A midnight blue belt is wrapped around his narrow waist. The golden ‘M’ on the front is shining. Bleached, white gloves cover his large hands. And, I would eat off his black dress shoes, they’re so clean. The whole thing is topped off with his white and black hat.

I have to try and block thoughts of him pounding into me while his dog tags flap against his sweaty, naked chest. I’m not sure how long I stood there staring at him, before the clearing of a throat caught my attention.

“What?” I ask, lamely, not even knowing if I had been asked a question.”

AV ~ Okay, now that my inappropriate thoughts are out of the way, let me tell you what else I loved about the story, apart from the good Sergeant Major’s body.  By Your Leave deals with some very serious matters, like military death and the aftermath of that devastation, but it still is a feelgood story. Jonesn does a brilliant job of keeping the story beautifully balanced – there is sadness, sweetness, heat and depth.

G&G ~ The special draw of Militaryward is the hero we delight in worshiping. By Your Leave is full of heroism. I love how Bella is as much of a hero as any of the military characters, even though she doesn’t see herself that way. Of course, Edward is full of humility too.

AV ~ Jones has created a firecracker in Seth, Bella’s son – he provides quite a bit of light entertainment.

G&G ~ Oh, Seth’s a gorgeous little boy. It takes great skill to make a child age appropriate, and Seth is perfect. I feel as though I walked home from school with him myself.

AV ~ The connection between Edward and Bella is strong in this story.  The more you read – the more you just know that these two are just meant to be – someone above was guiding them together.

G&G ~ Absolutely. And to me, that is the crucial element of Twific. Edward and Bella are destined to be together, no matter what has been before or what the future holds. You just know.

This is Bella talking to Seth in chapter 3:

“Well, someone came to see the spare room today, and they decided that they want to live with us. I was showing them the house, and that’s why I’m late.” He thinks it over as he chews, then lays a hand on my shoulder.

“Is it a boy or a girl?”

“A boy. Well, a man.”

“Does he have kids?” His eyes light up in anticipation, and I realize I don’t even know the answer to that question.

“You know, I don’t know. He didn’t have any with him, but we can ask him if he has any that might visit.” His eyes dim a bit, but I can tell he hasn’t lost all hope for playmates.

“Do you want to go meet him? He’s going to have dinner with us.” This excites him, and with a mouth full of fruit snacks he jumps up and down nodding his head. He stops when I grab his hand, telling him not to jump with food in his mouth, and we make our way back home.

As we walk, I wonder what dinner will be like tonight. It will be the first time that there is a third plate on the table. While it should have been for Jake it’s for Edward, the stranger in the spare room. And, I find myself hoping that he’s not a stranger for very much longer.

G&G ~ Mmm, the delectable satisfaction in knowing Edward won’t be a stranger for very long…

By Your Leave is the sort of story that reminds us why we love Militarywards.  Strong men and just as strong (sometimes stronger) women and let’s face it, the thought of Edward in a uniform *thud*.  Over and out from AV and G&G.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8436114/1/By-Your-Leave

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*Review by Gingerandgreen*

My Wounded Soldier by Counselor

*Made by Ro Nordmann*

My Wounded Soldier ~ 1866 Edward just home from the war. Neighbor Bella has a tragedy and Edward delivers her baby. Seeing as she’s widowed, marriage makes sense. He doesn’t feel worthy, but he can’t step aside for her suitors. Competition amongst veterans.

Fiction M – English – Romance/Hurt/Comfort – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 77 – Words: 183,065 – Reviews: 4,980 – Favs: 1,600 – Follows: 1,277 – Updated: 06-04-12 – Published: 03-05-12 – Status: Complete – id: 7899031

I don’t know whether I’m going to be able to express how much I love this story. Bear with me while I try.

My Wounded Soldier is about the aftermath of war. It gives us a raw and heavy insight into what violence does to people; but it’s written with such compassion, the story lifts your heart even while it breaks it.

Set at the end of the American Civil War, Edward is a veteran who has seen and lost too much. He comes home to the family farm at his father’s request and – though he can hardly bear to stay at first – quickly gets swept up into the brutal affairs of the neighbourhood.

Chapter one gives us as dramatic a beginning as anything I have ever read. We meet Bella Swan, heavily pregnant and with a young son to protect, challenging another victim of war with a rifle. She kills the man, but not before he’s slain her husband. Stress induces her labour, and all she can think to do is to send her little boy running to fetch our hero.

“Run yonder. North field,” I said. Then I knew not how but I was on my knees. I was gripped in pain again, and I was locked in it unable to move. I could not even lift my head to see if Johnny had high-tailed it for help. But I knew that one was home from the war, that oldest son who never spoke to even say howdy. I’d seen him riding high on the wagon just that morning in the north field. I wagered…he’d be the first one here. I just knew. For he’d been a soldier. And if there were more of these strangers skulking about…well he would know what to do.

“Edward,” I said, for that was his name. I could lift my head now, and my son was still staring. “Johnny…find Edward.”

Enter Edward. What a beautiful, beautiful man. So full of self-hatred, deeply conflicted and painfully wounded, he is the most perfect hero I’ve encountered in Twific. Bella is superb in this story, but Edward is what makes My Wounded Soldier one of my top two stories ever.

Just watch him help a woman who until this moment was pretty much a stranger to him:

“That’s it, honey. You’re the strongest woman I know. My ma would be so proud of you. You’re almost there now, darlin’ girl. Don’t you be afraid. You’ve got to push. Put some muscle in it now.”

She grit her strong little teeth, and I gave her my hand, and she squeezed the juice out of it, and I kept telling her to come on like she was pulling the plow through mud and stone, and she pushed and I had to let go and catch this baby whose whole head and shoulders were out now, and I turned it gentle as I eased it out of her, and my life got washed in one moment, and I knew that somehow God was telling me I wasn’t the most miserable bastard that ever lived. Cause I had touched heaven, and done a good thing…like a priest or something.

So I set that baby on her mama’s chest, and Miss Isabella looked at that girl and laughed a little, then at me, and I had this life cord and the business still running into her to deal with, but for a moment, we just looked at each other and she said, “Thank you.” And I said…nothing in the face of such beauty as that mother and her child. I couldn’t speak.

And that’s just chapter one, people!

I’m sure you’ve heard as many times as I have the advice to ‘show, don’t tell’ when writing. Much of the most popular Fic I’ve read does a whole lot of telling, sometimes telling the same things multiple times  - it’s had me questioning the validity of this advice. But when I read Counselor’s words, I remember how powerful a little ‘showing’ can be. Counselor expresses her stories in such a way as to have you believing you’ve fallen down a wormhole in time, and have landed right there in 1866. My Wounded Soldier is not an easy read, but an exquisitely moving one. I hope I’ve done it a little bit of justice, and persuaded you to give it a go.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7899031/1/My-Wounded-Soldier

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MILITARYWARD READING LIST

A World Away by wandb

All I Want For Christmas by kyla713 *previous rec here

Blood Glory, Sin & Innocence and Smoke & Mirrors by drotuno

Coming Home by Sarge’s Girls 

Compass by SparklingWand

The Bigger They Are by LadyExcalibur2010  *previous review here

The Cullen Legacy by pattyrose  *previous review here 

The Cullen Sutras by Magnolia822

The Harvest of Avarice by Emmamama88  *previous review here

Vines by FictionFreak95  *previous review here

Your mission, should you choose to accept it – divulge your Militaryward fic recs in the comments.

All the stories we’ve selected to review for Militaryward are respectful of the sacrifices men and women throughout time and place make for their countries, and none of them make light of the tragedy of war. The FicSix would also like to highlight the importance of striving for peace. It was authors in the Twifandom who brought attention to the worldwide campaign, Peace One Day. It seems fitting to include it here, in a Militaryward post. Please follow the link, share and spread the word.

 The FicSix

Let’s Play With Sportsward!

Let’s face it ladies; Originalward was no athlete. Yeah, he defeated James and Victoria in battle and played a game of baseball here and there, but he wasn’t a sports freak by any means. Even though we ALL love the pale, sparkling, sleepless music-lover, sometimes a girl just wants–dare I say NEEDS–a good jock.

Thankfully, our fandom is blessed with a plethora of authors who are willing to improve on perfection and give Originalward that extra little something to whet the sports-lover in all of us.

Grab some beers, settle into your favorite recliner, put your feet up, and prepare to enjoy the wide world of Sportswards. You  might wanna grab a drool towel, too, because tight-fitting track pants and bulging biceps abound in this our latest installment of Fanfiction Fridays.

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*Reviews by Cared*

Shifting Gears by ChocolateSparrow

*Made by sparrownotes24*

Shifting Gears ~ A race. A cyclist. A physio. He wants to win the Tour de France at any cost. She just wants to make it through without getting burned. A birthday gift for the lovely Erron.

Twilight – Rated: M – English – Romance – Chapters: 5 – Words: 11,746 – Reviews: 145 – Updated: 4-21-13 – Published: 3-18-13 – Bella & Edward

ChocolateSparrow are fast becoming the Ant and Dec of the fic world.  If that analogy is lost on you, think Tina Fey and Steve Carrell, if you will.  It appears the highly entertaining duo that unleashed the hilarious The Art of Getting Fluffed on an unsuspecting world, can successfully turn their pens to any Ward from Pornward to Sportsward.

SparrowNotes24 shared how this fic came about. “We were supposed to be writing a Rugbyward for our friend Erron, but got distracted by those pictures of Rob cycling in Australia and our husbands helped with this!  We are both cycling widows.”

*nods head in understanding about the inspirational cycling pictures*

I was planning to tell you that I was attracted to this fic in the hope I would learn more about the behind the scenes world of the Tour de France.  You know, interesting crap facts pertaining to the world’s most prestigious cycle race: stages, nutrition, training, lifestyle, physio, team spirit and so on.  Like I said, I was planning to, but, I realised you discerning readers would not fall for that.  I have to be honest and admit, while I did inadvertently glean some of the information listed above, the visual of Cocky Cycleward Cullen in his skintight spandex and oiled up thighs *takes sip of water – turns on fan* was a major draw.

The competition is underway before Bella joins as replacement physiotherapist and is assigned to Edward.  The story is marked Romance but it’s a slow burn as it develops in stages, just like the tour itself.  Bella may be a physiotherapist, but she is still a woman, and while she is not immune to his charms, she is determined to remain professional – especially while massaging his groin injury.  Lycroward has no such qualms about mixing business with pleasure when it comes to Bella, but at 5 chapters in, he is still facing an uphill struggle.  Good thing he is so fit!

The touch of her hands on my thigh made me shiver. The way she massaged me felt different to Alice-softer, more feminine-despite the pressure that she was putting on my legs. I closed my eyes and bit my lip, willing my body to ignore its natural response to her touch, because getting a hard-on while lying on the physio table was amateur and embarrassing.

“Is this okay?” She moved higher now, her fingers finding the strained muscle just below my groin, and the pain that I felt as she pushed down was welcome-anything to take my mind off the pleasure of her touch. But I still responded, and I was dreading the moment she asked me to turn over and notice that my dick was sticking straight up to the sky.

Like a teenaged boy with an inappropriate erection, I started to go through all the things that disgusted me. I recalled my grandmother and the way she used to put her teeth in a glass by the side of her bed. I thought of Jasper and how he always used to fart when we shared bedrooms as junior cyclists. I remembered the nausea I felt last summer when I saw the Olympic Gold Medal hanging around Riley Swan’s neck.

I could feel myself soften as I lay on my front. Moving my head to the side, I caught Bella’s eye and saw her staring straight at me, the deep hazel darkened by her widening pupils. As much as I wanted to move my head and look away, I found myself captured by her gaze. Suddenly, my heart was pounding faster than when I was sprinting down the final fifty yards, and I could feel the rapid drum beat it made against my ribcage.

Shifting Gears is a really cute chick-fic.  Actually, it’s a ficlet as it should complete at around 8 chapters and an epi.  It’s light and fun with an unexpected element of mystery running through it.  The protagonists are very likeable and I’m waving the flag for Team Edward & Bella and cheering them on.  Oh, did I mention that Edward wears Lycra? LOL

On your bike!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9113467/1/Shifting-Gears

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Negative Twenty and Falling by katinki

*Made by katinki*

Negative Twenty and Falling ~ COMPLETE O/S. Two weeks, a few cups of cocoa, a mountain of snow, a pair of mittens, and one Mr. Perfect-Gorgeous. I present to you: Skiward. Just a little bit of wintery fluff so that you don’t think I’m always so doom and gloom. AH.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 2 – Words: 20,666 – Reviews: 296- Favs: 781 – Follows: 216 – Published: 12-13-11 – Status: Complete – id: 7632850

Negative Twenty and Falling opens with Bella listening to a weather report; the destination she is intent on travelling to is minus twenty degrees and falling – hence the title.  Our Bella likes to keep warm and is a little shocked at the forecast.

Mother. Fucker. 

Okay, fine, I think to myself as I test the thickness of my one and only (and new) parka. That’s in Celsius – damned Canadians – but I remember high school science. That’s still below zero in Fahrenheit. It’s negative four to be exact. And that’s… really freaking cold. Like deathly cold. Like my blood will freeze in my veins and I better not lick metal objects (not that I go around doing that) cold. Yeah so… cold.

See, for pretty much… forever, I’ve lived in the desert of Arizona – Phoenix actually – where there are only two possible forecasts: (very) hot and dry and pretty warm and dry. Like year round, too. Not snowing and negative twenty. Or negative four. Whatever. I wear shorts and tank tops at Christmas, not long johns and battery operated socks.

Damn that Alice.

As I shove pants and turtlenecks and a scarf I’ve never worn in the biggest suitcase I have, for the hundredth time, I curse myself for saying yes to her. Sure, she’s my best friend and I love her like a sister, but I should be going with our other roommates to Cabo for New Years’, not to Banff. Where it’s negative twenty. Did I mention that already?

I sigh as I pull the tags off a pair of chunky black mittens (that look remarkably like my oven mitts) before finally stuffing them into the side pocket. I don’t know how you do anything in mittens – like write, or drive, or eat French fries – but if I want to keep my fingers, I have a feeling I’ll need them. And maybe a portable space heater with backpack straps. Do they make those? 

Considering my aversion to less than balmy weather, I honestly have no idea why I said yes when Alice asked if I’d please, please, please go with her to the mountains of Alberta in the middle of winter.

Okay, that’s a lie.

I know exactly why.

If I reveal to you that Alice has a brother named Edward, a brother named Edward who will also be staying at the cabin in the snow, will you know exactly why too?  Believe me, once you have met this charming Skiward, or as Bella thinks of him Mr. Perfect-Gorgeous, you will not be surprised at her willingness to brave the elements.  After all, they can always warm up in the hot tub. *wink*

This story is romance pure and simple. For those of you worried, if you are familiar with katinki’s usual fare, she assures us “this is an angst-free zone”.  At over 20,000 words, it’s long for a one shot, but every word is warranted.  While it’s delightfully told in Bella’s POV, katinki’s voice, complete with tongue-in-cheek, shines through.  Put your thermals on ladies and cozy up to Skiward.  I know you’ll be toasty warm.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7632850/1/Negative-Twenty-and-Falling

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*Review by FluffyLiz*

Offside by Savage7289

*Made by Rose Arcadia*

Offside ~ Edward’s the star keeper for the Forks High School soccer team, and is already being scouted by leagues overseas. Bella’s just moved from Phoenix and interferes with his…focus. Soccerward lives! Rated M for the good stuff, of course.

English – Angst/Drama – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 125 – Words: 170,098 – Reviews: 32,661 – Updated: 08‑30‑11 – Published: 05-30-11 – Status: Complete

When Cared asked me if I would review Offside by Savage7289, I have to admit I jumped at the chance.  The reason?  Well, apart from the fact that it’s a brilliant fic by the amazing Shay Savage, it’s also directly responsible for me becoming a TwiFic writer – about which, more later.

Offside is the story of a hot young High School Senior who is also the star goalie of his school soccer team.  His father, Carlisle Cullen, is a doctor and the ambitious Mayor of Forks, and has high hopes for Edward to win a professional contract after graduation.  He sees it as his ticket out of a one-horse town, and is single-minded in pushing his son to achieve fame and fortune via his sporting talent.  The fact that Edward is more captivated by Shakespeare than penalty shoot-outs is an annoyance to his father, so much so that Edward has long since stopped risking his ire, keeping his academic yearnings to himself.

“I’m counting on you,” Dad said. He put his hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. I flinched a little and stopped breathing again. Even though I knew I was too built up now for him to really do anything to me, old habits die hard. “You know the plan, now you just have to focus, Edward. Don’t lose your focus. Classes okay so far? I don’t want anything distracting you.”

“They’re okay,” I told him. I shrugged a little, hoping it would get his hand off me. It worked, and I took a deep breath. “It’s only the first week of school, but they’re all okay so far.”

“I never should have let you sign up for those AP classes,” he grumbled.

I really, really didn’t want to have this fight again.

“And no girls,” Dad added. “If you want pussy, I fucking buy you some pussy.”

“Geez, Dad,” I turned my head away, cringing. “Not a problem, okay? Seriously, I need to get to sleep soon.”

“Running tomorrow? Six AM?”

“Yep.”

“Good.”

So, as you can see, Edward is ruled by his bullying father’s ambition, and he seeks relief in sketching – something else his father has no time for.  As for girls, well they’re just a means to an end, and his treatment of them is very much informed by his father’s vile misogyny.  But then, along comes soccer playing Bella, and everything changes.

Long, thick brown hair covering most of her back and shoulders, pale skin, athletically built, and deep brown eyes. She looked up at me, her teeth sank into her bottom lip, and I knew immediately who she was. It was the girl I slammed into after I was kicked out of the game on Friday, and she was sitting at my lab table.  I dropped down next to her and looked at her out of the corner of my eye. She tilted her head down, which made her hair drop over her shoulder and hide her face. It kind of pissed me off, actually, though I wasn’t sure why. I reached over and pushed her hair away from her face and back over her shoulder. She looked up at me, her deep brown eyes wide.

“Hey,” I said as I smiled at her.

“Um…hi,” she replied. She pulled back a little, and her hair dropped away from my fingers. At least it wasn’t hiding her from me anymore.

“I’m Edward,” I told her.

“So I’ve heard,” she said. Her eyes flashed up to Mister Banner, who was beginning his lecture on cellular anatomy.

“Have you now?” I smirked. I wondered just what she had heard, and from whom. “You got a name?”

