Sunday, July 31, 2011

TLS Nursery

Welcome to the TLS Nursery. This is where we display the new babies, (stories) born within the last 30 days, that we are extremely excited about.
There is something completely thrilling and satisfying, about finding a story, right from it's beginning, knowing how wonderful it is, and will be, and watching it grow into an adult completed fic. 
By visiting the TLS nursery each month, you too, can watch them grow with us! All of the stories listed below have been read and approved by TLS as great reading material.




Pocket Change by aWhiteBlankPage
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7122044/1/Pocket_Change

I know of three kinds of change: the kind that jangles around in your pocket, the kind that happens slowly, every moment of every day, and the kind that blows you away in an instant.

aWhiteBlankPage is a first time author, with a riveting story of loss, life and love that everyone should be reading.  The first chapter pulls you in and keeps you searching for more.  More answers, more words and more fantastic writing.  Through flashbacks, aWhiteBlankPage gives you bits and pieces of Edwards and Bella's history that has led them to the lives they have now while simultaneously pushing forward and showing how their lives are now changing.  I know, I know that this is a few days outside of the 'last 30 days' rule, but I had to bend that for this story.  Most of us over at TLS are reading this story and you should definitely be too!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

TLS Lyrics & Lemons o/s Contest Winners Announced!

The purpose of this contest was to challenge authors to pick a song, and bring that song to life through a story. I know it's all been done before, I'm sure...... But, it's never been done before like this.... these stories...... these songs......

I am beyond impressed, extremely excited and forever thankful to all of you who wrote for this contest, who busted ass to help with this contest ( I'm looking at you MzB, Crooked Smile and Suebee0961) who judged for this contest,  and the awesome team of validators who kicked ass to validate for this contest.

A special thank you to evilnat for the Award Banners design. Under each Award I have placed a link to the corresponding Author's profile page. This was an anon contest so a lot of the authors do not have their one shots placed on their profiles yet but they will soon. If you do not see the one shot on the profile, you can simply place the author on alert and you will be notified by email, when they upload or you can click here to be directed to the contest profile to read it there.

Thank you all, for making this contest a success.

I give you the winners of the 2011 TLS Lyrics & Lemons o/s Contest:

Best All Around
Is Forever Enough by Welcome2MyWorldxoxo
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2102099/Welcome2MyWorldxoxo


Best Interpretation of Song
Nothing by troublefollows1017
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2118282/troublefollows1017


Best use of Lyrics
Is Forever Enough by Welcome2MyWorldxoxo
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2102099/Welcome2MyWorldxoxo


Best Lemon
Nothing by troublefollows1017


Encore Award - The o/s that left us wanting more
One Night by momof4luvntwisaga
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2114927/momof4luvntwisaga


Judge’s Pick- Jaime Arkin
The Sky Comes Down, Kaleidoscope by YellowGlue
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2041943/YellowGlue


Judge’s Pick - Lamomo
Is Forever Enough by Welcome2MyWorldxoxo
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2102099/Welcome2MyWorldxoxo


Judge’s Pick - PAW’sPeaches
One Night by momof4luvntwisaga
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2114927/momof4luvntwisaga


Judge’s Pick – Malena Mssl Masen
Stalking is as Stalking does by sweetpoeticjustice
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2214765/SweetPoeticJustice


Judge’s Pick – FanboyMike
Our Fairytale by Robicorn
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1907628/Robicorn


People’s Choice 1st Place
Someone Like You by branchirps
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2700649/branchirps


People’s Choice 2nd Place
The Sky Comes Down, Kaleidoscope by YellowGlue
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2041943/YellowGlue


People’s Choice 2nd Place
Hotel California by dancnstacy09
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1911296/dancnstacy09


People’s Choice 3rd Place
Public Enemies by MandyLeigh87


Honorable Mention
Paperweight by Meguhbot
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1939886/meguhbot


Honorable Mention
Lead Me To The Truth by One Brave Lamb
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1823038/One_Brave_Lamb


Honorable Mention
Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not? by ImHereToReview
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2068235/ImHereToReview


There were so many amazing one shots written for this contest that aren't even mentioned here and I would hate for them to be missed. Please be sure to check the Lyrics & Lemons o/s Contest profile on ffn to get a peek at all of the entries.