“Yes.” She turned to look up at the front of the classroom. I had to laugh.

“Want to tell me what it is?” I asked. “Or do we get to play Rumplestiltskin?”

A few other games I could play with her flashed through my mind.

I glanced back over to the girl next to me, and saw the corners of her mouth turn up a little, like she was holding in a laugh. I shifted my lab stool, moving a little closer to her. She looked up at me, and then quickly looked away.

I didn’t touch her, though it was a little tempting. I kept my leg just about three inches away from hers, shifting when she moved away a bit to keep the constant distance. She had long, slender legs, but I could tell they had some muscle to them as well. I resisted the urge to run my hand over her thigh. No need to move too quickly on a chick that was obviously new.  Maybe even a challenge.

Predictably, a relationship is formed, but Carlisle is not happy about it.  He’s such a complete dick, in fact, that Savage felt compelled to ask readers to come up with novel ways to knock him off in her ‘Die, Daddy C, Die’ contest.  I tried my hand at this, submitting my first ever piece of fiction, and thus caught the writing bug.  So, thanks, Shay!  BTW, you should check these out, as some of them are absolutely inspired and very imaginative!

This is inevitably a story of star-crossed lovers, but, as ever with Savage, there’s much more to it than that – there’s heat, there’s angst, and there’s even a little intrigue.  Topped off with a very satisfying denouement, this is yet another high quality and brilliantly told story from one of the fandom’s most talented authors.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7036128/1/Offside

Die, Daddy C, Die Community here.

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*Review by Midnight Cougar*

Quarterback Rush by musegirl

*Made by perfacidadeliberada*

Quarterback Rush ~ Bella has a chance meeting with college co-ed Edward and is immediately smitten. But how will she handle finding out Edward is a star football player? Will she be his good luck charm or a curse? AU/AH. Fluff, fun, and lemons. Rated M for a reason.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance/Humor – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 20 – Words: 111,589 – Reviews: 1,591 - Favs: 2,526 – Follows: 1,592 - Updated: 01-27-12 – Published: 11-10-10 – Status: Complete – id: 6467809

I have to admit, I’ve read a fair amount of Sportsward over the last several years – Baseballward, Soccerward, Swimward, Hockeyward … I seem to be pretty partial to any jock Edward, bulked up, cocky and in some type of sports uniform! *sighs dreamily* But I think my favourite has to a QBward. There is something about Edward Cullen all fit, fast, furious and decked out in a tight football uniform that really does it for me! *fans self*

One of the first QBwards I read was Quarterback Rush by musegirl. Now, it has been quite some time since I read it, but it was definitely memorable. What I remember the most was that I absolutely loved the romance of this story. I read the whole thing in just a few days. The story is set in a Texas college, Edward is the star Quarterback; he is intelligent, a bit cocky, but also adorable, and Bella has no idea who he is as she has no interest in sports. She is an all-around great Bella, though: studious, beautiful, nice; she is so real and down-to-earth. I really enjoyed them both – from their first encounter where their witty banter immediately takes hold, we see their sweet chemistry…

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a guy smirking at me. Glancing at him, my breath caught. Damn, he was hot. Really, really hot. Panty-wetting hot. Fuckhot. Brown-ish, red-ish…bronze-ish…crazy sex-hair with the most beautiful green eyes I’d ever seen, like fresh-cut grass. A perfectly straight nose and jaw that were a sculptor’s dream and his perfect, totally kissable lips formed that smirk that made my lady parts sit up and take notice.

He lifted an eyebrow to go with his smirk and I quickly looked down, blushing. Fuck, I’d been caught staring. I bit my lip, immediately regretting pulling my hair up so I couldn’t hide behind it. I climbed onto the bus in front of him and headed for the back. The bus was only half full so I took an empty seat in the back corner. Looking out the window, I reached up and released my hair and ran my fingers through it. I peeked through the strands and saw Smirkhot-Sex-Hair Guy chatting with someone before making his way further back. I hastily looked away to avoid getting caught staring again. I heard someone rather noisily take a seat in the row in front of me and I turned my head. Smirkhot-Sex-Hair Guy was sprawled across the row of seats and smirking once again at me. Now I became defensive, “What?”

He chuckled lowly and a shiver danced down my spine. His smirk deepened and he asked, “So, going to the game on Saturday?” Oh dear God in heaven, that voice! That smooth, deep, velvet voice. Just that one sentence had my stomach, amongst other things, quivering. What the hell was wrong with me? I’d never reacted like this to any guy before. I was practically panting over him like a cat in heat.

I mentally shook myself and pulled out my trusty friend, sarcasm. “Oh, yeah. I dream of nothing else.” I rolled my eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re going to lecture me on the wonders of football too? I get enough of that from my father. He thinks I’m un-American.”

Smirkhot-Sex-Hair Guy laughed again and smiled, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” He cocked his head to the side, “You’re an interesting girl. You don’t like football, so I’m guessing you’re not much of a tomboy. But you don’t like shopping either, so you’re not a princess. I can’t quite figure out what kind of girl you are.”

Ah, well, Edward, that is for her to know and you to find out! And since it looks like our Bella, while “quivering” on the inside, can hold her own on the outside, he may just have to work for it. *nods head and smiles*

As you can already see, she did make quite an impression, greatly intriguing our “Smirkhot-Sex-Hair Guy” QBward; and his interest only grows during the first few chapters as they continue to enjoy each other’s company during bus rides home. But it’s after Edward visits her sorority that Bella learns who Edward really is: starting Quarterback Cullen, number 17. Not only does Bella feel she is way out of Edward’s league, being as she is, “…plain as you could get. Brown hair, brown eyes, with that wholesome girl next door look. Not exactly the kind of girl guys would beat down a door to get to,” but she also thinks it’s all a game to him: for the popular jock to romance the quiet, book nerd. But our smooth QBward would disagree wholeheartedly, and his romance knows no bounds, as he pulls out ALL the stops to prove to her he is sincere and to win over his “beautiful girl”…

I was doodling on my notepad when the doorbell rang downstairs. I sighed; the meeting would come to a halt until whoever was at the door left. Jessica ran downstairs to answer the door when singing drifted up to the chapter room. She came racing back upstairs, almost tripping and yelling for us to get downstairs. Half of the girls followed her down and the other half ran to the front balcony. I stayed upstairs, not all that excited. I assumed it was one of the frats ‘serenading’ us. I’d heard Charlotte had met a guy named Peter at one of the parties over the weekend and figured it was his fraternity out there.

I stood in the back, laughing over the song choice, ‘You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling.’ The scene from Top Gun where the guys all serenade their teacher was always one of my favorites. I yelped when Alice grabbed my arm and yanked me to the front of the group. Completely startled, I looked down to see Edward out in front on one knee with a large group of football players behind him as backup. They were all wearing their jerseys and smiling and totally hamming up the performance.

I covered my mouth with one hand, laughing at the sight in front of me. Edward looked up and spotted me. He smiled and, still singing, crooked his finger at me. Eyes wide and blushing, I shook my head. Edward winked at me and nodded, crooking his finger again. Alice dug her nails into my arm in warning and I hastily retreated to the stairs. I walked down them, taking deep breaths to cool my cheeks and calm my pounding heart.

Making my way through the girls gathered at the door, I stepped out in front of them. Edward’s smile was blinding. I took a few more steps forward and he took my hand as they finished the song. I ducked my head causing my hair to fall in a curtain around my face, shielding it from view. I knew my face was bright red still, but I couldn’t bring myself to care when Edward was smiling at me like that. The song ended and Edward rose, grabbing my waist with one hand and supporting my head with the other as he dipped me low to kiss me. I clung to his neck, partly to help keep myself from falling, but also to hold him to me. Even though the kiss was nowhere near as deep as the one we’d shared in my bedroom, I still felt it all the way to my toes.

The girls and guys all cheered when Edward lifted me upright again and I hid my face and grin in his chest.

Now THAT is how a football jock, who’s smitten, wins over his girl and scores his own touchdown! You now see why I found this story so memorable? But this only brings us into chapter 3 and there are 20 chapters, so you have lots more to read about Bella and Edward’s lovely, budding relationship in QR. It was a pleasure for me to read; it’s filled with romance and humour, with a little drama and some lemony goodness thrown in to keep things interesting, as Bella learns all about her “tight end.” *wink*

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6467809/1/Quarterback-Rush

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*Review by AllyVera*

Major Misconduct by m7707

banner by m7707

Coincidental Major by m7707

banner by m7707

Major Misconduct ~Edward Cullen – hot high school hockey player. Bella Swan – shy high school student. They’ve admired each other from afar, so what happens when they finally meet? Will they be strong enough to handle a threat from his past? No good deed goes unpunished…

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 36 – Words: 160,515 – Reviews: 4,686 - Favs: 5,101 – Follows: 2,345 – Updated: 07-17-10 – Published: 03-16-10 – Status: Complete – id: 5821543

Coincidental Major ~ A tale about a hockey-playing boy who loves his girl. This is Edward’s story from Major Misconduct.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 35 – Words: 193,272 – Reviews: 2,917 - Favs: 1,883 – Follows: 1,176 – Updated: 07-05-11 – Published: 02-02-11 – Status: Complete – id: 6709135

It is no secret that I have an unabashed passion for Hockeywards – hell, my Favourite Edward EVER is the original Hockeyward from HunterHunting’s brilliant The Misapprehension of Bella Swan *Ally goes all glassy-eyed thinking about him* Oh sorry, I got sidetracked…  What I do keep under wraps however, is that I am secretly a High School Fic hOOr.  I love them – so when MC and Cared told me about Sportsward, there was only one choice for me – Major Misconduct and its EPOV companion story Coincidental Major written by the wonderful m7707.

Of course, in MM, Bella is a very smart girl for her age and has crushed on the gorgeous Edward Cullen since first laying eyes on him as a freshman.  Being very shy and unsure of herself, she never acts on her crush, and doesn’t actually officially meet Edward until the beginning of junior year when her best friend Alice starts dating Jasper, Edward’s best friend.  What Bella doesn’t know is that Edward has crushed on her for probably the same amount of time… *sigh* These two!  All that wasted time!!

What I adored most about MM and CM are the characters that m7707 has created. Bella is shy and doesn’t run with the popular crowd, but there is a side to her that is fierce, passionate, glorious, and she has a wicked sense of humour.  Edward is not your typical jock, he’s intelligent, focused and very driven and you will adore the way he loves his Bella.

Here is a glimpse of Bella getting a dash anxious waiting for Edward to turn up for their first date – I laughed myself silly when I read this (from chapter 8)…

“At 7:25 I ran down the stairs. Edward seemed like the on-time type. I pulled the curtains in the front window back to peer out into the dark, and jerked back as headlights flashed across the front of the house. Oh God, I hoped he hadn’t seen me looking out and waiting for him like some overeager loser. I spun around, and saw that Charlie was watching me incredulously.

“What?” I demanded. “He’s here. I think. I think that’s him. It’s probably him. Should I get the door? No, you probably should. Will you get it? No! Wait!” I flung my hands out at him as he started to rise from his chair, and he froze. “I’ll get it. I’m sure he doesn’t want to see Dad the Police Chief first thing, give him a second to adjust. Right? Don’t you think?” The doorbell rang, and I jumped as if I’d been goosed. “I’ll get it. Dad! Be nice,” I reminded him, and dashed down the hall to the front door.

“Ooo-kay,” I heard Charlie mumble, and realized I was acting like a lunatic. I paused before the door and took a deep breath, shaking my hands to loosen them. Calm down, Swan.

I pulled the door open, and there he was—Edward Cullen, standing on my front door step—tall, gorgeous, smelling fantastic, and smiling down at me. I just stared at him, leaning against the door for support. “

No wonder Bella got all worked up! She might be shy, but she’s got spunk and is so funny! She’s also a perv (it’s always the quiet ones), and her slight obsession with Edward’s compression pants is hilarious and well-founded. m7707 delighted in her AN’s with YouTube visuals to help those of us who had no idea what compression pants were.  Well, suffice to say, I am an expert now! (Below is the video that m7707 shared with us…  just pretend it’s Edward… although Sidney Crosby does fill out those compression pants pretty well!)

If you are wondering which story to read first, Major Misconduct was written first, and then Coincidental Major.  I read MM first completely and then I read CM as a WIP.  Personally, I would advise to read MM first, and then delve into Edward’s POV afterwards in CM – but you could read them in tandem if you wanted to, but I think it takes away some of the mystery when you know what Edward is thinking – if you know what I mean!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5821543/1/Major-Misconduct

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6709135/1/Coincidental-Major

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Sportsward Reading List

Another League by CaraNo

Chasing Victory by mpg   Previous review here.

Comp Sem 101 by bornonhalloween 

Evening the Score by DH78

First & Ten by Nolebucgrl  Previous review here.

Foul Territory » by rinabina

Game, Set, Match by MandyLeigh87

Going Under by sparklnfade

He Shoots, She Scores by WitchyVampireGirl  Previous review here.

Lucky Strike by Twiddler83

Melt With You by Jenny0719

Off Piste by landdownunder

Penalty Shot by Edward’s Eternal

Quarterback Sneak by jayhawkbb

Shadowboxer by nobloodnofoul

Sideline Collision by Nolebucgrl   Previous review here.

Stealing Home by Nolebucgrl 

Take The Ice  by bellamarie117

Taking a Shot by TwoTwiMoms

The Purple Banana Hammock by TheFicChick  Previous review here.

Try by shellshock81

Up to Speed by ericastwilight  Previous review here.

Yosemite Decimal by MagTwi78  Previous review here.

We would like to say a big thank you to FluffyLiz for joining us today on Fan Fiction Fridays.  She didn’t include the link to her entry into the Die, Daddy C, Die contest, What Goes Around Cums Around, *snicker* but we just did.

The FicSix

The FicSix Picx

Happy Fan Fiction Fridays and welcome to The FicSix Picx! This week we’re going random rec’ing on you! lol We’ve all been enjoying some of the same fics, but some different ones, as well, so this week we thought we’d share a number of those with you. We have fics filled with sweet romance, great humour, exciting drama, and three wonderful TwiHEAcontest one shots, plus a versatile FicSix reading list!

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*Reviews by Midnight Cougar*

Today I am going to warm your heart with some sweet Romance. I have one WIP and a TwiHEAcontest one shot winner for your reading enjoyment. I thought I’d be nice to rec something completely light and easy to read, filled with romance, love and HEA, because I don’t know about you…but I’ve been reading a lot of angst and serious drama fics lately, and I know you will enjoy both these charming stories.

The Man in the Moon by CullensTwiMistress

*Made by CullensTwiMistress*

The Man in the Moon ~ Her Nana had always told her she’d find the peanut butter to her jelly. But she never did find the one, and now she’s 29 and still looking for that perfect one—the man that doesn’t exist. He’s like the man in the moon; a simple fairy tale that will never be real. AH; BxE; Romance.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 2 – Words: 4,909 – Reviews: 138 - Favs: 139 – Follows: 283 - Updated: 04-25-13 – Published: 04-21-13 – id: 9224221

The Man in the Moon is a brand new WIP written by my dear friend CullensTwiMistress. I also have the pleasure of being her beta for this lovely, romantic story. If you are looking for some romance and like Sweetward, then this is the fic for you!

There are many longstanding traditional thoughts about the Man in the Moon, along with being a soothing bedtime story, it was also the inspiration for this fic, and because I thought the premise was unique for a story, I asked Missy if she’d like to share her thoughts on how this wonderful tale came to life:

“I was in a place where I missed my grandma … I had a dream … then I wrote the summary and had a very basic plot months before I even started writing it … it’s been going on in my head for over a year. It’s about the journey of these two individuals who, at first glance, don’t seem to know each other, but once they see one another, are able to re-connect and find something within each other that neither thought they’d ever have.

Bella is a strong woman who can’t seem to get it right when it comes to love … she’s had a lot of hardships; has lost a lot, which seems to be in the forefront of her mind. She doesn’t want to end up alone, yet she doesn’t really want to settle. Edward is as sweet as they come. He’s a momma’s boy through and through. The moment he spots Bella, his world gets turned upside down and all he sees is her.” ~ CullensTwiMistress

You may not believe me when I say how lovely this story truly is, when you read the first chapter, because it is rather sad as Bella wallows in her misery. She talks to her late Nana Swan, while sitting in her childhood bedroom, staring at the moon. She is searching for advice, while also searching for something she hasn’t found yet in her life, her … ‘man in the moon’. As Missy explained, Bella’s had a rough go of it lately: her past relationships have all not been “enough”. But all is not lost because she has now taken on a new lease in life – she has ended her engagement with Mike, reclaimed her apartment as her own, and has even trained as a florist in her endeavor to take over a small town business of Forks’ Flowers. And in this unlikely place, is it possible she just might find her ‘man in the moon’?

The bell over the door rung loudly throughout the store at exactly twelve fifteen, alerting the two women that there was a customer out front.

“That would be Mr. Cullen; how about you get it, dear?” Mrs. Cope waved Bella off as she went in the back storage room to gather some ribbons for their next order.

Bella shrugged as she practically skipped to the front of her soon-to-be store. She was happy for the first time in forever and her attitude definitely showed it. She’d served customers throughout the past three days and knew how the cash register worked, but finally doing it without Mrs. Cope clapping and talking non-stop to the customers, was a blessing.

Bella stopped dead in her tracks as she eyed the young man on the other side of the counter. He was tall, with broad shoulders, both attributes accentuated perfectly by a dark grey Henley and low slung jeans. He also worked a panty-melting, crooked grin that was surely meant to make Mrs. Cope have a heart attack in her old age.

Squinting and tilting her head to the side, she eyed him speculatively. “Edward?”

Mr. Cullen smiled at the lovely girl behind the counter. He hadn’t seen her in years and wouldn’t have recognized her if it weren’t for her eyes, which had remained the same soft shade of chocolate brown as they’d been when they were in fifth grade together. “Isabella?”

“Everyone calls me Bella now, actually. Oh, my goodness, I haven’t seen you in years; how are you?” Bella remembered how Edward’s father had passed, and then his mother had taken him and moved away when he was only ten years old. When her own mother died, she’d thought of him and his pain, and how she’d wished he was still around to talk to.

Edward stepped closer to the counter and inspected the flowers in Bella’s hands. “I’m good, thanks. I moved back not too long ago to be closer to my parents.”

“Oh, and how is your mom?” Bella remembered how kind and giving Esme Masen was to everyone. Edward Sr.’s death had been devastating for her.