I had quite a few favorites, which made it extremely hard to choose just one.  This contest pulled me out of my box, surprised me and saw me smiling every day, with every entry that I read.

Before this contest, I stuck with my usual preferred pairings and Carlisle/ Bella was not one of them. I was taken away by the beauty of a one shot "I'll  Stay Instead" by luluvee. This was a C/B pairing (not my usual, again) but I was blown away by the writing style. This story was brilliantly stunning, original and so beautifully expressed. Please don't miss that one, no matter what pairing you prefer, you can't deny the beauty of this story.

Another one shot I enjoyed was "Everywhere" by CaraNo. because it left me with a butterfly-high and an enormous grin on my face. "In Your Room" by jtmd24 was beautifully written and so original while "Wonderful Tonight" by KitsuShel was a supreme reflection of the song by Eric Clapton and such a heart warming, romantic story. I know that I'm missing a few even now and I apologize. Please go and read all of the entries with an open mind and enjoy them, I did.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

TLS Fics of the Week - The Fab Four Reviews, this week



Animate Me by Abstract Way
Professional animator Edward worships cartoon exec Bella from afar by day and draws her in his comic book late at night. When this Daffy Duck-loving geek comes face to face with his dream girl, will his fantasy world come to life? Twilight - Rated: M
Review by: Nitareality


Animate Me is one of my favorite fics going right now. A work in progress, I run for updates and devour them quickly. On it's surface it's a romance with some great humor in it, and populated with unique characters. Look deeper and you'll see how Abstract Way immerses us in animation culture, giving us enough detail to make it authentic, without requiring us to google every five minutes to decipher terminology. Not an easy task.

Meet Edward, animator for a big time cartoon network, and independent comic book artist/author.

“There you go with the breasts too big again.

I rub my eraser over the sketchbook page and brush the crumbs away before reworking my lines over the ghosted image. With each stroke of the pencil my dream girl comes to life, her heart- shaped face graced with huge brown eyes and plump bow lips.

Oh, how I want to kiss those lips.

My pencil trails down to define her shapely thighs leading up to her her tiny waist, just below the finale of her perfect breasts. I erase the lighter rough sketch lines under the final tight pencil. Yes…there, she's just right. I may not know how to talk to girls, but I sure know how to draw them.”


Any guesses who he's inspired by? Come to find out, Bella is the object of his desire. A co-worker in a different department, she has no idea who Edward is until she stops in a shop he's helping out. He helps her figure out which “cord thingy” she might need for her computer, and while she's paying she spies the drawing he was working on. He hides it quickly, but her interest is piqued.

After he tells her that they work together, she seems even more interested in his work.

"Well, show me your work." She reaches for the sketchbook. "Are you good?"

I quickly step back, my sketchbook out of her reach. "I'm really good." I state confidently. After all, it's the one thing I know for sure. I have talent, all my CalArts teachers told me so, and I got a studio job right out of school. "I'd love to show you my work, but these are just scribblings. I want to show you the good stuff."

She puts her hand up. "Okay, when you're ready, I'd be happy to look at your work. You know where to find me."


The story unfolds with lots of flirtation, Bella leading in innuendo and Edward nervously following along. They bond over a coffee ritual, in one of the cutest wooing techniques any Edward has ever used, and Bella's desire to be a romantic tutor for Edward. As they get to know each other, they see how compatible they are, and their friendship develops quickly.

There are a lot of different characters at play, and several obstacles to be overcome. What could look like ridiculous hijinks in the hands of someone less capable, are more realistic, yet still funny, hurdles that everyone is going to need to jump to get to their happy place. Though Abstract Way could always surprise us, this is looking like we'll be seeing canon couples by the end.

The characterizations here really shine for me. Aro, Bella's rumored boyfriend and bigwig at Animation Nation, is weirdly amusing. Rosalie is a tattooed comic store owner who is not only likeable, but a good friend to Edward. Alice hasn't given a single makeover yet, and while she's definitely a girl, she's one of the guys at work.

The best character by far, besides sexyshy Edward, is Carlisle. This Carlisle might be the best one I've read. He steals the chapter he's in with his unique way of looking at the world. When Edward brings Bella to his family home, he starts to panic and entertains the idea of leaving, Carlisle's response is nothing short of classic.