“She’s … okay. She’s stable now. My father takes care of her at home.” Bella frowned and Edward understood suddenly that Bella was not aware of his familial circumstances. “Oh, she got remarried, ages ago. He adopted me, Dr. Cullen; he works at the hospital.”

“Oh, oh yeah,” Bella responded, remembering her last visit to the ER with a broken toe when she’d stubbed it on the coffee table. “He’s such a nice man.”

Edward smiled kindly. “Yes, he is. He’s been … very good. Mom, on the other hand, has been sick. She had a stroke a while back and her left leg is pretty much useless.”

Bella swallowed and brought both hands to her mouth; her eyes wide and watery as she processed Edward’s sad news. These people were always so good, yet all those bad things kept happening to them. “I’m so sorry, Edward.”

He shrugged and balanced himself on his heels nervously. Bella had always been that girl for him. The one he thought as the pretty one in class. The one whose braids he pulled.

Aw, and yes, he is a swoonworthy Edward! As you can see Edward and Bella knew each other years ago, they were actually treasured, childhood friends, who got separated at the age of ten, but now almost twenty years later, they have been reunited. As you read the story you will discover how this leads to bigger and better things for both of them.

We only have two chapters posted so far, but I can tell you first hand, because I’ve read all that has been written so far, that the story is a heartfelt love story you will thoroughly enjoy. And because the story is told in third person narrative you get to experience both Bella and Edward’s lives individually and together; you will feel the beautiful flow of this story through this medium. It’s so smooth and gentle to read, and the characters will all make your heart warm and put a smile on your face. ❤

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9224221/1/The-Man-in-the-Moon

http://cullenstwimistress.blogspot.ca/

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Superheroes and Second Chances by anhanninen and kr2009

*Winning banner made by Evilnat*

Host’s Choice – @MagTwi78: Superheroes and Second Chances by anhanninen & kr2009

Superheroes and Second Chances  ~ HEA Contest story/entry link

Edward moved across the country, leaving behind his high school sweetheart and all the memories they’d made. As times get tough on the east coast, he decides to move back home to Forks with his three year old son for a fresh start. He never realized exactly what he left behind and how it could be his perfect future. Entry for the Happily Ever After Twific Contest

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance/Family – Bella & Edward – Words: 14,238 – Reviews: 56 - Favs: 129 – Follows: 173 – Published: 04-16-13 – Status: Complete – id: 9209619

This was one of my favourite entries from the HEA contest, it was also a winner as the Host’s Choice – MagTwi78, and it is definitely a winner in my books! It’s a sweet Daddyward story, which I am very partial to, told from EPOV, about a young father, twenty-five-year old Edward, who moves from New York back to his childhood hometown of Forks, Washington. He has a specific goal in mind…to give himself and his four-year-old son, Aiden, a fresh start and maybe, hopefully, a second chance at love, happiness and family.

What I really loved about this one shot was how I connected with the three main characters – Edward, Aiden and Bella; they made me smile, sigh, as they all had loving, caring personalities, which were beautifully portrayed. The story also felt like a complete story in one, as it depicts a man starting over, realizing what he has, what he left behind when he moved to New York, and what he could have. As the plot develops and flows effortlessly, we see these three share lots of fun and great learning adventures. And because I want to give you a little taste of the sweetness of how this selfless Daddyward and his adorable Aiden try to build a new life in their HEA quest; here is an adorable excerpt from this heartwarming story…

Three days after Bella made the offer, Aiden and I took her up on it and had a chance to look through the small, two bedroom apartment. It’s not much, but it’s something. Much more than I could have expected. It needs some work before we can move in, though, so Aiden and I make plans to go to the hardware store today.

“I gonna wear my cape, Daddy,” Aiden says as I tie his shoes. “You’re gonna wear yours, too.”

It doesn’t sound like I have a choice in the matter, so I just chuckle and nod, deciding to indulge him. Sure, walking around town in a cape isn’t something I usually do, but for Aiden, I’d do anything — even look like a fool in public. Scratch that, especially look like a fool in public. As long as he’s happy, I couldn’t care less what people think.

“Well, don’t you two look adorable.” Mom laughs as we make our way into the kitchen. Aiden grins before running toward her, helping his cape flap behind him.

The kid is cute. No one can ever deny that.

“We’re superheroes today, aren’t we, bub?” I ask, snagging a cookie off the pan Mom’s cooling. She gives me a pointed look, and I try to replicate Aiden’s grin, which usually gets him out of trouble.

“Not even close, sweetheart,” she says, patting my cheek. “Where are you two going today?”

“Hardware store,” I say after swallowing the last of the cookie. Luckily, Aiden’s too busy flying around the house to notice I snuck one. “We need paint and some tools for the apartment. I’m hoping we can move in next week because Bella said it was ours when we wanted it.” …

As we walk through the small hardware store in town, Aiden makes the most out of our capes. I have to pretend to fly through the store with him — enduring strange looks from some of the other customers. I don’t care, though, because Aiden laughs and it’s the most beautiful sound in the world.

Aren’t they the sweetest?! I am smiling wide just rereading this again, and I know you will be too when you enjoy these two ‘Superheroes’ as they leap over tall buildings in search of their ‘second chance’. And remember to put this little gem on alert because the authors have said they may do a second part. I am anxiously waiting for that day!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9209619/1/Superheroes-and-Second-Chances - as posted on kr2009‘s profile.

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*Reviews by Cared*

Step Right Up by FoxxyJ

*Made by ms. ambrosia*

Step Right Up ~ Quiet Bella Swan ends up the newest member of The Volturi Bros Circus. Friendships unfold as she discovers herself. Edward Cullen has never had to keep his hands to himself, until now. Will the charming trapeze artist control his desires? EXB OOC AH

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Friendship – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 19 – Words: 122,684 – Reviews: 526 – Favs: 646 – Follows: 352 – Updated: 06-24-11 – Published: 08-25-10 – Status: Complete – id: 6269531

FoxxyJ came up with the idea for this story while looking at pictures of Robert Pattinson on the set of Water For Elephants.  She thought Rob plus circus equals HOT!  Foxxyj will get no argument from me on that point.

Step Right Up made me want to run away with the circus. Honestly, it’s that good! It has an interesting blend of canon features presented in a refreshing manner and setting.  IMHO, Renee is a poor excuse for a mother, just as I consider canon Renee to be. James gave me the willies from day one, but, on a positive note, the Cullen family is simply lovely and Alice is a wonderful friend. As for Jake, he is a real sweetheart – he cares deeply for Bella without any of the clichéd complications.

Edward is known as Magic to the good folk of the circus.  It would be logical to immediately visualise Edwardo The Magician pulling a rabbit from his top hat. Logical, but oh so wrong!  Magic has tricks of his own…talent for pulling the ladies…magic at…well, you can imagine, I’m sure.  Edward is a trapeze artist, but I’m not going to be graphic in my description of his powerful and toned body encased in tights – I don’t want your eyes to glaze over rendering you unable to read any further. *stop with the swinging from the light-fitting fantasy ladies – focus* LOL

Bella is a reluctant new addition to the backroom of the circus. It appears she has lived behind the scenes of her own life up to this point. She is sweet and gentle and the change in her as she gradually moves into her own spotlight is a pleasure to behold.  Naturally, Bella falls under Edward’s spell quicker than you can say “Abracadabra”.  She is innocent and confused but not stupid; she tries to fight the attraction and the resultant UST could fill the Big Top. Luckily Bella has someone to confide in about her feelings and her developing relationship with Edward, someone who listens to her, loves her unconditionally and doesn’t judge.  Someone who made me fall in love with him too…

Winston was dozing in the sun when Bella collapsed in the straw next to him. She’d never seen him sleeping before and was torn between needing her therapy and simply watching the great beast. His face was so sweet in slumber. His rubbery top lip vibrated as he exhaled a deep breath, making Bella giggle. She wondered if camels snored. His long dark eyelashes fluttered opened at the sound of her laughter.

The sleepy camel moved his great head and placed it in her lap. He was like a baby waking from a nap, his eyes heavy, torn between fighting the desire to open them and continue sleeping at the same time. She gently stroked between his ears and down his long neck. He moaned softly as she allowed him to slowly wake, yawning and stretching like any human.

“Winny, so much has happened. I don’t know where to begin. Gummi Bear?” She offered her open hand to him with several bears in the middle. His lips gently plucked each candy from her, the velvet tickling her palm.

“I’m a nervous wreck, and I can’t control myself when I’m near him. It’s so humiliating. You’d be embarrassed if you saw me.” She moved around and settled her back against his shoulder while she continued to tell him of the events that had taken place between Edward and her. As usual, Winston listened and moaned or bellowed where needed. Together they worked through her fears until she felt she had yet another “Edward plan.”

“Okay, quick summary.” She squared her shoulders and looked into his brown eyes. “So what if I’m inexperienced? Right? If that’s a problem, then he can go back to Tanya. I am not going to be ashamed of myself anymore. I know I’m stupid for even thinking about him, but I’m sick to death of just existing. I want to have some fun. Since I’m almost twenty-one, my mom can stick it if she doesn’t like him. I don’t care. She doesn’t have to like him. If he really likes me, then my inexperience won’t matter, and if he doesn’t like me like that, then it won’t matter either way,” she chanted, hoping to make the statements true by saying them aloud.

“High five,” she said in triumph, and Winston bumped his nose against her raised palm.

In the summary above FoxxyJ asks the question, “Will the charming trapeze artist control his desires?”  My question is, “Will Bella want him to?”

Leotardward or the lovable show-stealing Winston may entice you to buy a ticket, but it’s the vivid and colourful world the talented FoxxyJ commands as Ring Master, that will keep you entertained and riveted to your seat for the entire performance.

Step Right Up!

*Made by FoxxyJ*

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6269531/1/Step-Right-Up

http://www.twilighted.net/viewstory.php?sid=13004

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I get a kick out of reading the all kinds of everything that can found as entries in an anonymous twific contest.  While I love to discover that a favourite author has written a fic I enjoyed reading, the real treat is finding out that a new to me author has written one of my favourite entries.  I can’t tell you how many amazing authors have come to my attention that way.

The recent TwiHEA contest featured readers I’m currently reading, thimbles, Hoodfabulous, karenec and Discordia81 among them, and I was lucky enough to discover new authors including Maplestyle.

These two fics, Maybe Next Time He’ll Think by Maplestyle, and (Un)Dressing Edward Cullen by Discordia81, are the perfect examples of the fabulous randomness and diversity of genre, content and style to be found in one contest.

Maybe Next Time He’ll Think by Maplestyle

*Winning banner made by evilnat*

Maybe Next Time He’ll Think ~ When Bella catches her boyfriend cheating will a handsome stranger help her forget him? *Winner Swooniest Male – Edward in the TwiHEAContest

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance – Bella & Edward – Words: 7,456 – Reviews: 109 – Favs: 123 – Follows: 56 – Published: 04-16-13 – Status: Complete – id: 9209407

*Handing the floor to Bella*

Most ‘they lived happily ever afters’ begin with ‘once upon a time’. They contain a heroine, usually some naïve girl that some evil villain is trying to exterminate and her hero who swoops in at the last minute to save the day and ride them off into the sunset. The villain gets their comeuppance and all is right in the world.

My happily ever after doesn’t begin with once upon a time, though I played the part of naïve very well. My happily ever after begins with a betrayal, a man, a piece of damaged property and two charges of lewd behavior in public.

I am Bella Swan and this is my story.

And what a roller coaster ride of a story it is too.

It is obvious from the extract that Maybe Next Time He’ll Think is told from this dynamic Bella’s POV, and believe me, she does such a wonderful job of relating her own fascinating story, that I’m not really sure how much I should reveal to you.  It’s one of those fics where you are best reading it blind…err…you know what I mean – without knowing the plot.

Mmmh, what will I tell you to make sure that you read this not-to-be  missed fic?  There is betrayal along with the requisite slime bag and biotch for you to hate, and – this is where you realise I am a bad person – there is sweet, sweet revenge for you to enjoy.  If that is not enough to make you want to read this enthralling tale, I’m going to throw in the tease of a healthy dose of lust and hot sex.  Oh, and a HEA, what more can you ask for?  Start reading now!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9209407/1/Maybe-Next-Time-He-ll-Think

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(Un)Dressing Edward Cullen by Discordia81

*Made by Discordia81* 

(Un)Dressing Edward Cullen ~ Edward Cullen is an A-list actor with horrific taste in clothing. Bella Swan is his long-suffering stylist who wants to strangle him one minute and kiss him the next. When Edward crashes her date, Bella has to choose between dressing her client and undressing the man she loves.  *2nd Place Public Winner for the Happily Ever After Twific Contest!

Rated: Fiction M – English – Humor/Romance – Bella & Edward – Words: 11,706 – Reviews: 64 – Favs: 162 – Follows: 84 – Published: 04-22-13 – Status: Complete – id: 9227119

If you can truthfully answer ‘Yes’ to any of the following questions, this story is for you. Here goes ladies – remember be honest now!

*Clears throat*

Are you familiar with any of the following items and would you give a week’s wages to know where they disappeared to, and/or have them under your pillow, and/or sleep in them?  A rather holey Stoli t-shirt, a faded red horse t-shirt, or a brown bubble jacket?

Are you familiar with the terms sexpenders and/or sex boots, and/or shiteous Nikes?

Have you almost come to blows with a cyber friend while arguing the virtues or lack of same pertaining to a certain paisley shirt?

Do the words, ‘bottle green hounds tooth check suit’, immediately conjure up an image of a certain well-known actor who coincidentally bears an uncanny striking resemblance to our beloved Edward?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to one or more – please read on.  Not one ‘Yes’? You have obviously been living in outer space for the past five years and are in the wrong place! Please move along quietly.

Bella, a Hollywood stylist, spots Edward on a red carpet, he had on a baggy, red velvet blazer, an oversized white shirt, and black leather pants with boots, (no laughing ladies), she is so appalled by his attire that she tracks him down and demands to dress him. Yes, I said dress him, not undress him.  While there is no denying that when left to his own devices the man has style – it’s just that his style is rather…how do I put this nicely? Creative! That’s the word!

I don’t want to start a fight, but would you agree with me or not?

“Edward Anthony Cullen,” I bellowed as I came in the door of his house. “What in the hell makes you think you are qualified to dress yourself?”

He peered sheepishly around the corner of the hallway. “Well, I am a grown man.”

“That’s debatable,” I muttered. The man was twenty-seven years old, but sometimes I questioned just how grown-up he was. And he certainly couldn’t dress himself. He had style, of sorts, but it wasn’t good style. It was daring; I’d give him that. When he followed my advice, he was stunning. But left to his own devices, he tended to go for things that were completely unflattering—downright hideous, even.

“You hired me to dress you. You pay me for this. Although, at this point, I’m starting to think it’s more of a service to humanity. What on earth prompted you to go for that God-awful shirt?”

This morning, I had glanced at a magazine, expecting to see Edward in a stylish outfit and looking good enough to eat, and had been horrified to realize that he looked terrible. I’d been at the dentist the day of the interview and photo shoot—getting emergency repair done on a cracked tooth—and had left his P.A. in charge. Why Alice had failed to rein him in was beyond me; the woman was no pushover. Fate had conspired to let Edward Cullen have free rein over his own fashion choices and he had ended up doing a photo shoot for a major magazine looking hideous. I was annoyed, but unfortunately, there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it now.

He shrugged and flopped down on the couch, giving me his best puppy dog eyes. “You didn’t like it?”

“I’ve been your stylist for five years now. In what world did you think I would approve of that repulsive paisley? Plus, you didn’t even shave. You looked like a goddamn hobo. Or a hippie. I can’t decide which!” I ranted. “Maybe a goddamn hobo hippie! Did you even wash your hair?”

“Calm down, Bella, you’re going to give yourself an aneurism. Then who is going to dress me? I’ll show up at your funeral in an orange plaid leisure suit,” he warned. “You know I will.”

“I will haunt you until your dying day if you ever think of that. Don’t think I won’t turn into a ghost just to fuck with you, Edward,” I warned him, throwing my purse onto the couch and standing in front of him, hands on my hips.

He chuckled and relaxed. “I look forward to it.”

The outer layer – the over-coat if you like – if full of fun and banter. What lies hidden beneath –  the underwear of the story – is UST, longing, insecurity, friendship, and best of all…love and a HEA – but who with?

*Winning banner made by Betti Gehecht*

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9227119/1/ 

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*Review by WiltshireGlo*

Fortune Favours the Bold by capricapra

Fortune Favours the Bold ~ Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion. At 18, Bella’s respected family prevent her from running away with poor orphan Edward. Years later and their fortunes have reversed. Edward is a rich music producer. Bella is an impovershed writer living with her sister, a single mother. But Edward and Bella’s paths are about to cross again…

Twilight, M, English, Romance & Drama, chapters: 14, words: 67k+, favs: 350, follows: 574, updated: 4/15/13 published: 2/3/13, Bella Edward WiP

Fortune Favours the Bold by capricapra You may have guessed from the British spelling in the title that we have an Englishward! Yaaaay! I love it when authors write what they know – it gives the story so much depth and authenticity – and Capricapra doesn’t disappoint!

We’re introduced to Bella and Rosalie, sisters living with Rosalie’s twin children, sharing the care of the kids, their income and expenses, struggling to make ends meet -Bella taking bar work to supplement their earnings. They’re intelligent and classy…nice girls. The sort who do what’s expected of them and work hard. Their love for each other is clear, but they’re both haunted with regret by Rose’s decision to ‘out’ Bella’s secret relationship with her high school sweetheart.

Rosalie appraised Bella in her thick navy pyjamas, still wrapped in the tartan blanket. Although it was clear from their similar heart-shaped faces and mannerisms that they were sisters, Rosalie had always been described as beautiful, tall, blonde and striking, while Bella was girl-next-door pretty. She had thick dark brown hair and chocolate brown eyes with a wide smile, and under the shapeless clothes she usually wore, Bella possessed a petite, curvaceous body, still perky and tight, words Rosalie would not use to describe her own anymore, having given birth to two children. It didn’t surprise her that the thugs that frequented The Stag gave her money, hoping to get into her pants. But Rosalie knew that no man would ever get in there. Bella’s heart still belonged to her first love. Her first, lost love. The one that got away.

Rosalie swallowed the feelings of guilt and shame that overcame her whenever she thought of the sacrifices Bella had made for their family. Her younger sister’s independence was curbed when she moved into Rosalie’s house to help raise Gemma and George after Rose’s asshole ex-husband Royce King ran off with all the Swan family money, leaving her a single mother. Bella’s hopes of doing a prestigious creative writing course and being a writer full-time were eschewed in favour of getting a steady job and contributing to the now meagre household income.

Most of all, Rosalie reflected, Bella’s first sacrifice had been the biggest. For the reputation of the Swan family, after much persuasion, Bella had sacrificed her heart. But even nearly twelve years later, at the age of thirty, it still belonged to her first love, Edward. Bella hadn’t so much as looked at another man since Rosalie, her mother Renee and her father Charlie, stopped her from travelling around the world with him and they had broken up.

Gradually, through flashbacks, we’re given beautiful glimpses of the younger Bella and Edward, their connection, their love. It’s all perfect, until other people get involved. We learn exactly what Edward went through, how he quickly had to grow up, how he travelled alone but never lost himself, stayed true and followed his heart in doing what he loved. The most striking thing for me is his compassionate heart; he’s a really lovely guy. His friendship with Jasper had me sobbing. I can’t even begin to tell you why! Capricapra handled some difficult moments so well, and in doing so, made me fall even more in love with Edward.

Now, fifteen chapters in and twelve years on, both Edward and Bella have to face their past daily. Edward finally returns to Warwickshire and the connections of their shared past-and future-hit him at every turn. It seems Bella can’t escape the painful memories either, although she has to put on a brave face for the greater good.

Fortune Favours the Bold has great backstory beautifully intertwined with current issues. Our knowledge of the family and friends around them really adds an understanding of the situation; it’s easy to empathise with the characters for the mistakes of the past, hard to condemn them for their misguided interfering. That’s a difficult balance to strike!

When you’re reading this, savour the taste of England that Capricapra gives; Fortune Favours the Bold is set in an area I know well – it’s close to my heart -and I am so pleased that she really does it justice.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8974679/1/Fortune-Favours-the-Bold

http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2964520/capricapra

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The FicSix Picx ~ What We’re Reading

Accidentally in Love by MissusT

Boundaries Undefined by Mylisssa

Changing My Course by twilover76

Compass by SparklingWand

Dancing in the Dark by jaxon22

Deadly Obsession by WitchyVampireGirl

Deviant by Planetblu

Dirty South Drug Wars by Hoodfabulous

Down Home by MrsSpaceCowboy

FanFiction, Sex God, & Single Girls by Bannerday

Fix You by chocaholic123

From Geek To Chic by MrsK81

Glycerine by Livie79

How to Date a Movie Star by Redtini

Infinite Visibility by TheFicChick

Life In The Balance by Mizzdee

Penalty Shot by Edward’s Eternal

Polaroid by RockRaven244

Rm w a Vu by AngelGoddess1981

Slapshot by prettykittyff

Snare by Raum

Stolen by Rochelle Allison

Tailspil by ruinedbyrob

The Agreement by GemGirl65

The Art of Getting Fluffed by ChocolateSparrow

The Cullen Legacy by PattyRose

The Workings of Fate by RosieRathbone

There’s a Word for It by eiluned price

Unexpected by Lolo84

Where Roads Converge by FluffyLiz

*On a side note…if you know us at all, you will know that this list, while it might seem HHP long to some, is nowhere near all the fics we are reading/following!* LOL

Have a lovely week, and please share what’s been tickling your literary Twific fancy!

The FicSix

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Possessiveward – You belong to US!

The dictionary defines possessive as:

1. of or relating to possession or ownership

2. having or showing an excessive desire to possess, control, or dominate   …  ooh, sounds familiar!!

Possessiveness is one of the traits of canon Edward that comes across so well in FanFic.  Most of our Edwards from the “FanFic Hall of Fame” have tended to err on the side of Possessiveness i.e.: Fifty, Domward from TaraSueMe’s trilogy, Beautiful Bastard from The Office, Tattward from Clipped Wings and Inked Armor, Our Mafia Prince from Emancipation Proclamation… the list goes on.  Today we would love to share a few more Possessivewards with you and we would LOVE to hear about your favourites, so please share in the comments below! ~ The FicSix

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Banner made by Mykstich

We have a special guest this week in PlanetBlue, the fabulous author of one of our favourite stories here at Fan Fiction Fridays, Deviant.  For those of you who haven’t read Deviant yet, PlanetBlue shares a rec from her “Archive of Awesome Fic List” with every chapter, so AllyVera decided to stalk.. um, I mean ask her if she would share her favourite Possessivewards with us. In our little chats back and forth, PlanetBlue noted that “It’s a fine line between Possessive and Obsessive.”  We couldn’t agree more, and probably that is where Deviant’s Edward (better known as Manchu) sits – more on the Obsessive side.

PlanetBlue’s Favourite Possessive/Obsessive Edwards

Fridays at Noon by troublefollows1017 
Hide and Drink by Savage7289 
The Elusive Mr. Cullen by Dariachenowith
Osa Bella by Myg

On a personal note, I would like to thank PlanetBlue for single-handedly curing me of my fear of men with mustaches. I seriously owe her one! ~ AllyVera 

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*Review by AllyVera*

The Blessing and The Curse by The Black Arrow

Made by Captivated

The Blessing and the Curse ~ By pretending she is falling for Edward, Bella is fulfilling Esme’s dying wish. But sexy, possessive Edward can read her mind. Will she ever get into his? Can Bella forget the pain of her teenage years, and can she resist his relentless seduction? AH.

Rated: Fiction M – English – Angst/Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 22 – Words: 140,448 - Reviews: 13,861 – Favs: 13,876 – Follows: 7,964 – Updated: 09-10-10 – Published: 05-31-09 - Status: Complete – id: 5100876

Right at this very moment, you are probably wondering why I am reviewing a story that probably most in the fandom have read, but I don’t think we could have a Possessiveward list and NOT include this story. Back when I was a FanFic innocent in 2010, the girls over at Random Acts of Rob were all talking about this WIP story called The Blessing and The Curse. The chatter about it would get so intense, I knew I had to dive in. TB&TC was my third ever WIP story and I was sucked in instantly by the beautiful, sometimes dark, writing of the talented author, The Black Arrow.

The story begins as Bella is travelling back to Forks where her Godmother, Esme, is dying. Bella hasn’t seen Edward since a disastrous New Year’s Eve six years prior (and if I had to live through seeing what Bella had to, I would have avoided him for another six years, if I am honest). Bella is understandably anxious at seeing Edward again, but she has gained perspective in her time away from him, and also a fiancée in Mike (oh, and Edward is not happy about that, let me tell you!)

This dark, deeply possessive Edward will haunt you – his power over Bella is palpable, and it feels like Bella is fighting a losing battle against him. She fights valiantly, but there is no doubt – these two are destined for each other.

Extract from chapter one

“…But fate does not intend an easy path for all. Sometimes, death interferes. Sometimes the world conspires to keep soul mates apart.

But sometimes, the bitterest pill to take is the soul mate that has been there all of your life. The soul mate who wants to consume you, to own you, to drink your strength. The soul mate that is tied to you, and you are shackled to them.

Fate dealt a cruel card to Bella Swan. This was one instance where it may have been better if the souls had never found each other, but, as always, they had been dragged together like black magnets.

On one side of the coin, it was a blessing, because Bella had her soul mate by her side since the moment she first opened her eyes on this world.
But on the flipside, the blessing was her curse: her wicked soul mate could hear her thoughts, read her like a book and use what he wished.

It took her most of her life to realize she was being conquered, and years to escape his tyranny.”

I won’t lie, Edward in TB&TC is hard to love at first, but there is no question he is absolutely mesmerizing from the get go and it is not long before you are totally Team Edward. There is a reason this story is a Twilight Fan Fiction Legend – the story and the characters are completely captivating.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5100876/1/The-Blessing-and-the-Curse

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*Review by Wiltshire Glo*

Last Tango in Forks by AwesomeSauce76

Made by AwesomeSauce76

Last Tango in Forks ~ Bella Swan has spent a lifetime putting everyone else’s needs before her own. Could a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger begin to change all of that? AU/AH

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Angst – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 33 – Words: 189,639 – Reviews: 15,833 – Favs: 8,121 – Follows: 5,558 – Updated: 01-12-13 – Published: 04-23-10 – Status: Complete – id: 5918985

With almost sixteen thousand reviews, I’m not sure that there’s anyone left in the fandom who hasn’t read Last Tango in Forks…so maybe you’d like to reminisce with me…remember the heady days of the sexy, demanding, mystery man, the romance of their neediness or the OH MYYYYYY! moments and blushing every time you saw a slab of butter! I think you know what I mean! *winks*

Or maybe you found fan fic after AwesomeSauce76 completed Last Tango in Forks and haven’t heard too much about it, in which case, I’m jealous. You get to savour it for the first time. Lock your doors, close the curtains, ignore the world and prepare for a treat.

So, how did it all begin? The stunning opening will be stuck in my memory forever… Lovely, warm, sweet people-pleasing Bella works as a nurse in an Ob/Gyn unit; she cares for a demanding Charlie while he’s recuperating from a gun shot wound; she is drifting closer to a self-sacrificing, boring marriage…and generally puts herself last. Her one release is the gym next to Mrs Cope’s dance studio, where she sees an ad for an apartment for rent. Responding to that ad is a catalyst for big changes…you know, life changing changes…mysterious-stranger-life-changing-changes because when she views the apartment, someone is already there. A sad, broken, crying man.

Bella crossed the room and propped herself on the window ledge. “Listen… I’m sure you’d love for me to get the hell out of here. Even if you don’t want the place, it’s obvious that you need some privacy.” He grimaced in response to her words but maintained eye contact. “Are you alright?” After what felt like minutes he shook his head slowly. “It’s just that… I would feel terrible if I left here and didn’t at least try to help.” She tried to smile but it felt odd under his scrutiny. After a long pause she took a deep breath and bit the bullet. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Yes,” he choked out. Although his voice sounded raw to Bella as if he’d been screaming, she wasn’t surprised to hear the musical perfection behind it.

“What can I do?” She didn’t notice that she had stopped breathing until she needed to speak.

He moved then, slowly walking towards her like a wildcat stalking its prey. The closer he got to her, the more she could feel something growing and tingling, as if an electric current was shooting between their bodies. He didn’t stop until he was right in front of her with his arms on each side of the window, effectively caging her in. He even smells beautiful.

He looked deep into her eyes for almost a minute, allowing the electricity to build between them to a breaking point.

“You can let me fuck you,” he whispered.

But my memories of LTiF aren’t just about the hot, steamy lemons with her possessive, beautiful stranger, but the love story, his history, his art, the connections they unknowingly share, his tortured soul, and her quiet, unwavering strength. The depth of their love…and the tears I cried are permanently etched in my mind, too.  Such a beautiful, heart-wrenching story.

Obviously, it’s a fanfiction classic. AwesomeSauce76 is a gifted storyteller who weaves magic with her words, and her gift to us is still available on FF.net three years after it completed – in fact three years next week! If you haven’t yet read all of the classics, pull this up high on your list – and if, like me, you read it as a WIP, now is the perfect time to remind yourself just what all the fuss was about.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5918985/1/Last-Tango-in-Forks

http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1891110/

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*Review by AllyVera*

Breakaway Bella by Hoodfabulous

Breakaway Bella ~ Sparks fly and tempers flare when Memphis bartender Bella Swan meets crime boss Edward Cullen. All she wants to do is run. He’ll chase her to the ends of the Earth. She thinks he’s an arrogant jerk. He thinks she’s hiding something. He’s right. Rated M for ‘streaking Emmett’, Bella’s kooky BFF’s and general ridiculousness. A Dirty South Fanfic. Humor/drama/AH/OOC/Lemons/Language

Twilight – Rated: M – English – Crime/Romance – Chapters: 35 – Words: 190,089 – Reviews: 1799 – Updated: 1-31-13 – Published: 10-10-12 – Bella & Edward – Complete

Just a few weeks ago, our lovely Wiltshire Glo reviewed a fic called “Dirty South Drug Wars” and she and Cared told me I just had to read it … well last week I realised that I had the author’s completed fic Breakaway Bella on my TBR list, and I made a snap decision to read that one first… Can I just say, sometimes my snap decisions are brilliant! *pats self on the back*

From chapter one, I was captivated. I will say with quiet confidence, you won’t have come across a Bella quite like this one before – she is amazing. Strong, resilient and courageous, but strangely fragile at the same time: a true Southern gal if I am not mistaken. She fascinated me from the start and I loved her more and more as the story progressed.

From the first sight of Edward, I found him as fascinating as I did Bella. His possessive nature shows up very early on, and he and Bella share an intense chemistry at their first meeting. He is powerful in this story, not only with his wealth and family connections, but in his persona, as well. Did I mention he is gorgeous? I loved how Hoodfabulous describes his most interesting physical feature as his “vivid Mississippi pine-colored eyes”. It made me long to go to Mississippi and check out these pine trees for myself!

Breakaway Bella is a love story, but it is so much more than that – the rich tapestry that Hoodfabulous weaves is nothing short of amazing. I love the mystery that she sets up from the first chapter that has you wondering what demons in her past Bella is running from. As the story unfolded in front of me, I was literally stuck to my chair reading – I just couldn’t put it down – I believe I said to Hoodfabulous in a review that there was “never a dull moment” but that was an understatement!

It bears mentioning that even though I am an Edward girl through and through, Jasper in this story is EPIC. I would go as far to say he is the best Jasper I have read in FanFic. He is sexy, dangerous, loyal and positively lethal. Emmett is hilarious, fun and his love for Bella is a sight to behold, actually the way they all love Bella is awe-inspiring. These Southern boys captured my heart! *Swoon*

A little glimpse of the story…

“”Why do you keep pushing me away? What the fuck!” he hissed, before letting me go, scowling as he pushed himself from the counter. He grabbed his hair nervously, his eyes darting around the room frantically, avoiding my eyes as tears streamed down my face.

“I can’t be that person, Edward,” I whispered, choking on my own words. “I can’t be that person for you. I’m…damaged goods. Besides, the two of us, we’re like fire and gasoline.”

“You don’t want me,” he said, his voice eerily calm, crossing his arms across his chest. His face was void of emotion as he stared blankly into my troubled eyes.

“Of course I want you,” I whispered, my lip trembling. “I’ve never wanted something so bad.”

He dropped his arms from his chest, the blank look turning into something darker, something more sinister. Edward took two steps, placing his hands on my face, wiping the tears from my cheeks with his thumbs. “Then be with me,” he whispered, making me sob harder. I nodded mutely and that’s when Edward Cullen’s lips met mine for the first time.”

I do need to mention that Breakaway Bella deals with some very heavy issues – Bella has had a horrific past that she is still running from and Edward is a Crime Boss. Hoodfabulous deals with these things so well, she gives us just enough information so you can process it in your own head without it becoming a visual onslaught – the perfect balance!

I found myself not wanting Breakaway Bella to end, I will miss these characters so much. But I don’t feel sad, I have Dirty South Drug Wars to read now. Woot!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8597943/1/Breakaway-Bella

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*Review by AllyVera* WIP

You Own Me by BeeCute82

Banner made by Ellen

You Own Me ~ At the roll of the dice, Edward wins what he has been dreaming of for the last two years. A night with his mob boss’s son’s girlfriend, sexy pole dancer Isabella Swan. What will happen in one night full of passion and lust? What dangers will follow after their one wild night?

Follow/FavoriteRated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Crime – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 51 – Words: 202,528 – Reviews: 3,026 – Favs: 1,181 – Follows: 1,743 – Updated: 04-15-13 – Published: 08-06-12 – id: 8400917

Mobwards and possessiveness seem to go hand in hand at times, and none more so than the exciting ride that is “You Own Me”. Originating from a One Shot written by Bee1982, this story was expanded and is co-written by Bee1982 (EPOV) and toocute24 (BPOV).

Edward covets the beautiful Isabella from afar. The reason for the distance? She is the girlfriend of his boss’ son, Alec. Edward’s desire for Isabella is not a secret, and Alec torments him about it relentlessly (which pisses Edward off to no end!). All his “rubbing it in” backfires on Alec spectacularly, though, as when he screws up badly on the job and Edward saves his life, Alec’s father decides to punish him by giving Edward the chance that he has been dreaming of – a night with Isabella – and oh what a night it is!

I know you are probably thinking right at this moment… does Isabella get a say in this? Well, here is a little glimpse from Isabella’s POV after their One Wild Night…

(Extract from chapter 4 on FFn):
“Why did I feel like I left a piece of my soul behind when the car pulled away from the curb? It was just one night. One night of the best sex I’d ever had. Edward Cullen definitely knew how to fuck.

I knew he had a fuck-hot body; I’d been fantasizing about him for two years, after all. Never in my wildest dreams though, did I ever think he could live up to my expectations, and I would gladly admit to being wrong about that. Not only did he live up to every single one of them, he eclipsed them.”

Things start to get really interesting (and complicated for our BxE) from there, and this story has a little bit of everything – drama, action, humour and a really HOT Edward.

You Own Me is a passionate story on so many levels and reading it as a WIP has been such fun. For those of you who read completed fics, this one is very close to the end – the final chapter will be posted on 25 April.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8400917/1/You-Own-Me

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Come. Read. You know you want to…

Captive by Totteacher 
Creature of Habit by EZRocksAngel 
Dark Games & Twisted Minds by katinki 
Eternally Damned by twiXlite 
Fridays at Noon by troublefollows1017 
Grasping Darkness by KiyaRaven 
Hide and Drink by Savage7289 
Midnight Desire by Twilightzoner
Night Must Fall by katinki 
No Ordinary Proposal by twilover76 
Offside by Savage7289 
Ride by kris salvador
Shadowboxer by nobloodnofoul 
Sideline Collision by Nolebucgrl 
Stockholm Syndrome by smmiskimen 
The Diva Diaries by KiyaRaven
Unexpected Circumstances by Savage7289
Work of Art by abstractway
You Found Me by brighteyes87

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Thank you so much for joining us and Possessiveward this week, have a lovely weekend and happy reading! The FicSix

GUEST AUTHOR REVIEW WEEK

Welcome to a special authors’ review week of Fan Fiction Fridays, where today we ~ The FicSix ~ are thrilled to have joining us three talented fan fiction authors who are going to share with you a fic rec of their own!

Please welcome Thimbles, Missus T, and Livie79!