"Don't leave, Edward," my Dad insists, trying to be the voice of reason. "Consider the ramifications, son. Leaving under the effects of provocation is only going to make things worse. How will you explain the deviation to Bella? It defies logic which is intrinsically unsettling."

"Huh?" Asks Rose. I can't blame her. You have to hang with Carlisle awhile to get his particular form of geek speak.

I intentionally didn't reveal a lot of the plot here. Like I said, it's a romance, boy meets girl, etc. It's funny. I really want you to read it and watch the plot unfold naturally, not get an accelerated version here. Animated Way gives us great characters, a rich world to visualize them in, and some great humor to boot.

I also didn't focus on the lemony nature of this story, but let me say that it's a very sexy fic. Bella and Edward have great, really hot, chemistry. I have one other thing to say about that topic: Self Help Masturbation. Loved it.

So go now, read it. I bet you'll be running for updates just like I do.




Cracks In The Pavement by VampiresHaveLaws
Life is never perfect, the cracks always appear. "My Polaroid would show the face of a girl who has forgotten how to truly smile." Even the strongest of dreams can fail to become enough.
Twilight - Rated: M
Review by: Udo Blick / mephis1



I first encountered VampiresHaveLaws when I stumbled across her WIP, Evading Edward. In Evading Edward, an E&B story, Edward and Bella are in High School navigating the tumultuous ups and downs of their mutual attraction while simultaneously dealing with their other entanglements that inevitably arise when you’re teenagers in High School.
In Cracks in the Pavement, we have another E&B story. But this story is very unlike Evading Edward. If you’ve read E&B fanfics where Edward and Bella fall in love in High School, marry and live happily ever after, have you ever wondered about that other ‘what if’? I have. What if Edward and Bella fall in love in High School and marry only to encounter difficulties in their marriage? How would they respond to those hurdles that arise in any marriage? Well, Cracks in the Pavement, VampiresHaveLaws’ latest story, tackles that ‘what if’.
The story starts with Bella at a party, surrounded by people who would be considered her friends and family. Yet, instead of warmth of affection, she feels the cold of the loveless: My Polaroid would show the face of a girl who has forgotten how to truly smile.
Her gaze falls upon the man she loves, the man who, she believes, is no longer in love with her. This is the man she feels she has known her entire life, the man she fell in love with, the man she married at the age of nineteen with her heart full of love, adoration and hope. But here at this party, after six years of marriage, she finds herself wondering what happened to him, to her, to them.

In Cracks in the Pavement, Edward and Bella meet in High School, fall in love and eventually marry without their parents’ knowledge. Now, after six years of marriage, it becomes increasingly clear that they are obviously not happily married. Were they once happy in their marriage? They must have been but what has happened to them in the intervening years that their marriage and love is now in decline? How and why did this distance between them occur, settling into a gulf that appears to grow greater by the day? Cracks in the Pavement explores these questions, amongst others.


Cracks in the Pavement crackles with well-written sentences that convey the multi-textured landscape of a woman’s internal life. It takes the reader through the past and present of a once great love affair, of what was, what is and leaves the reader wondering about the possibilities of what might be.

The emotional tone of VampiresHaveLaws’ writing conveys what it feels like to fall breathlessly in love, to love hard, to marry fast and the heartbreak that slowly emerges when one wakes up to a new reality. In a series of vignettes, we see Bella realising that the adoration and starry-eyed love of their youth has slipped away to settle into an emotionally arid relationship. Instead of providing comfort and affection to each other, they gradually disengage from each other, becoming seemingly indifferent to each other:


He is no longer the boy who tries to make me laugh when he thinks I’m upset or out of sorts. Instead, I’m given long stares or ignored completely. And in return, I don’t take his hand and lead him to our bed to share lips and hands and skin.

Into this emotionally charged set-up, we are introduced to two characters, Jasper and Kate. They are the foils to Edward’s and Bella’s rapidly declining relationship, providing external clues as to how far Edward and Bella have drifted apart. As Bella, already consigned to the sidelines, observes – Kate is the one who makes Edward laughs, she is the woman who seemingly captivates Edward, who makes him smile:


I go to say no, honestly, I’m fine thanks, when Edward smiles widely at the girl opposite him, something I haven’t seen him do in months. The sight is both glorious and agonizing, and I know I can’t stay to watch the fireworks, because despite the thorns, nothing will be as beautiful as that. Everything will pale in comparison.

[...]

And I hate her, and want to thank her for making the most important person in my world smile when I can’t. Which only makes me think I hate her more.


Observing this happy, smiling, relaxed Edward, Bella is painfully awakened to the fact that she is more familiar with the other Edward. This smiling Edward is in stark contrast to the emotionally distant Edward she has come to come to know. The Edward she knows now is no longer the Edward she loved and married:


Edward takes the bag of gifts from my hand as we reach the porch, his fingers careful not to touch mine. He doesn't look at me, and without a word, he follows his mother inside, leaving me to follow after him.

There was a time that he'd let me go first... but not anymore. It's almost as if he's trying to run... block me out. […] But, of course, Edward had already promised his parents... without asking me first. We are no longer a couple, making decisions together—we're separate people living under the same roof—a pairing that used to be so much more.


Cracks in the Pavement is a story about a marriage in crisis – a portrait of a once beautiful love that held such wonderful promise but is now rapidly heading towards the rocks.
VampiresHaveLaws’ handling of the emotional tone in this story is exemplary. In several pivotal scenes, she shows how an emotional distance has seeped into Edward’s and Bella’s marriage. For example, she details the slow death of their love in sentences which, on the surface read innocuously enough but on closer inspection intimate deeper wounds. For instance, at the Christmas party held at the Cullens’ house, Bella cuts her finger on a piece of paper. Bella refuses Edward’s help which he subsequently ignores as it is obvious that he would prefer to dress her wound rather than afford Jasper that chance. In tending to her finger, this brief but illuminating conversation emerges:


"Does it hurt?" he asks.

I suck in my cheeks, gazing up at him. "It's tiny. It's nothing."

He concentrates on peeling the wrapping from the Band-Aid. "The smallest cuts can sometimes be the most painful."

He says it quietly, almost as if I'm not meant to actually hear the words.
Is Cracks in the Pavement heart-wrenching? Why yes, it is indeed. The woman knows how to write emotionally intense scenes which are by turns moving, heartbreaking and tender. In a series of revealing scenes, we see how these two characters grapple with a marriage that is disintegrating before their very eyes. Somehow, somewhere, their love and adoration for each other lost its way in the stresses and strains of everyday life. Somehow, somewhere in their marriage, they meandered into a place where they go through the motions of their marriage on autopilot. Apparently, they no longer love each other. But is this truly the case? Can they find their way back to each other?


Cracks in the Pavement, at the moment of reading and writing this review, is narrated through BPOV. We see the entire relationship – their youthful love and subsequent marriage and its decline – through Bella’s eyes.

However, in Chapter 5, in a painful conversation between Edward and Bella, we begin to question if the failure of their marriage is entirely Edward’s fault. Or is this Edward’s response an attempt at rationalising the death of their love?


"I don't know you," I say, looking up into unyielding green. It's honest, and real, and I can't stop the words from escaping my trembling lips.

The smallest flicker of lashes, long and dark. Shock. "You choose not to. You gave up trying to a long time ago." And I guess he's being just as honest now too, voicing what he feels is sincere, only without the quivering mouth.


Should the blame be placed entirely on Edward’s shoulders? Or have they both contributed to
the demise of their once wonderful love? Will their relationship survive? Are they willing and strong enough to fight for its survival? These are the questions that I, as a reader, am left with after reading Chapter 5. This is the kind of story-telling that intrigues me, leaves me wanting to know more about the characters. This is the kind of story that prompts me to read on. If you’re looking for a story which contains an emotional resonance that reverberates long after you stop reading, if you’re looking for a story with a narrative arc which shows the evolution of romance through love, marriage and the subsequent struggles of a couple who are anguished with what they have become, then I urge you to read Cracks in the Pavement.
 