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*Review by Thimbles*

Something True by BelieveItOrNot

Something True ~ With too many secrets and a haunting past she’d love to forget, at seventeen, Bella is sure love doesn’t exist. College dropout Edward Cullen can’t seem to keep hold of love, or his music. A cottage, a lake, a tree, a muse, wrong choices, and heartache. How will these two cope with life and keep afloat? A daily word-prompt WitFit. Alternates between past and present. AH E/B

Rated: Fiction M - English – Angst/Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 20 – Words: 37,557 – Reviews: 1,271 - Favs: 349 – Follows: 597 – Updated: 04-11-13 – Published: 03-15-13 – id: 9103200

Disclaimer: Not only do BelieveItOrNot and I write together on occasion, but she’s also one of my dearest friends—the 10000 miles between us be damned.

As the title implies, Something True is an exploration of truth and falsehood, secrets, rumours, gossip, what things are and what they seem to be. And more than that, it’s the story a young Bella seeking the answer to the question all of us must ask ourselves at some point—who am I? Am I more than the things I’ve done? Am I more than my mistakes and bad choices?

As a little girl, Bella understood secrets. Not the kind learned from others through whispers in ears as she promised not to tell a soul, but the kind that were somehow discovered, that became a true and unwanted part of her—shouts inside her heart that could never be let out. She knew how one secret could grow, stacking itself like a staircase in her mind. And she knew that the longer it went untold, the tighter it had to be locked up, and that if it was released, it would cause devastation and destruction.

Letting a secret like hers out could be like detonating a bomb.

Nobody taught her these things. She just knew. Like knowing if you open your mouth to talk your voice will come out; like knowing if you move one foot in front of the other, you’re walking.

Something True skips back and forward in time, moving between the past and the present with each chapter. Right from the first few chapters, the differences in Bella as we see her “now” and “then” are striking. We see her last winter, as a giggling Junior, holding her own with her friends. This summer, we meet a quiet, withdrawn Senior who is being shunned by almost everyone as taunts fly and rumours abound.

Because of the shift back and forth each chapter, we unravel the mystery of what has happened to change Bella so drastically piece by piece. In the “then” chapters, we watch Bella struggle to come to terms with her mother’s continuing affair. Her English teacher, Mr. Biers, gains her trust with his compliments and kindness, providing a shoulder to cry on and building her sense of self-worth as he ropes her in to grading papers and assisting other students. Vulnerable and somewhat disillusioned, let down by the adults in her life, Bella’s admiration quickly morphs into a crush. Riley—as he allows her to call him—doesn’t discourage her, and it doesn’t take very much before they tumble straight past the line of an acceptable teacher-student relationship.

This can’t end well. And it won’t.

We know from the outset that something will happen to leave present-day Bella a shell of herself, bitter and listless, counting down the days until she can escape from high school. Exactly what it was that’s happened, we can guess, though at this point in the story, we’re not quite sure.

It’s in these present day chapters that we really get to know Edward, too. In his own words, “Some people can be a lot of different things, you know? Maybe that’s why some people have a hard time deciding what to do, because they have a lot of choices. But that’s not me. I’m one thing. A composer. Not a student, not anything else.”

When we meet him, Edward is nursing a broken heart and a dying tree. He’s dropped out of college and is looking for inspiration—for his muse. Through the “now” chapters, we watch Bella and Edward’s friendship grow, their secrets slowly unburdened.

At the time I’m writing this—with eighteen of approximately twenty-five chapters posted—we’re seeing a beautiful, inspiring friendship developing as these two find solace in each other’s company. There’s a peacefulness between them, a sense of trust that allows them to express themselves in each other’s company. As Edward tells Bella early on, “I like your quiet.”

Something True is a witfit (that means BelieveItOrNot gets a prompt each morning, writes her chapter around it and posts the same day), which I think makes the depths this story explores quite remarkable.

I’ll be honest. Personally, I’m generally not interested in reading student-teacher relationships. (Not even, or perhaps especially not, when he’s named Edward.) I’m married to a high school teacher, and I can’t tolerate the romanticizing of these kind of relationships—“age is just a number,” or “it’s different for us.”

But there are some writers I will trust with absolutely any subject, and BelieveItOrNot is one of these writers. There is a grace and sensitivity in the way she approaches difficult subjects that never ceases to amaze me. She has the ability to see beyond the surface of things and to draw out the nuances and complexities that govern the way people interact with each other, and within themselves.

In her writing, we meet characters who are flawed and authentic—real people who make real mistakes. There are no caricatures or melodrama, there is no romanticizing or gratuitous angst—these people and the situations they find themselves in are explored with a deft touch and startling insight.

And of course, I can’t tell you about one of BelieveItOrNot’s stories without mentioning the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into them. The intensity with which she makes you feel, and with such economy of words – it’s steal-your-breath-away stunning. There are a lot of brilliant writers in this fandom, and Believey is among the best of them.

… I’m off to obsessively refresh my email inbox until today’s update lands.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9103200/1/Something-True

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*Review by Missus T*

What If by twihart21

*Made by HeatherDawn*

What If ~ Edward is a successful defense attorney living in LA. He lives a lonely, predictable life. But one day, he wakes up in an unfamiliar house, in an unfamiliar room with Bella laying next to him. Will he ever want to wake up from this dream? AH EPOV

Twilight – Rated: M – English – Drama/Romance – Chapters: 31 – Words: 211,785 – Reviews: 2457 – Updated: 7-17-11 – Published: 1-25-10 – Edward & Bella

*Fic is not “complete” in that the final chapter is up, but the epilogue was never posted.

I rec’d What If  by twihart21 in a recent update of my own fic, and Cared asked if I’d be interested in reviewing it for the blog. I’m all kinds of flattered and nervous, so bear with me.

I found twihart21’s story while reading Firefly in Summer as a work in progress. I’ve always had a thing for time travel and parallel universe stories, and FiS left me wanting more – not because the fic was lacking, it’s clearly not – but because I needed something to read between updates. A search of the Twibrary brought me to What If, and I’m so glad it did.

The summary doesn’t quite do this fic justice, although I’m not sure how to explain it all myself. If you say too much it’s spoilery but if you don’t say enough…You just can’t describe it. I’ll give it my best, though. LOL

Los Angeles based attorney Edward Cullen is driven, career focused and lonely. He misses his family and is sick of his predictable life. One night out with friends and family, he’s introduced to a woman, Bella, who makes him wonder if things could be different. Then he wakes up the next morning and everything has changed. He’s in a strange bed with the woman he just met. There’s a picture of the two of them on the wall and as the background picture on his cell phone. He’s inwardly freaking out but she’s entirely comfortable with him.

He sneaks downstairs to investigate while she’s in the shower. He’s never seen the house before, but his friends are all there acting as if everything is normal. He finds mail on the table addressed to himself – but not the self he knows – it’s for Dr. Edward Cullen. In Seattle.

His first reaction to everything is panic. He tries to go home, to find someone who knows him, the Edward he was before he woke up, but it’s as if he’s been erased.

(Edward)

“Hello, sir. Can I help you?” the doorman greeted me. I really wished I could remember people’s names.

“I just have a quick question,” I said, stepping closer to him.

“Okay.”

I leaned towards him and studied him carefully. Still the same doorman, still the same building. What had changed?

“Do I look familiar?”

The expression on his friendly face changed and his eyebrows gathered together in the center of his forehead.

“I mean, the slightest bit? Do you think that there is the slightest possibility that we have met before?”

I stepped even closer, never breaking our eye contact. I wanted to make sure that he stared at me long enough to know without a doubt the answer to my question.

So, I waited. I could tell that he was taking his time, like the solution to this was not easy.

It was as if he knew how important his answer to my question was.

Suddenly, his faced relaxed, and he sighed.

“I’m sorry, sir. But I’m positive we’ve never met.”

I ran my hand through my hair and groaned slightly under my breath. “Thanks anyway. Sorry to bother you.”

Without waiting for his reply, I stalked out of the building and back to the cab. I told the driver to take me back to LAX International Airport.

I wasn’t sure where else to go. I had nothing. I owned nothing. No job. No home. No identity. No life. And for the first time in a long time, I felt completely alone.

As if she heard my thoughts, my phone buzzed in my pocket. A text.

“Come home to me. – B”

I thought for a moment about if I should respond or not. I felt sorry for her. She was waiting on someone. Someone who wasn’t me.

With no home to go back to, Edward has no choice. He jumps into his life in Seattle despite feeling like a fish out of water. He doesn’t know or do things his friends and Bella expect him to, but he’s able to play most of it off. He starts to get a handle on things and recognizes that he likes being this other Edward. He’d rather be this Edward. He loves Bella, and he’s terrified of waking up to find it all gone. Eventually, he can’t fight his feelings and lets himself hope for a future with her.

But this wouldn’t be twific if things went easily, if they rode off into the sunset. Nope. Edward wakes up one morning and he’s back in his cold, sleek Los Angeles condo. I found myself sobbing as I read how Edward reacted to returning to his former life. It was gut wrenching. I couldn’t even imagine his devastation – to finally accept the second chance he felt he’d been given, only to have the rug pulled out from under him.

From there, Edward has one hell of a climb if he wants to get back the life he briefly knew. He has to start over – again. He has to pull himself up, relocate, and convince a girl who hardly knows him that they are in love with each other. It’s no longer a question of what if for him. It’s about what he knows can be.

While I was rooting for Edward and Bella to get back together, I loved that their reunion wasn’t quick and easy. It wasn’t angst ridden I-want-to-eat-Ben-and-Jerry’s-‘til-I-die, but it was real. Because no one lives in a bubble. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes people get hurt while others are trying to get happy.

I thought Twihart21 did a great job of weaving the different versions of Edward’s life together. There were twists I never saw coming that I felt in my heart because she set them up so perfectly. Little details she dropped in that came back later to fit perfectly in the puzzle. She created an compelling original character in Blake. I liked him a lot, and then I felt awful for him, even during the point of the fic when I wanted to hate him.

This story has humor, some great lemons, some E/B arguments that made me cringe for them, and sweet bits that made me sigh. Pretty much, it had all the feels.

(Edward)

I tip-toed away, thinking about what I had heard.

One broken heart is better than two.

Was it? Possibly.

But I couldn’t help that little feeling inside of me. The one that felt so elated… so overjoyed to know that she felt something for me whether it be a feeling she wasn’t quite sure about. Still. She felt something. And right now, something was better than nothing.

Plus, she thought I was pretty.

Walking into the kitchen, I could feel myself smiling. Bella Swan liked me. She didn’t say it, but I knew that’s what she meant. She liked me. She thought I was pretty. A fluttering in my stomach gave way to the emptiness it had been feeling for so long, and for the first time in a long time there was a new emotion taking over me.

Hope.

And that’s what this fic was about since the beginning. Hope.

The final chapter was posted in July of 2011, and Twihart21 hasn’t published anything new on FFnet since then. I have no idea what happened in her RL or where she’s at, but I’d love to thank her for her words. While I’d still really like to read the epilogue, What If ends at a satisfying place. If you’ve skipped over this story because it’s not marked complete, you should give it a try. If you love the idea of time travel and parallel lives, you should definitely check it out.

*Made by Rose Arcadia*

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5694977/1/What-If

The Twibrary can be found here:  http://twibrary.blogspot.com/

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*Review by Livie79*

Adore, Adore by ooza

*Made by ooza*

Adore, Adore ~ Bella is in a bit of a financial pinch. Can one night with Edward solve all her problems? “What do you want to do to me?” she asked. “Everything.” One-shot written for SFFR, now expanded! BxE, AH, Rated MA for dirty citrus

Rated: Fiction M - English – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 6 – Words: 37,973 – Reviews: 1,749 - Favs: 2,857 – Follows: 4,149 - Updated: 10-13-12 – Published: 01-19-11 – id: 6667983

Summary: Bella is in a bit of a financial pinch. Can one night with Edward solve all her problems? “What do you want to do to me?” she asked. “Everything.”

When we meet Bella, we learn she’s a struggling waitress who just can’t seem to make ends meet. She’s in a pitfall of financial woes with no end in sight.

Enter Edward.

He’s recently taken over the financial responsibilities for the building Bella lives in. This translates to collecting the rent. He sets out to track down Bella, one of his most delinquent residents, but things take an interesting turn when he offers her an alternate solution to clear her debt.

“Look, I don’t want to evict you, okay?”

“So don’t.”

He ran his hand down his face and sighed again. His eyes scanned my apartment, finally settling on the large stack of mail on the table. “Bills?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Ooh, feisty. I like it.”

I scoffed loudly.

“Bella—”

“Miss Swan,” I corrected through my teeth.

“Miss Swan.” Edward smirked. “Would you be open to coming to an . . . alternate agreement?”

“Like what, a payment plan? It’s not necessary. I’ll give you the money when I get it. I promise.”

“No, not like a payment plan.”

No, not like a payment plan. Edward has something a little more…physical in mind.  When he shares his idea, Bella immediately rejects his offer. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, Bella’s mediocre paycheck won’t cover her rent and she realizes she’s out of options. After a tense phone conversation with Edward, Bella agrees to his terms: sex for rent.

When she shows up at his apartment, Edward takes complete control. At first she’s hesitant, but Edward’s confidence and cocky attitude quickly break her resolve.

I whimpered in frustration as he removed his fingers. He dragged them higher, grazing the sensitive skin between my cheeks. I inhaled sharply as he applied more pressure and began caressing the area.

“What are you doing?” I choked out.

“You know what I’m doing,” Edward teased, applying more pressure. “Are you going to tell me no again?”

“No.”

Never has a sweeter word been spoken. Because when Bella lets go, the readers are swept away by a tidal wave of lust and left in a puddle of goo. But contrary to what Ooza says, this story isn’t just about smut. She’s created two very complex characters who will send you on an emotional rollercoaster.

Bella struggles to come to terms with what she did but can’t deny how much it helped her financial situation. When rent comes due the following month, Edward offers her the same deal. And even though Bella has the money to cover it, she finds herself accepting. Thus begins their arrangement and subsequently where things get tricky.

Edward is a conundrum. In a relationship that’s supposed to be based purely on sex, he blurs the line time and time again. And his hot and cold behavior leaves Bella’s head spinning.

“You should stay.” His voice was authoritative and didn’t leave much room for argument. I really wasn’t in the mood.

“Look, Edward,” I said sternly. “I’m a big girl, okay? I understand the nature of our . . . arrangement. We’re adults. It’s just sex.” I glanced around the room for my clothes before remembering they were in the entryway. I didn’t want to look for my underwear; he could add them to his collection. “I don’t need to spend the night or cuddle with you to be okay with that.” I turned toward the door, but his next words stopped me in my tracks.

“Maybe I do.”

I looked at him, trying to figure out if he was just trying to manipulate me to get his way, but I could see nothing other than sincerity in his eyes.

“It would make me feel better if you spent the night. Please,” he added quietly.

Apparently my inability to deny him extended beyond sex, because I found myself walking back to the bed.

“Okay,” I agreed. “I’ll stay.”

And then you think, oh wow, he has feelings for her. It makes you smile and feel all warm and fuzzy. That is, until he does something like this:

As I reached the sixth floor, I heard Edward’s low murmuring. I smiled, glad he was home and that I’d get to see him. My excitement came to an abrupt end when his voice was followed by a feminine laugh. I turned the corner, coming face to face with Edward and a very tall, very beautiful woman with silver blonde hair.

I froze. Edward’s eyes widened as he looked at me with an expression that could only be described as panic.

“Hello,” the woman said pleasantly. She smiled, showing off unnaturally white teeth. Her voice seemed to pull Edward from his trance.

“Miss Swan,” he said formally. “What a surprise to see you. Is there a problem with your apartment?”

His words slammed into me with the force of a freight train. I stood there, holding his Tupperware to my chest like an idiot, shocked and unable to come up with a proper response.

So this was how I rated. He could fuck me, he could call me his friend, but the minute he had a hot date, I was nothing but a tenant.

“No,” I answered dumbly.

“Excellent.” Edward wrapped his fingers around the woman’s arm and gently tugged her toward the elevators. “Have a nice evening,” he called over his shoulder.

Ouch. Jerk. Or is he?

Edward has a story. That much is obvious. But since we’re experiencing Bella’s POV, we’re left guessing. It’s one of the many things that make this story so addictive. One minute he’s abrasive and blunt. The next he’s sweet and caring. There’s one thing about him that never changes though: he’s hot as fuck in the bedroom.

The lemons? Oh, my God, the lemons. Hats off to Ooza for some of the hottest sex scenes ever written. But is that enough to make up for his bullshit? I’ve found myself on more than one occasion screaming, “What is his deal?!” And better yet, will Bella bother sticking around to find out? Will he give her a choice?

Edward pressed me against the wall, pinning me with his hands and his body. “You agreed to be mine, remember? Mine.”

Oh…my.

As the story develops and the layers are peeled away you can’t help but fall in love with both characters. When they laugh, you’ll laugh. And when they hurt…so will you. Adore, Adore is an excellent story that is well written and contains all the pieces to make for one hell of an exciting journey. If you’re not already reading Adore, Adore, you’re only cheating yourself. Go! Now!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6667983/1/Adore-Adore

Visit ooza’s blog for stories, author’s notes, updates, teasers, banners, downloads, etc.: www.gardenofsin.net.

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A quick reminder that the voting in the fabulicious TwiHEA Contest closes 13th April.  With 34 one-shots to choose from, you are sure to find a favourite.

TwiHEA Contest http://www.fanfiction.net/u/4523690/

Blog twiHEAcontest.blogspot.com

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We’d like to plug the daring Let’s Do Anal Anonymous TwiFic Contest.  Sorry – we couldn’t resist!

Blog http://letsdoanal.blogspot.ie/

The back door will remain unlocked and open for entries until April 19, 2013 (midnight CST).

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We would like to say a special Thank You to our lovely guests, Thimbles, Missus T, and Livie79; it was a real honour to have them accept our invitations to review for us, and we are so excited about the stories they have shared! Thank you, ladies!

Have a lovely week!
The FicSix

Sensual Sunday ~ My Sexy Vampire!

♥

Good mornin’, everybody!

You’d think Winter was comin’ on instead of steppin’ aside for Spring the way I’ve been stuffin’ my RobPorn stash this week.

Guess it’s a good idea to stock up for the drought that Rob goin’ off to film Mission: Black List is gonna bring, right? Anybody heard a firm date/location yet?

So, while I was busy stuffin’, I hoarded a bunch of gorgeous edits by MySexyVampire!  Don’t know who she is or where she hails from, but I surely do like her work!

See for yourself!