Meanwhile, I leave you with these lines which Chapter 5 ended on:


This isn't Edward... my Edward. Or maybe it is. Maybe this is all he now has left to give, which makes my chest constrict in the worst of ways. I thought I'd be relieved at the smallest bit of contact, but not this... not this. He's doing this because he thinks it's what I want; he's trying to prove something to me, but that's not what any of this is about.

I want him to kiss me because he truly wants to, because he needs to, because he loves me... loves us, and feels that draw that made us the happiest of couples—that made us the best versions of ourselves.

My hands are shaking as I bring them up to cover his. "Not like this. It's cruel. You're being
cruel."

His expression shifts again, his look shattering. The slightest of pressure against my mouth, and then: "I don't know you anymore either."

He walks away, and this time I know I've lost him. I just don't know for how long. Forever is unthinkable.

We used to smile more. We used to laugh. We used to be one.

Now... now we're struggling to find our way, lost in overcrowded forests, no visible gaps between the trees.

We've become trapped in our very own forgotten garden.



Trash & Darlin's by CaraNo
Bella is new in Texas but her welcoming is warm to say the least. One hot night leads to so much more. More than they bargained for, but… well, it's all in the name of love. Hot trailer lovin' in EPOV and BPOV. And bring on the little runts! No angst. Twilight - Rated: M
Review by: One Brave Lamb Fanfic

You know how when you start a story and Bella first sees Edward, there’s usually a lot of blushing, stumbling over words and general embarrassment?

Yeah, that’s not this story. We first hear of Edward from Bella, who’s just a little bit frustrated. Sexually frustrated, that is. But I have to give our girl some credit – I’m pretty sure I’d be a tad hot and bothered by a shirtless, sweaty and tatted up Edward, too. Anyway, Bella’s been practicing some self-love with her trusty rabbit when the batteries just…die.

I feel for the girl. Truly, I do.

But this is where you’d expect the bumbling, sexually frustrated Bella to come into play and would settle in for several chapters of painful UST.

God bless her heart, Cara No doesn’t do that to us. Oh, no. She gives us Trashward and Tiny, the King and Queen of the trailer park, ya’ll.

"I pounded on his door again.

"Fuckin' hell, it's 5 in mornin'!" I heard him shout from inside.
His voice was muffled and gruff.

Again, I pounded on the door. I wasn't giving up. No way.

"There better be a goddamn fire, I swear!"

Oh, yes, there's fire, alright.

The door flew open then, and… God, there he is.

His batshit crazy hair. His body-, oh lord, he's not wearing anything but boxers. Black ones. Tight.

Shit!

My eyes widened, and I'm pretty sure I salivated.

"S'called mornin' wood, darlin'. And you better be closin' that trap of yours unless it's an invitation," he drawled, rubbing his chest lazily. "Now, are ya gonna tell my why the fuck you're knockin' on my door at this ungodly hour, Tiny?"

Fuck, he's big. Huge. And so hard.

My pussy wept.

All these weeks of settling in.

I need that release. Badly. And why use a rabbit when you have the source of your out-of-this-world fantasy standing right in front of you?

"Need some help with that?" I asked, finally meeting his eyes as I pointed at his huge cock."

Oh yes, m’dears. They. Get. It. On. And Trashward? Well, he does Tiny real good and proper. Hold on to your Stetson and Cowgirl Up. It’s gonna be a wild, wild ride filled with boot knockin’, trailer park brawls and maybe a young’un or two or five.

And of course, if the trailer’s a-rockin’, don’t come a-knockin’.



With the Lights Out by Cherry.blossomz

What if the choice you made is wrong? Isabella falls into a charmed life as the new bride of Carlisle Cullen. When she meets his unpredictable heir and nephew, Edward, she is forced to question who she is, what she wants, and the life she has chosen. AHAU Twilight - Rated: M
Review by ellegreene10


First off, I have to reiterate that this story starts out as a Bella/Carlisle story but I implore you: Please, do not be put off by this! You need only read as far as the prologue to know that Bella will end up in love with Edward, having sex with him on her husband’s office desk... If that doesn’t grab your attention, I doubt anything will.

What really stuck with me, more than the sex (which since it’s written by cherry.blossomz, you know is going to be HOT) in the prologue, was Isabella’s closing thoughts:

There is no choice but to face him. A man that I both love and fear.
My husband.
Carlisle.

The story, told completely from Isabella’s POV, is that of a young girl on the adventure of a lifetime in Italy who falls in love and marries an older man, Carlisle.

He is...hot. So hot that I feel shocked by it. Like it should be illegal. This is not a frat boy. This is not a pervy old professor. This is a man. A gorgeous man. He is easily twice my age, but elegantly rugged, brutally beautiful.

Bella is very naive, and has experienced very little of the world outside of the safety bubble of her parent’s home. We experience a myriad of emotions with Bella, from her guilt about leaving her mother in poor health, to her intense attraction for Carlisle and her confusion and uncertainty about her new surroundings, and new acquaintances.

The beginning of the story sets up Bella and Carlisle’s relationship, she adores him, and he in turn treats her with nothing but absolute kindness. As the initial chapters progress, we, through Bella’s eyes, are learning more and more about Carlisle, whilst feeling we actually know less and less about who he actually is. In short, Carlisle is a very complex, and I feel, dangerous man. Bella, who is perhaps initially blinded by love and innocence starts to see glimpses of what Carlisle is capable of.

Only years later will I realize how thick and overgrown my denial is at this moment.

Their relationship is, on the surface fairly strong, despite the fact that Bella really knows very little about the man she is married to, but if you read closely you’ll start to get the picture that things are not a rosy as they ought to be:

I want to talk to Carlisle about it, but heis in his father's office. His short break from working non-stop is obviously over.

And, of course, the true nature of Carlisle’s work is still a mystery.

It is a family emergency of Carlisle’s which results in the married couple returning to the US. This brings Bella, and indeed the readers to Edward. Edward is Carlisle’s nephew who lives in the US, on Ravine Creek with his cousin Alicia and her husband Jasper, niece Eliza, aunt Esme and helps look after Carlisle’s frail mother, Estelle.

Bella’s first real thoughts about Edward compare him to her husband:

Edward smiles at me and shakes my hand. He looks familiar to me, and then I realize it is because he has shadows of sameness to my husband. They could almost be brothers. Eddie is a bit taller and is much younger. He looks to be about my age.

But there is something about his eyes, something inside them that reminds me of Carlisle. Some kind of kindness layered with secrecy. I could never put my finger on a way to describe it. Until now.


So far, we know very little of Edward but this much I know - I’m already really liking him. He is kind, generous and loves his family. He forms an instant connection with our Isabella, sharing some deep, heart breaking family secrets with her, only days after meeting. Secrets which Carlisle hasn’t been able to tell her after more than a year of marriage. At this moment, Edward is still as much of a mystery as Carlisle, but I wait with bated breath to see how the dynamic between them shifts and their relationship grows. One thing is for certain, this Bella would not take cheating on her husband lightly at all, yet another intriguing piece of this ever expanding puzzle.

The main plot point of the story is strong enough to carry it effortlessly, but with cherry.blossomz you get so much more. The secondary characters have their own secrets and lives. In Italy, Rosalina, Felix and Emmetto have their own subplots, their own very real issues. In the US we have barely scratched the surface with Carlisle’s family.

The subplots add an extra dimension to the story and, for me, enhance the reading experience. You’ll grow to sympathise with Rosalina, laugh with Emmetto and want to string Felix up by the balls. In Rosalina, Bella finds a woman, who is on the surface very loyal to Carlisle, but we will later find out she knows far more of Carlisle than she is letting on.

Each time I look at my husband, I have to think about what Rosalina said.

 As Bella discovers more about Carlisle’s family, we will too.

With the Lights Out is one of those amazing stories that leave you with more questions than answers after every chapter. It’s very well written and paced, often providing you with just enough information to keep you wanting more.

I can say, with complete honesty, that I am just as interested in unravelling the complexities of Carlisle Cullen as I am in observing how the relationship between Edward and Bella comes to fruition, and I can pay no greater compliment than that.

WTLO will leave you looking for little clues which might shed some light on the mysteries and puzzles cherry.blossomz has expertly crafted.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

TLS Fics of the Week July 19 -25: The Fab Five Reviews



A Rough Start by ItzMegan73
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5319052/1/A_Rough_Start
Overnight irresponsible Edward goes from bachelor to father of a 5 yr old. Meanwhile responsible, prepared Bella begins her first job as Kindergarten teacher at Forks Elementary. When irresponsible meets the epitome of responsible, sparks will fly! Twilight - Rated: M
Review By: LaMomo

Am I allowed, once again, to fangirl shamelessly? Because I will.