What’d I tell ya? Sexy as fuck vampire!

Oh, hell! Even sexier than fuck vampire *THUD!*

Well, not ALL her edits are of Edward…

Although she’s not above givin’ Rob green eyes like Edward LOL!

But Rob’s own pretty blues are still the most beautiful color to me!

Sweet baby Jesus! She makes golden eyes look good on our man, too!

I recall the lightin’ wasn’t that good at this event, so our girl did a great job here!

Y’all ‘scuse me while I dream of takin’ a little “nap” with Rob *Swoon!*

Wait! Shouldn’t Rob’s eyes have been red for this scene? No matter…he’s still FuckHAWT!

LOL! Rob appears to take issue with his status as our Sex God!

Don’t know how she got that slight rainbow effect in there, but I really like it!

But even very little color can’t hide Rob’s inate sexiness!

I swear it’s in his bone structure!

Along with the face he was blessed with!

And even pullin’ faces won’t make me think Rob’s anything less than perfect!

So don’t give me no lip! Unless you want to give me THAT lip LOL!

Nope! One measly little ol’ stink-eye won’t change my mind either! *DED!*

Cause we all knew he was ”The One” for us ever since Rome 2008! Can I get an Amen, sistas?!

Happy Sunday, y’all!

Rita

Ballsy Bella!

Welcome to Ballsy Bella! on Fan Fiction Fridays as The FicSix review for you some stories that we feel portray a strong, confident, intelligent and “Ballsy Bella.” One who can hold her own, kick some ass, has overcome some of life’s harsh realities, and who, we also feel, deserves some serious respect!

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*Review by Midnight Cougar*

Kimberley Diamond by Gingerandgreen

*Made by Cared*

Kimberley Diamond ~ Historical fiction, but not what you expect. In Kimberley, a diamond mining town in the Northern Cape, South Africa, 1872, a frontier bride meets her very certain destiny. An award winner in the Mine to Mark contest 2013, this is PossessiveWard my style.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 2 – Words: 11,504 – Reviews: 200 - Favs: 142 – Follows: 224 – Updated: 03-24-13 – Published: 01-31-13 – id: 8965166

My rec today, Kimberley Diamond, is very near and dear to me as it is written by one of our very own FicSix, the lovely Gingerandgreen, who also penned the historical fic Plight Thee My Troth – our 2012 Rob Attack Golden Onion Award winner.

Kimberley Diamond is a winner on so many levels, not only is it a superb historical read, but also a four-time award winner in the 2013 Mine To Mark Contest: Public Vote Honorable Mention, 3^rd Place Judges Vote, Most Original Judges Vote and Judges Pick Soapy Mayhem.

The attention to detail in the characters and setting is one of the aspects that set this story apart for me. It fills my mind with such vivid imagery; it’s like I can see the landscape, the characters’ actions and can even reach out to touch them. The story is set in South Africa in the 1870′s and portrays not only the Cullen clan of father Carlisle, and sons, Emmett, Jasper and a gentle, caring, dominant Edward, but also a strong and resilient English Bella who survives some of life’s worst realities of her time, as she tells Mr. Carlisle Cullen, her “sponsor,” on her way to his home…

I am not a big talker. Any of my acquaintances back in England will tell you how I keep my own counsel, and they would be most surprised at the running barrage I subject my sponsor to on the hour long cart ride to his farm house.

I tell him about the disparate group of women who answered his advertisement for frontier wives back in the English spring. How Mr Felix selected the successful applicants based on their looks alone, and he assures me kindly this admission does not make me vain.

I tell him about how the five of us, Lauren Mallory, Jessica Stanley, Angela Webber, Beth Morecomb and myself, made friends and prepared ourselves for the journey to Africa together. How Mr Felix encouraged us, and helped us, and how deeply we came to trust the man with our very lives.

I tell him how nervous and excited we all were as we boarded ship, and how well Mr Felix ensured we were settled into our little cabin. I describe our anxiety when he left to oversee the stowing of our treasured belongings below decks, and did not return. I explain our speculation as to whether he jumped ship with our possessions or whether he was jumped upon himself, never able to return. And how shocked we were when the ship left port, leaving us on board with nothing but the few clothes we’d brought in as cabin baggage.

Mr Cullen looks sorrowful when I tell him that was only the beginning of our troubles. We were robbed twice, leaving us with so little money for food we were forced to beg for work and kindness. The officer we reported our loss to played us for the innocent fools we were, and Beth and Angela were the first of us to find ourselves horribly compromised. Mr Cullen looks stricken at this, but I do not stop there.

I tell him how quick the other passengers were to shun us all, given our reputation due to the rumours surrounding Miss Morecomb and Miss Webber. Then I tell him how fast they were to change their minds when the dysentery struck, and willing nurses were required.

Mr Cullen looks positively sick when I tell of little Jessica Stanley succumbing to the illness so very quickly, and how callous the sailors were when they tossed her remains overboard. How Angela gave up hope after that, and all the light left her soul. She was the next to follow Miss Stanley, and the three of us remaining made a pact to fight together to survive, no matter what.

As you can already discern, Bella is courageous, a survivor, and now as she embarks on her new life in a foreign country, she hopes to become betrothed to one of the Cullen men; one who can provide her with a better life. When she meets Edward, the passion and intense emotions are immediately present between them; Possessiveward says, “‘She’s mine.’” and Carlisle says, “Such a slip of a girl, but so bold. They are well suited.”  For me, she is a fantastic Bella; so strong and very representative of the times, and being able to portray a woman this way is a forte of Gingerandgreen’s.

To our great reading pleasure, the story has now been continued and delves deeper into the lives of this interesting Cullen family. In chapter two we see Edward and Bella together, with marital life starting to move forward for them, as Jasper so teasingly shares…

Jasper

At first I think Pa’s agitation has to do with the way Edward and Bella behaved all night.

They reluctantly join us at the table. My brother acts gentleman-like and pulls a chair out for his wife, who sits down upon it very gingerly. I catch his eye and wink at him, watching for the flush in his cheeks before he hides them behind his large hand. I am not disappointed.

“How are you this morning, Ma’am? Sleep well?”

Bella flushes scarlet. “I am most refreshed, Mr Jasper. Thank you for asking. I trust you rested well also?”

I have to admire the girl; it’s clear she will take no nonsense from the rabble. My brother is one hell of a lucky man.

“Oh no, I can’t say I did. Something kept me up all night, it was too hard to sleep,” I tease.

Em and Riley burst into laughter, but Pa actually cuffs me around the back of my head.

We also see the emergence of some OOC characters, like Alice who, “…is relatively light-skinned, of mixed blood – part Hottentot, part Xhosa, part who knows quite what – and could almost pass for Chinese, if it weren’t for her African-black hair, which she plaits into tight, elaborate patterns every now and then.”  Oh, and I like Carlisle, too, he is definitely in a class of his own with his “stiff prick” and “dirty old man” thoughts. lol  Don’t forget this is an M Rated fic, ladies. *wink*

Kimberley Diamond is told from multiple POVs, in both chapters, bringing forth lots of pertinent information about the unusual storyline, eclectic mix of characters and the fascinating times in which we experience the story.  As well, IMHO, Gingerandgreen is also ballsy for her unique portrayal of some of the characters and the original plotline… I admire this in an author, and have thoroughly enjoyed reading every word of this tale and look forward to more! ❤

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8965166/1/Kimberley-Diamond

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*Joint Review between Cared and AllyVera*

The Cullen Legacy by pattyrose

*Made by Cared*

The Cullen Legacy ~ Legacy – A gift; sometimes unknowingly bestowed. Bella met Edward in a London pub, never imagining where each would be 7 years later: he a Congressman fueled by ever-growing political ambition, she the woman with an explosive secret that can end all his dreams. But Bella might soon find that revenge isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and that Edward may harbor his own dark secrets.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance/Hurt/Comfort – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 9 – Words: 42,328 – Reviews: 2,097 - Favs: 927 – Follows: 1,424 – Updated: 04-02-13 – Published: 03-04-13 – id: 9069478

Ally Vera ~ I swooped on the first chapter of “The Cullen Legacy” when I saw the new story alert in my email (and I may or may not have nicked away from my desk and read it on work time) – and halfway through that intriguing chapter, I just knew that pattyrose had another story that was going to capture my heart and soul.

Cared ~ That’s just disgraceful behaviour! I’ve never done anything like that no matter how beloved the author or story. *wink*

The Cullen Legacy is the perfect example of why so many of us love reading stories as works-in-progress.  Each chapter is like a jigsaw piece, a small but vital part of the puzzle that will eventually reveal the complete picture. There is something about reading a story a chapter at a time that makes your emotions run high and you just burn for that next piece of the puzzle.  Nothing like a bit of delayed gratification!

It’s impossible not to be enthralled by Bella and intrigued by the back-story straight from the opening chapter.  She appears strong but not aggressive, feisty yet feminine, incredibly intelligent and determined.  She also doesn’t mind showing us her more vulnerable side and you know immediately that there is more to this stunning woman than meets the eye; underneath, in her truth of truths, there is another story.  Bella is an excellent example of the oxymoron that is a modern woman and we would be proud to call her a friend. She’s not perfect, but that makes her all the more perfect, if you know what I mean! There is no surprise there, though, as pattyrose’s Bellas have to be some of the best we’ve had the pleasure of reading.

Seeing Edward through Bella’s eyes (even when you know not all is right as they obviously have a heavy past) is still a treat (from Chapter One)… “He’s let his hair grow longer; the reddish brown mane explodes in various unruly directions. His green eyes are as hypnotizing as ever; even from here they stand out like two glowing emeralds. He rests his weight casually over one hip; his tall frame still lean, still exuding power and confidence. His self-assurance hasn’t diminished one iota. I can tell by that cocky grin of his that he seems to have only grown cockier. He still has that rich, deep laugh that automatically raises the spirits of everyone within hearing range. Bloody handsome as ever, he is – more so if I must be honest. Thirty-one suits him brilliantly.”

When we meet Congressman Cullen, there is no denying he is pretty darn impressive, but it’s Sergeant Edward Anthony Cullen from seven years earlier who made us fall in love with him right along side Bella. He is protective, charming, a gentleman and completely delicious. Edward has some pretty remarkable powers of persuasion! We could tell you about them, but that would be a spoiler alert. *winks* Congressman Cullen is on course for the Senate and then the White House. It seems that Edward is fulfilling his duty to “The Cullen Legacy” which he explains to Bella when they first meet (From Chapter Four):

“So your dad is a politician, then?”

He nods. “And his dad before him, and his dad before him, etcetera, etcetera. It’s the Cullen Legacy.”

“The Cullen Legacy? So you’re a politician too?”

“Not yet.”

“But you will be.”

Again, he nods. “My tour of duty will be over in six months. Then I return to New York and attend law school, take the Bar, practice law for a year or so, then my dad will retire, and I’ll run for his seat in Congress and then…”

“And then…?” I prompt with a grin, because his plans amuse me. He’s quite confident of them, and they are so bloody exact. I can barely decide what color knickers to wear from one day to the next – and some days whether to wear them at all.

“And then…we’ll see,” he answers, much more vaguely than before. He reaches out and wraps a few strands of my hair round his finger, watching his own actions as he twirls the hair round and round.”

Between us we have read more WIPs than we can shake a stick at, but there have only been a handful that evoked extremely strong emotions while reading them – and The Cullen Legacy is one of them.

Once chapter 8 posted there was some interesting dissection of The Cullen Legacy going on between Ireland (Cared) and Australia (AllyVera). We agreed on quite a few things: Mike seems slimy and we are wondering what the hell Bella is doing there, the flashbacks work amazingly well, and Bella is brilliantly written. While her motives with Edward in the present day are concerning, we can see where she is coming from, we understand her bitterness and feel her pain.

The one thing we didn’t agree on was Edward. Oh, young Sergeant Cullen, what have you done?

Ally ~ What is really concerning me at this stage (after reading chapter 8 and 9) is that he just used her and I don’t want to believe that. He took her most precious gift – surely that had to mean something to him?

I truly believe he fell in love with her as much as she did with him. So why? Why didn’t he move Heaven and Earth to find her – was The Cullen Legacy so vital that it was of more importance than her? Was he pulling a “New Moon”? I also can’t understand why he chose to drop a bombshell on Bella when he did – why not tell her upfront? I commend him for being honest (eventually), but *knock knock on Edward’s head* Is there anyone in there? Bloody hell.  All that being said, though, I trust pattyrose like no other author – her ability to deliver the “goods” is unquestioned in my eyes.

Cared ~ I’m with Ally insofar as I also believe Edward fell in love with Bella. The essential difference is, while Ally wants to believe the best of Edward, I already do. I empathise with him as much as I do with Bella, even though she appears to be the wronged party. IMHO he was genuine in his promise to Bella but he allowed his circumstances and not his heart to dictate his actions. I just cannot believe him to be deliberately cruel or careless – a little foolish and defeatist maybe, and I suspect, or is that hope, that he finally came to his senses, albeit too late.

These brilliantly written characters make me so passionate I want to lock them in a room and stand guard outside until their issues are resolved. Then again, I’d be denying myself the torturous pleasure of Pattyrose weaving her magic as she slowly teases out their lives, so I’ll just have to be patient.

Don’t worry, we won’t fall out over it – we may in fact be making bets on who is nearer the mark. Now that this couple is face to face once more, we are on tenterhooks as we witness the truth slowly emerge.

Ally ~ He better have a REALLY good excuse LOL…and I am sure he will, pattyrose has never let me down! Of course these are all theories and notions and Cared and I have a fabulous time discussing this fic. I can’t remember itching for updates on a story so badly since MOTU, F@N and UoEM!

The Cullen Legacy – it’s quite possible Sergeant Cullen both viewed it as a curse and cursed it; with the unexpected return of Bella in his life, will it become a welcome blessing for Congressman Cullen?

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9069478/1/The-Cullen-Legacy

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*Reviews by Wiltshire Glo*

Where Roads Converge by FluffyLiz

*Made by Cared*

Where Roads Converge ~ Where Roads Converge » A homeless boy, hitch-hiking in the snow, a woman on her own, running from an abusive relationship. Is she crazy to stop, or are their paths destined to cross? Can this mismatched pair find succour and salvation together, or will their pasts intrude and drive them apart?

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance/Hurt/Comfort – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 5 – Words: 21,882 – Reviews: 447 - Favs: 279 – Follows: 489 – Updated: 03-30-13 – Published: 03-02-13 – id: 9061275 WiP

Oh heck! I’m so nervous writing this! Why? Because it means so much to me. I want to rave about how well FluffyLiz depicts not only my home country, but also my neck of the woods! Where Roads Converge is set in a village not too far from where I live, it may be fictional, but it’s very real to me – as are Bella and Edward.

From the first chapter I wanted to call Bella and tell her how proud I am that she had enough feist and backbone to gather her wits and all her belongings and walk away from an abusive relationship. She must have been subconsciously biding her time because she protected her independence, and she has a ready-made bolthole to run to. So, on a dark night, in the freezing winter -despite haste being of the essence-she makes her cool, calm escape. The girl has balls!

Depositing everything by the front door, she went to the double garage below the house, and drove her pride and joy onto the road, parking out front. It was the first big thing she’d bought with the money she’d earned from her illustrations and the book advance, and she was doubly pleased with it because she had defied Jake to buy it—he had insisted she didn’t need a car, that he could drive her where she needed to go or she could get cabs. But she had stuck to her guns and bought the behemoth of a vehicle. Not for her, the cachet of expensive and impractical sports cars—no, she had set her heart on the Land Rover Sport, and she loved its size and how safe it made her feel.

And now, she loved how it had got her away from that house. She had no doubt that Jake was capable of putting her in hospital—if not worse—and she had every intention of getting as far from him as possible.

So, here she was, sitting in a motorway service station at one o’clock in the morning, with a sore body, a nicely developing black eye and what felt like all her worldly possessions packed into the back of her car, heading for a house which she wasn’t even sure she’d be able to heat.

She sighed and rubbed her forehead, wincing when her fingers drifted over the swelling under her eye and across her cheek. Taking another mouthful of the rapidly cooling coffee, she glanced up for a moment as a young man entered her peripheral vision. He seemed to be going from occupied table to occupied table, speaking briefly to whoever was sitting there.

Despite her pain and underlying tiredness, Bella’s interest was immediately piqued, as she watched the boy speak softly to each person, then meekly accept their obvious rejection with a polite nod and a ‘thank you’ before moving on to the next one. There were slim pickings at this time of night, and he was quickly running out of options. She found herself fascinated by the mini soap opera playing out before her, knowing she needed to move before he got to her, but seemingly incapable of doing anything but wait for the inevitable.

If you’re wondering if that polite young man is Edward, the answer is yes! Here again we see Bella’s bravery – and her kindness – because despite living through violence and fear herself, she is compelled to help Edward.

We’re not yet privy to what has happened to cause Edward to be in such an unfortunate predicament, but suffice it to say that it’s quite obvious already that he’s a beautiful soul…his quiet gratitude melts my heart and his gentle nature shines through. There’s quite an age gap between them – ten years – Edward is still nineteen, yet has a solemnity and wiseness beyond his years. An old soul, if you will. As much as I think Bella sees an opportunity to help him, and is driven by something he ignites deep in her to take it, I have a strong feeling that he could help her just as much!

I may as well admit it, I don’t always immediately warm to Bellas. They can sometimes frustrate me…but not this one. She doesn’t let a difficult situation compromise who she is. She’s strong, intelligent and wonderfully kind-hearted, and consciously never patronising. I may have a slight girl-crush! It’s easy to see why Edward could fall for her (I’ve got my fingers crossed!), and why the way their life experiences have shaped them means so much more than their age difference.

I want you all to read it NOW…to join in the joy and fear of reading a WiP – we’re only 5 chapters in. For those of you who say that you’re worried that updates will slow or stop, rest assured that Where Roads Converge will update every Saturday- FluffyLiz has pre-written prior to posting. It’s become a regular date for me.

There are many varieties of Brit, but if you want a real flavour of British life, read this…oh, and I haven’t even begun to tell you what a joy it is to read Liz’s beautiful writing!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9061275/1/Where-Roads-Converge

http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1981806/FluffyLiz

http://www.fluffyliz.com

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Deviant by planetblue

*Made by Mkystich*

Deviant ~ He pissed me off and then he turned me on. Spectacularly.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 10 – Words: 37,369 – Reviews: 2,129 - Favs: 1,015 – Follows: 1,791 – Updated: 04-04-13 – Published: 03-04-13 – id: 9069505

When I found out that the writer of Barefoot in Texas was posting a new story, I was excited…I knew it would be good…and I was not disappointed! Planetblue really shows her writing diversity, because this Bella is very different. She truly earns her Ballsy Bella title – in fact, I think it’s an honour she’d wear with pride!  

Leading something of a double life, Isabella is a professor by day and a wild, sexy and mouthy bartender at her brother Emmett’s bar on a Friday night. She shows no fear and faces down the rowdy crowd with style, wit and a certain charm!

“Who wants another mother fucking shot!” I raise the bottle of whiskey over my head, high above the sweaty and raucous crowd below me. My black boots scuff the top of the copper covered bar, leaving thick rubbery streaks behind.

I lean over and empty the contents of my bottle into open mouths, not bothering to lift it between pours, making a sloshy line across my patron’s cheeks.

I slap the big guy on the end across the top of his head and tell him to move the fuck on, an order which he smartly obeys. The crowd loves it.

“Iz! Iz! Iz!” They chant over the loud music, trying to get my attention and the free liquor I have possession of. One guy gets handsy, so I flatten that hand with my foot and move on back down the bar.

Emmett reaches out to help me down and I jump to the floor. “Jesus Iz, you really worked them up tonight!” My brother wraps his arm around my shoulders and gives me a squeeze. He tosses me a big grin and returns to his post at the end of the bar, protecting Angie and I from the crowd.

Angie hands me a shot and we clink, downing the whiskey to more shouting from the crowd that loves us. We know how to put on a show here at The Steel Horse. The tips are phenomenal.

Also doesn’t hurt that we’re practically naked. The few parts that are covered are encased in black leather.

The subject she teaches also gives off the impression of a woman in charge of her own destiny, comfortable with her sexuality and in control at all times. But she meets her match. Oh boy, does she meet her match. Yep. Oh yeah. Phew! And maybe a WOW as well! Heart-stoppingly infuriating, highly irritating but seriously HOT. Honestly, he really is an Edward to behold..and I would definitely love to behold him.

“You don’t like men behind you?” His mouth has moved closer to the top of my head and for a brief moment I think he’s about to kiss my hair.

“Not you.” My hand betrays me by twitching, which gives the appearance I’ve squeezed him. I swear it was a twitch.

“I think you liked it just fine last week.” His voice lowers and I feel his hand ghost over my hip. “Tell me, did you ever get to touch yourself? I know I interrupted you.” His breath is hot on my scalp and I can’t help it when I feel myself nodding.

He moans and places his lips on my hair. “I wish I could’ve seen that. I bet you have the prettiest little pussy.” My knees threaten to buckle and I squeeze, causing him to push himself against my hand.

Against my better judgment and despite my dislike for this man, I let out a lust filled moan. “Did you..?” I trail off breathlessly, and his cock twitches in my palm.

“Oh yeah. I thought of fucking you in a car. I came very, very hard.”

Their banter, wit and attraction is fierce and smouldering. He quickly recognises what she’s hiding, what she wants – and needs. He knows how to turn her on, and how to satisfy her darkest fantasies and cravings….and he doesn’t disappoint. But maybe he’s not quite who he appears to be either.

Both have preconceptions about the other…and it’s fun to watch them trying to maintain an emotional distance.  All the while the readers from their vantage point can see that resistance is futile. There’s certainly more to both of them than meets the eye and despite the hot sex and superficial banter there’s so much we have yet to discover.

There’s probably a bit of Isabella in all of us…who wouldn’t want the chance to break out from our sensible lives and walk on the wild side from time to time? Is Manchu her perfect match? I think so, he’s delicious and such a memorable Edward. I think I may love Manchu!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9069505/1/Deviant

http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1886305/planetblue

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Random list of Ballsy Bella fics:

A Pound of Flesh by jaxon22

Bella Voce by Morgan Locklear

Diapers, diplomas, and deadbeat dads by mathisson

Edward Cullen, Dick for Hire by FictionFreak95

Girl with a Red Umbrella by Spanglemaker

Hot Commodity by blueeyedcherry

Indecent Proposal by pattyrose

O’ Holy Christmas by CaraNo

Sexy Silk by jlho

Sideline Collision by Nolebucgrl

The Education of Professor Cullen by sheviking

This Is Who I Am by pattyrose

Until I Saw You by reyes139

We Could Run by CaraNo

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So, now that we’ve brought you Ballsy Bella, with bells on, please bring us yours!

The FicSix

Sensual Sunday ~ Baseball Boy!

♦

Oh my God, ladies!

I’ve been laughin’ my ass off all week readin’ one of the funniest fics I’ve come across in a good while LOL!

Bella at her snarkiest best…Edward {a.k.a. Baseball Boy} at his dorkiest EVER!

“Wait! What?” you may ask. “It’s not Fan Fiction Friday!”

Yeah, but it’s the inspiration for my post today and, therefore, fair game! Get it…Fair Game LMAO! But, seriously, do yourselves a HUGE favor and start reading:

Curve Ball by Staceleo

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9102043/1/Curve-Ball

Opposites attract don’t they? Not in Bella Swan’s world. Unfortunately, the Captain of the baseball team has other ideas. A short chapter tale written for mauigirl60.

♦ {Diamond…*gigglesnort!*}

The key word bein’ “baseball,” it stood to reason I’d hark way back to the Vampire Baseball scene from Twilight LOL!

Of course, it’s from Cosmopolis rehearsals, but Rob’s got to practice first, right? Well, it does look like he’s at a battin’ cage, don’t it?

And, Rob’s wearin’ a proper baseball cap. What? I liked that pic in color, too!

You have to catch the ball, before you can throw it Rob!

There ya go, darlin’! {Are you catchin’ Rob’s pout? *Drool!*}

Time to suit up and get out on the field…give ‘em hell, baby!!

Why so serious? It’s supposed to fun!

Oh, I get it…someone’s cheatin’! Fuck ‘em up, darlin’!

LOL! I spy blue boxers!!

Don’t let that big bully push you around, darlin’!

Sorry, Missi! Guess Rob’s not beyond flippin’ someone the bird after all LMAO!

Heads up…you still have a fastball to catch!

Faster Rob!

And NO CHEATIN’!

Uh, oh! They saw you cheatin’ with the wires, baby!

Bunch of pussies! You call that rumblin’?

Game called on account of gross incompetence LMAO!!!

One of the reasons that made the whole Vampire Baseball scene so much fun for me was the music that went with it…Supermassive Black Hole by Muse!

Hell’n I was stuck in a Classic Rock rut for years until Twilight came along and updated my taste in music LOL!

What life change did Twilight do for you?

Happy Sunday, y’all!

Rita

READING ROCHELLE, ALL STARRY-EYED

 

This week the FicSix were overcome with enthusiasm for our special guest author. We were Rise-ing to the challenge of reviewing our favourite stories. Reviews were Stolen without our Volition; our usual Embrace is light as Air, but this time there were threats of With or Without You, Glimmer Darkly on your Own and draw the Curtains on those Sessions. We were so Starry Eyed Inside, we had a punning war. We’re sorry.

Truthfully, we are over the moon to bring you an author interview with one of the sweetest, most gracious and talented authors in the Fandom. Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you…

Rochelle Allison

How did you first come to read Twilight – and answer this part honestly, we won’t judge – how many times have you read it?
summer of 2008, i think. i randomly saw an ad for twilight movie online, realized i’d been hearing about some character named “edward cullen”, got curious, and went to the library. safe to say by the time i finished new moon i was like…forget the library i’m buying all of these right now!

What is (a) your favourite Twilight book, (b) your favourite scene and (c) how do you feel it was portrayed in the film version?
well, there are so many favorites but one that always stands out to me is when he tells her he can’t stay away from her. i just remember reading that and sort of gasping to myself, all fluttery inside. whenever i’d read it after that, i’d anticipate that part.they portrayed it just fine in the movie, but it didn’t quite have the same effect on me (although i do enjoy that scene).

Are you in the Twicloset?
Not really. I don’t wear t-shirts or anything, haha, but if people ask i generally tell them. my husband and close friends and mom all know i read and write fic.

What inspired you to start writing fanfiction and how did you decide on your penname?
i was inspired by the Age of Edward contest, summer of 2009. i chose my penname because it’s my first and middle name, and as a child, i’d always said that “rochelle allison” would be my penname when i became a writer one day.

Do you prefer writing EPOV or BPOV? What is the difference for you?
i prefer BPOV, and write the vast majority of my stories in it. i guess i just feel like it’s easy for me to feel the things she (whatever bella i’m writing) feels: as a girl, as someone falling love and/or crushing, etc. it’s instinctive for me get into that headspace. i love a good EPOV, though. mad props to those that write authentic, convincing EPOV.

Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing, perhaps a certain mood, environment or music?
yeah. whenever Tiny Tyrant is napping or with his grandma or daddy. lol.

When you’re writing, do you see the Twilight actors in your head as your characters, or are there other people you imagine in their stead?
I don’t see faces at all. It’s pretty vague.

Have you met fandom people in real life? Were they what you expected?
I have met fandom people, on a couple of different occasions (once on a girl’s weekend, and then a few years later at Comic Con.) they were, both times around, awesome. it’s like finding your tribe, your people. very cool. i love putting faces to the names and personalities i spend so much time with online. some of these girls and I are way closer now.

What in life are you most passionate about?
my God, my husband and kids, my writing. being kind, and the kind of person people want to be around – not someone they’d want to avoid. becoming better in every way, and allowing the people around me that same process.

Tell us about your guilty pleasure, we promise not to tell anyone.
i feel like i have a lot of guilty pleasures. isn’t fic one? haha. um, let’s see. eating nutella from the jar…honey sandwiches…they’re probably all going to be food related. i have a wicked sweet tooth.

If you’re in were trapped in a lift with Robert Pattinson for five precious minutes, what would you tell him about the mad world that we all inhabit?
Like about fandom? I don’t know about five minutes. Let me be stuck with him for like, an hour. I’m sure it would all come out then, haha! I’d pull my favorite fics up on my iPhone and read him the juiciest parts.

Now, do you have a rec you’d like to share? Tell us the name of the story, the author and why you think RA readers would love it.
sure. at the moment it would be a toss up between Counselor’s “Love Like a Hurricane” and “Dirty South Drug Wars” by Hoodfabulous. I love these stories because they’re well written, with rich, authentic – in this case, Southern – voices that just really appeal to me.

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*Review by Gingerandgreen*

Glimmer Darkly

*Made by famouslyso*

Glimmer Darkly ~ She loses him almost as soon as she finds him… but things aren’t always what they seem. Will Bella follow her heart down the rabbit hole? AU-ish.

Follow/FavoriteRated: Fiction M - English – Supernatural/Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 24 – Words: 135,890 – Reviews: 3,088 - Favs: 1,349 – Follows: 1,272 – Updated: 08-17-12 – Published: 09-27-11 – Status: Complete – id: 7418494

Glimmer Darkly is as beautifully written as all of Rochelle’s stories. The action flows naturally and enticingly; it has an interesting structure that keeps you biting your lower lip, Bella-esque. The characters are as finely drawn, in the talented and artistic manner as you have come to expect if you know the author’s work at all. So you could say it’s a regular Rochelle read – but it isn’t.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m losing my mind.
It’s weird and quite possibly insane, but tonight I feel…exposed.

I should have worn something heavier, warmer—not pajamas, and certainly not flip flops. It’s wet, chilly, and the consistent thwack thwack of my shoes on the pavement is obnoxious against the nighttime hush. I wrap my arms tightly around myself, fisting my keys so they don’t jangle so harshly.

The narrow concrete path goes on forever, meandering darkly through shadows before reemerging in to artificial light, courtesy of the lamps Charlie installed a few summers ago. This footpath is what connects the guesthouse to the mailboxes out by the main road, and I know its curves and spider web cracks better than the back of my hand. I’ve wandered it every day of every summer since I was six and, now that I’m living here full time again, I’ll walk it even more.

My nightly sojourn to the mailboxes used to be leisurely, but these days things are…different.

Subtle but certain, it’s back…this creepy feeling. It’s the feeling of turning out the light and walking down the hall and just knowing something’s there in the dark. The woods make me feel this way, and that saddens me because those woods used to be home. I played in them all the time as a kid but now? No. And damn it’s been bad lately, at its worst when the day’s light is fading, twilight smothering the last bits of afternoon sun.

Whatever it is, it’s palpable tonight, thick and silent; even the normal evening sounds of rustling trees and voices drifting from the guesthouse are gone.

It’s followed me for months–ever since that summer ended, taking everybody I loved along with it.

Ever since the night I awoke to breaking glass, to blood-soaked sheets.

Wow – just re-reading those opening paragraphs sends shudders of excitement down my spine. Glimmer Darkly is a little darker than you might expect. It’s a brilliant twist on canon, a little more grown up than Twilight, but just as captivating. If you haven’t read it yet, you’ll love it; if you have, go read it again, it’s worth it.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7418494/1/Glimmer-Darkly

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*Reviews by Ilovealion*

Sessions

*Made by famouslyso*

Sessions ~ sparks, serenades, sexy smiles…sessions.

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 19 – Words: 37,722 – Reviews: 2,279 – Favs: 1,344 – Follows: 591 – Updated: 01-22-11 – Published: 01-12-11 – Status: Complete – id: 6648808

When I found out we were going to feature Rochelle Allison’s work, I immediately knew that I wanted to write the recommendation for Sessions. I vividly remember reading this story a few years ago and swooning hard and heavy for a certain musician/architect named Edward. He’s a bit of a womanizer until he finally gets a chance with Bella, who he’d been watching from afar. Her love transforms him into one of the most romantic Edwards I’ve ever read. One particular scene involving a couch and a bikini still make my girly bits tingle all these years later. Even though they had instant chemistry, they didn’t just jump in the sack. I loved how they took it slow…

We managed not to stumble to the elevator. Once inside he trapped me against the wall, kissing me with these long, wet kisses tasting of lime and liquor.

I wanted him. Oh, how I wanted him. It was bad. I’d wanted him for weeks.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me along down the hall. Inside our suite, I kicked off my flip flops and went to use the bathroom. Edward was in bed when I came out, looking like he was dozing.

“You’re asleep?” I whined, climbing on top of him.

His eyes opened and he grinned crookedly, rolling over so that I was beneath him. We started up with the kissing again, wet and excited, his hand deep in my hair and my hands in his. He started moving his hips and against me and I wrapped my legs around him, moaning when he hit a particularly good spot.

“I like you, Bella. I really like you.”

I stilled, my heart beating so loud and fast I thought it might gallop from chest like a runaway horse.

“I really like you too. A lot,” I said, stroking his cheeks with my fingertips.

“I don’t want to mess this up.” He was being drunk and honest and I dug it.

“Then don’t.”

“I don’t want to.”

“If it’s meant to be – “

“Forget that,” he said, shaking his head. “We either do or we don’t, right? Nothing else.”

“Okay.” I wanted to trust him, trust in him, to believe his words.

And then I realized I did. Our kisses slowed down, drifting from a frantic pace to a more romantic one and then a sleepy-sloppy one. We feel asleep, fully dressed, in each other’s arms.

“I’m glad you came with me,” he said right before we faded.

“Me too.”

Awww. His love and respect for her are apparent from the very beginning. So sweet. *sigh*

It’s a relatively short, angst-free story that will make you smile. But, be cautious as you read. Her Edward just might ruin you for any other man. If you think you can handle it, go brave the serenades and citrus of Sessions.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6648808/1/Sessions 

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Starry Eyed Inside

*Made by famouslyso*

Starry Eyed Inside ~ High School Fictional. No one sends Bella into a tailspin quite like Edward Cullen… but can she make him hers? The ups and downs and all arounds.

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Drama – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 29 – Words: 141,194 – Reviews: 8,420 – Favs: 4,858 – Follows: 3,149 – Updated: 12-19-11 – Published: 08-24-10 – Status: Complete – id: 6268757

Starry Eyed Inside is a great Edward and Bella “coming of age” story. They meet. They get separated. Then, a few years later, they find one another again. Unfortunately, when they do reconnect, Bella is in a committed relationship with someone else.

Uh oh!

The door behind us opened, and Alice stepped out. She paused, her hands in her pockets, looking at Edward and then me.

“What’s up?” she asked softly, and I knew she might be trying to prevent me from doing something I’d regret later.

She didn’t have to worry though. For one, cheating on Garrett was never something I’d wanted to do. And then there was Edward, who made me feel as crazy as he ever had. If and when I was free to do so, there needed to be a discourse before I went down that road with him.

Even though I wanted to. I was better at pretending these days, but I wanted him in any capacity, too.

“Nothing,” I replied. Edward’s hand loosened from my hair. “How’s… Jasper?”

Alice’s eyes narrowed, and she smirked at my non-smooth attempts to divert attention from the obvious.

The quiet lilt of our conversation was interrupted by the front door opening again. Jake, Emmett and Rose all spilled out, talking loudly.

“You ready to go, Bella?” Rose asked. It occurred to me that she and Alice probably had a kind of tag team deal going on to make sure I wasn’t in an uncomfortable situation with Edward.

I’d been so weak around him before. My own friends didn’t even trust me.

I couldn’t hate, though. I was ready to go, and I told Rose as much.

We wandered to the driveway, Edward and I straggling toward the back of the group.

He tugged at my back pocket, slowing me down. “I wish you’d talk to me.”

My heart fluttered. Confused by my conflicted feelings, I hesitated. “I…want to talk to you.”

“Can I come over later?”

I stopped short, giving him a look. “To my house?”

He smiled crookedly. “To your window.”

“No,” I said, laughing in spite of myself. “That’s not happening.”

“You used to like it,” he said, smiling wider.

“I used to love it,” I said, shaking my head. “But no. I’ll be around, Edward. Just call me or something.”

He didn’t say anything, and I tried not to act like I was waiting for him to as I walked away.

The angst and heartbreak in this story almost did me in as I read it as a WIP. I wanted them to “get back together already” as the heat from their UST radiated off the screen and made my eyes sting. This story shows that Rochelle Allison is a master of the slow burn… and I loved every scorching minute. I think you will, too.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6268757/1/Starry-Eyed-Inside

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*Reviews by AllyVera*

Air

Made by famouslyso

Air ~ Edward and Bella meet at a summer barbeque. A story about – what else – falling for someone, hard. Once a WitFit.

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 19 – Words: 29,799 – Reviews: 3,137 – Favs: 2,304 – Follows: 1,111 – Updated: 03-31-11 – Published: 03-12-11 – Status: Complete – id: 6817781

I have a terrible confession, a few days ago, I was a Rochelle Allison virgin.  (Imagine confessing that to the other members of the FicSix! *facepalm*).  I am glad to say though, now – I have popped my cherry in style with Air.

If I had to pick one word that summed up Air for me it would be “Poetry” because that is what the story felt like to me.

Bella is a 19 year old college student who meets 29 year old Edward at a barbeque, and she is instantly enamored with him (clever girl).  They start a relationship and it all sounds very straightforward – but it isn’t.  What makes this story so captivating is both Bella and Edward’s characters.  Edward is gorgeous, hard-working and just… good.  But Edward carries his cards very close to his chest, and Bella finds him hard to read – which makes things very interesting.  At just shy of 30k words, it is great short read, but with enough substance to make you feel like you have read a full feature fic.

Excerpt ~ First Sight…

“”There’s an empty seat right there, if you want.”

I turned toward the unfamiliar voice.

“Oh…that’s okay. I kind of like standing,” I said, setting Irina’s cup down on a nearby table.

“So do I,” he said, his eyes on me for just a second before they flickered away. It was hard to tell, but I thought maybe they were blue, or green. He was good looking.

Like really good looking, and definitely older than me.”

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6817781/1/Air

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Curtains

*Made by famouslyso*

Curtains ~ Sometimes, no matter how much you love someone, they won’t love you back. Or maybe they just can’t… right now. This is the WitFit plot “Curtains”, novella-style

Rated: Fiction M – English – Angst/Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 25 – Words: 26,167 – Reviews: 1,677 – Favs: 1,031 – Follows: 306 – Updated: 05-27-10 – Published: 05-14-10 – Status: Complete – id: 5970165

Being a true angst lover, I was captured by Curtain’s summary, and I just had a feeling I would love it – and I did.

Edward is very hard to like in this story, he seems exceedingly uncaring and cavalier at first, and even as the staunch Edward-lover I am, I wanted to grab Bella and tell her to cut her losses…but as always, there are two sides to every coin, and Rochelle weaves a beautiful tale for these two who have been both broken in different ways by the same tragedy.

I loved watching the transformations that these two made over the duration of the story – they needed time to grow and mature, but also to gain perspective – I loved how Rochelle shows us that with her gorgeous words.

Excerpt of Rochelle’s beautiful words from Chapter One…

“Gently, these ivory curtains lift and lower, silent in the steady breeze. Because I don’t sleep, I watch them, every night, every morning, studying the play of outside light as it filters in. I know the time of night-and-day better than any mountain man, traveler, wanderer or astronomer.

Always so silent here, the opposite of my room, where the inkyblack sucks out all color and I have no curtains but boring blinds, and I must close the window tight because the neighbor’s dog never ever stops barking and the street light glares belligerently inside.

None of that keeps me up-there is insomnia regardless-but it rattles my nerves and so I shut the window to keep it all out. And then because it’s pointless I leave, even though every night I decide I will forgo calling Edward, asking him to meet me at the end of the street for a ride to his house.

Every night I determine to stay home and every night I decide to leave.

Here, in Edward’s naturally hued bedroom, cream and tan and beige and wood, it’s dreamy (though I can’t dream) and sweet (although his refusal to touch me is bitter).“

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5970165/1/Curtains

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*Review by Midnight Cougar*

Stolen 

*Made by famouslyso*

Stolen ~ He stole her heart, and then he stole her father’s fortune. Love and forgiveness are nice concepts, but highly improbable. Right? Drama, romance, action, and a heavy sprinkling of the good stuff.

Follow/FavoriteRated: Fiction M - English – Drama/Romance – Bella & Edward -  Chapters: 4 – Words: 8,609 – Reviews: 563 - Favs: 424 – Follows: 718 – Updated: 03-28-13 – Published: 03-15-13 – id: 9101669

I was so thrilled when I learned we were featuring Rochelle Allison today, as I’ve always enjoyed her poetic form of writing, and knew straight away that I wanted to review her newest story, Stolen.  As with all her fics I’ve read, I was immediately drawn into the plot in chapter one where the labels of both Drama and Romance are deftly presented in lovely literary form and vivid descriptions…

My window’s wide open, the air more balmy than cool. The delicate white sheers hanging from it billow in the breeze, dreamy and soft, as does the mosquito netting around my bed. It’s very romantic, all of it, making me wish my room at home was like this.

Outside, across a lawn and down a soft slope of sand, waves crash quietly, pushing and pulling at the shore. Sometimes, when the wind shifts, I can smell the freshness and salt. The tide’s come in by now, and I think fleetingly of the sandcastles we built. …

Fingers clasped lightly behind your neck, I pull myself closer still. Your fingertips trail up and down my sides, making me shiver a little, tickled. I’m nervous, in a good way. Anticipating.

Mutually fascinated.

“You’re beautiful.”

I look at your mouth, your lips. It’s you who’s beautiful, but I say, “Thank you.”

You shake your head slightly, and then come at me with another kiss, angling your mouth against mine so that we fit. Your hands spread over my back, fingertips tracing my shoulder blades and down, rough against smooth, stopping right where my bikini bottoms start. And then back up, warm and welcome.

The purple-grey of dusk darkens into night, and I reach over to turn my bedside lamp on.

In the new light, we stare at each other for just a second before the kissing resumes, and now it intensifies. The sexy, meandering making out of before morphs into something passionate and driven, and I can feel you now, trying to pull back like always.

The serene setting is a beach house in beautiful Miami, Florida, but the romance that so passionately flows through the characters here, quickly turns to intense drama when Bella wakes up to people, other than her lover, in her bedroom…

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“You see anything out of the ordinary last night? Anybody hanging out by the beach entrance or something?”

“No, not really,” I say, shaking my head. “Did something happen?”

“The safe,” he says, sighing loudly. “Somehow someone got in to it last night…or maybe this morning . Took everything.”

*gasp* Who did it, and where’s Edward?!

We now have four engrossing chapters, detailing how this all started, how our destined couple actually just met only two weeks prior to the first chapter, and how it all might have been a ruse?!  So exciting, enjoy!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9101669/1/Stolen

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*Reviews by Cared*

*Made by Cared*

Own O/S

Own ~ When you’re meant to be in someone’s life, fate has ways of placing you where you need to be. Bella and Edward save each other in more ways than one. M for a little bit of language.

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Drama – Bella & Edward – Words: 12,185 – Reviews: 152 – Favs: 193 – Follows: 117 – Published: 03-03-13 – Status: Complete – id: 9067565

Some things are just meant to be.  Take this sweet baker Bella and chivalrous Edward for instance; they are just meant to be…meant to be together.

The summary declares Bella and Edward save each other in more ways than one, and that is so true. They meet quite dramatically when Edward heroically rescues Bella from certain death in a house fire.

Voices call out, firemen probably. My rescuer’s voice is closer, but no less urgent as I struggle to swat the black spots dancing in front of my eyes. And then my chest closes in on itself and my head starts to swim, blackness trying to swallow me whole, like Jonah and the whale.

But his eyes are green. Even in the dark I can see that. Reflections of flames flicker and dance in them, and for a moment, they’re all I see.

While this is a blatantly obvious example of Edward literally saving Bella, the other ways they subtly save each other are gently woven into this sweet story, making it a pleasure to read.

This gorgeous one-shot entry in the Ho Hey Contest is a perfect bite size yet satisfying fic to enjoy with a cup of coffee.  Read it – because some things are just meant to be!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9067565/1/Own

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With or Without You

*Made by famouslyso*

With or Without You ~ Edward and Bella were once high school sweethearts. Years later, their lives converge unexpectedly, forcing Bella to deal with and accept things she’s long since tried to move past. This story started with “Trampoline”, once a WitFit prompt.

Rated: Fiction M – English – Hurt/Comfort/Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 34 – Words: 43,697 – Reviews: 4,020 – Favs: 2,361 – Follows: 1,220 – Updated: 07-24-10 – Published: 03-10-10 – Status: Complete – id: 5807324

I’m an Edward and Bella girl.  Call me a sucker for that instant attraction, an inexplicable connection, obstacles overcome and a HEA, and I won’t mind.  Funny thing is, that’s not this fic, at all.  When the story opens, Edward is married to Tanya, and Bella is mourning the loss of her husband Jacob – yet I love it.  It’s a bit of a puzzle why I do, but there is a straightforward answer: With or Without You is penned by the extremely talented Rochelle Allison.

Edward and Bella were highschool sweethearts and together they experienced first love – first everything.  Unfortunately, as so often happens, there is heartbreak for the young couple.  Over ten years pass and it’s just an average day in the life of Bella Black, she calls out to her new neighbour asking if his son can play with her daughter. That innocent request heralds the start of a change in their lives…

Laying my lemonade down, I stand up and wander over to the little boy, all the while glancing over to his new house so that I can meet his parents too.

“Did you want to play?” I ask him, recognizing desire in his grassgreen eyes.

“Yes, please,” he lisps, his eyes steadfast on the prize.

 I look again and this time I see who I assume is his father and I squint, holding my hand over my eyes because the sun is so so bright out here, away from the shelter of my oak.

“Excuse me,” I call. “Is it all right if your son plays with my daughter? She just got a new trampoline, and…”

He turns around, smiling, only his smile dies when he sees me, and then so does mine.

He was the one, forever ago, that broke my heart.

You slowly learn about their shared past, and yes that is nice; but the real beauty of this tale is having the chance to relish being privy to Bella and Edward tentatively reaching out to each other in the present, and later the anticipation of and hope for a shared future.

“Play me something,” I say, asking before I’ve really thought about it.

He starts right away, a tune that’s so familiar that when he starts to quietly sing along I find myself singing too –and I don’t ever sing.

It’s one of my favorite songs.

In another time and place, a parallel universe, we would be in this place, living and loving this song together. It’s sort of surreal to be sitting outside with him while he plays it, plays it well, the air brisk and the stars scattered stark and silver across the sky.

At the end of the song my cheeks are wet and I remember where I am. I wipe my face on my sleeves and get up to leave. He pulls my arm, the first time he’s touched me on purpose in eleven years, and I freeze.

“Are you happy?”

There is both relief and loss when his hand falls away. “Are you?”

“Sometimes,” he says.

“Same with me.” The cold is getting to me, the way it always does after awhile, and I shiver. “I’m going to try and sleep. You should try too.”

“I will.” And he does, I think.

The incredibly well-written and complex Bella and Edward are easy to connect with, they wring empathy from your soul, and their messy situation pulls at your heartstrings and demands your understanding. While the premise of With or Without You is enjoyable, it’s the emotions – so rich and so real – both the ones so beautifully portrayed and the ones those precious words evoke in you, that transform this fic into something special – something irresistible.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5807324/1/With-or-Without-You

http://twilighted.net/viewuser.php?uid=5148

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Volition

*Made by wickedcicada”

Volition: “It’s Belfast, N.Ireland and the year is 1972. Bella’s worried about her brother and his best friend, Edward, and their dangerous involvement in the Irish Republican Army. Is it really wise to fall in love with a rebel? Rated M.

Twilight – Rated: M – English – Romance/Drama – Chapters: 31 – Words: 158,381 – Reviews: 4424 – Updated: 8-17-10 – Published: 6-5-09 – Bella & Edward – Complete”

I love Irishward! To read my thoughts on the best Irishward ever written – click here: fanfiction-fridays-irishward

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5115662/1/Volition

http://www.twilighted.net/viewstory.php?sid=8458

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Watch Me O/S

*Made by Cared*

Watch Me ~ Bella’s obsession with wristwatches & her preoccupation with the Sky God next door coalesce in a serendipitous way. Birthday onehsot for Michelle.

Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance – Bella & Edward – Words: 6,332 – Reviews: 224 - Favs: 437 – Follows: 129 – Published: 02-27-12 – Status: Complete – id: 7876788

I previously reviewed this brilliant One Shot in April 2012. *Fanning self at just the thought of it!*

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* Reviews by Wiltshire Glo*

Rise

*Made by famouslyso*

Rise ~ Bella is a bad boy’s girl, living a life she no longer wants. She’s trapped, until one of the things that keeps her confined – her bodyguard – becomes the very thing that could set her free.

Rated: Fiction M – English – Drama/Romance – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 26 – Words: 57,852 – Reviews: 4,622 – Favs: 1,720 – Follows: 1,273 – Updated: 11-13-12 – Published: 10-15-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8612205

Rise begins with a wistful, defeated Bella wallowing in luxury, numbed to reality and isolated in loneliness and despair. Her lack of emotion is far more poignant than if she was raging against her beautiful prison…and the life she can’t escape. She has long since accepted the futility of her situation. Her sadness seeps off the page.

Back at the villa, things are as I left them. He sits outside, a little king of his own making, surrounded by sycophants. They drink and smoke and talk shit and play poker, all the while making deals and perfecting plans. Local hired girls, dressed minimally, sway in and out of the scene, making sure these fools want for nothing: cigars, booze, pills, physical release. It took one day of relaxing by the pool for me to realize it wasn’t very relaxing at all, which is why the beach became my chosen place of solace.

Not that it matters. After tomorrow, we’ll be back in the States, and this place will be another memory.

A leggy redhead with tan, freckled skin and the nicest breasts I’ve ever seen struts by with a drink and a plate of food. I watch her walk straight to him, stopping only when she’s nearly on top of him. She places the tray carefully in an empty spot on the table, leaning down so that he can whisper in her ear. Her lips curve and she straightens, nodding.
I’m still staring when he looks up and sees me. We share a look: him, neutral, me, neutral.

I don’t care what he does. In the end, it’s me that warms his bed, decorates his arm, spends his money. I loved him once, but that was before. Way before, when the people we were, were…people we were. I scarcely remember that me or that him. I’d leave, but it’s not that simple.

I know because I tried to leave once.

He promised he’d kill me if I ever tried again.

Fear not! By the end of the first chapter Rochelle offers us hope, even if Bella can’t recognise her bodyguard for what he is just yet…

“Stop it.” I shove away, irritated. Masen’s concern is false, a pretend byproduct of his job. Alec hired him one year ago to be my keeper, although that isn’t what either of them would call it. Bodyguard. Driver. Whatever.

His face hardens. “Alec sent me up to check on you.”

“Why? He seems just fine down there.”

“You’ve been up here for hours.”

Have I? I glance at the window again, then at the clock beside the bed. Six o’clock. Guess I lost track of time. Shrugging, I step away, resisting the urge to wipe my nose.

“Let’s go down,” Masen says, touching my arm.

I pull away, not liking the way it feels when he touches me. I’m attracted to him, and sometimes I think he’s attracted to me, but these men are all the same. They speak only the languages of violence and commodity, leaving little room for things like love and affection.

His beauty is irrelevant. The finest faces can hide the most rotten souls.

I’d say Rise is beautifully written, but you know that already – we’re talking Rochelle Allison here, that’s a given! What I can tell you is that you’ll be holding your breath, wiping a few tears and smiling with joy as Bella reclaims her life and Edward gives her the courage to feel and live again.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8612205/1/Rise

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Embrace

*Made by Cared*

Embrace ~ Edward and Bella are neighbors, but they really can’t stand one another. Snark and hi-jinks. Borderline crack-fic; if you don’t have a (silly) sense of humor, move along. Once a WitFit.

Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Humor – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 14 – Words: 15,347 – Reviews: 2,450 – Favs: 762 – Follows: 865 – Updated: 11-29-12 – Published: 11-17-12 – id: 8710721

If you’re looking for angst, look away now, this is fun – until it isn’t! What starts off as snide notes between neighbours about garbage bins, naked sunbathing and gates being left open, quickly escalates into who has the upper hand or who can pull the best prank. With chapters written in both points of view, He Said; She Said, we really do get a flavour of their stubbornness and determination to ‘win’.

He Said

“I said could you not do that right now! It’s seven a.m.!”

“You’ll have to speak louder!” she yelled.

I made the sign for “time out”, hoping she’d get it.

She did. She leaned down and turned her weedwacker off, then turned her face back to me expectantly. Her cheeks were flushed, probably from exertion.

What a weirdo. Kind of cute, but a weirdo.

“I was asking if you could do this at another time,” I said slowly, enunciating. “It’s way too early and it’s Sunday.”

Bella frowned, shaking her head. “Sorry, Eddie, no can do. I work all day so this is the only time I have to work on the yard.”

Inside, I was seething. Outside, I maintained a calm façade.

“I see.”

She shrugged and turned away, revving the engine.

I ducked back inside and slammed the window shut. First the snippy little notes. Then she wouldn’t share her cookies, and damn they’d smelled good. Now her flagrant disregard for other people’s sleeping patterns.

I was an easy going guy but this was getting ridiculous.

The doorbell rang.

I made my way downstairs, yawning as I opened the door.

Little Ms. Sunshine stood on my porch, hands clasped behind her back.

“I’m done with the weedwacker.”

“Oh, okay.” I nodded, pleasantly surprised. Maybe she wasn’t so heartless after all.

She smiled, and spun around, her cute little ass looking extra cute in those cute little shorts.

I climbed the stairs and got back into bed. Sleep was definitely off the table, but I could catch up on some reading for sure. Peace and quiet had never been so appreciated.

She said

I put the weedwacker in its designated spot and latched the shed.

Then I crossed the yard and went into the garage, where my red and black John Deere riding mower was.

If he thought the weedwacker was loud, wait’ll he got a load of this!

Sucker.

Written with Rochelle’s sweet touch, we are drawn to feel the same emotions as Edward and Bella’s friends: passing from amusement to bewilderment and more than a tad of frustration. I found myself hoping that the feuding neighbours would call a truce and recognise what both of them were denying. Would either admit defeat or would someone get hurt? Ultimately, was it really worth it? Well, the story is so worth it, it’s complete at 14 chapters and moves at a quick pace. It’s a treat that gives some giggles and some “oh, no!” moments, but let’s face it, it’s Edward and Bella, written by Rochelle, what’s not to love?

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8710721/1/Embrace

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http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1723736/Rochelle-Allison

http://roglows-here.livejournal.com/

Rochelle’s stories can also be found at A Different Forest

We want to thank Rochelle for taking the time to share her thoughts with us, and for giving us the opportunity to revisit some wonderful tales.  As Rochelle has written an amazing 24 stories we have only shown you a sample here today; there is plenty more to discover. 

Please tell us what you’ve been reading this week and share your favourite reads from Rochelle.

The FicSix