ItzMegan has given us the remarkable gem that is A Cannabean Bethrotal in the past and this other tale doesn't fall quite far from that mark.

The usual suspects all live in Forks, but this isn't the glamorous version of Forks where the Cullens dwell a multi-million dollar home with neverending glass panes or wear only designer clothes.
Edward, Emmett and Jasper work at the local wood mill. They scrimp and save. They work overtime. They live under the threat of job and hours cuts.
Edward lives in a down-trodden apartment. He is a reckless, self-absorbed, irresponsible bachelor.
Until.....a small, shy, traumatised and adorable five-year-old bundle named Anthony is dumped on his doorstep. Anthony is Edward's son. His mother Jessica died in a car crash. Edward never knew, till that day, that he'd fathered a child.
He tries - fighting ill-buried demons from his own troubled childhood - to incorporate Anthony into his life, but he is wholly unprepared for this.
He can't think for two people. He can't cook for two people. He can't even sleep one more person in his home.
Enter on Miss Isabella Swan, who moves to Forks on her appointment as kindergarten teacher.
Anthony's kindergarten teacher. She takes an immediate liking to the lonely, sad boy. The feeling is mutual. She senses that his family life is not perfect. She knows he is in mourning and extends an helping hand to his father. To no avail, because Edward, unknowingly, keeps up a confrontational, opinionated and prejudiced front against her.

Until...until he finally meets her. Until he understands she genuinely cares for Anthony and she isn't out for Edward's blood (figuratively speaking).
They begin spending time together. Anthony begins looking up to Bella as more than a teacher. Edward begins yearning for more.

There is definitely more to come, in all respects. This beautifully told tale depicts the intertwining lives of our well-known bunch of misfits, each with his/her own failings and virtues, each of them nursing his/her demons. They are all off to a rough start, sure, but they can walk down their chosen path together, slowly grappling with the awareness that their destinies are neither cast in stone nor determined by their pasts.

One key, tantalising word from Edward: "When."
Read.....and you'll understand...



Forget Me Not by SydneyAlice
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7139708/1/Forget_Me_Not
With the help of his nurse, a man tries to put the pieces of his life back together. Will he be happy once the puzzle pieces fit, or will he wish his memories had remained a mystery? Updates daily! Twilight - Rated: M
Review By: Udo Blick / mephis1
A man wakes up disoriented and in pain. He finds himself in a hospital room with an assortment of injuries. He learns that he has been unconscious for three days and has been receiving treatment for his injuries, which fortunately turn out to be relatively minor. Unfortunately, he is unable to explain the how’s and why’s of his injuries or how he ended up unconscious, left for dead at Sol Duc Falls. Worse, when asked by Doctor Cheney, he discovers that he is suffering from some form of memory loss and other than instinctively knowing that his first name is Edward, he is unable to recall either his last name or where he is from.

The first chapter sets up the central questions of Forget Me Not: Who is this man? Where is he from? Why was he beaten up and left for dead in the woods? Does he have enemies? Is Edward a good man? Does he have a family, a wife or loved ones? Is anyone searching for him? Using memory loss as the fulcrum to build a highly readable story, Forget Me Not raises these questions about Edwards’s identity and the nature of his past. Yet, as story progressively builds, we find that as one question is answered, another one is inevitably raised.

In short, Edward’s identity, plus the nature of his life prior to appearing in Forks is shrouded in mystery, wrapped in an enigma. This is where SydneyAlice shines as a writer. With an assured touch, she uses the plot device of Edward’s amnesia to build a multi-layered, well-structured story about love, identity, the meaning of belonging and of family. Moreover, Forget Me Not asks these questions: do the mistakes in one’s past determine one’s present? Is identity fixed?  Is who one was in the past determine the person in the present?

Thankfully, in attempting to solve the riddles of his identity, the nature of his past and the mystery of how he ended up in Forks, Edward also learns that he is not alone in his search. With the help of generous, good-hearted people such as Charlie and Bella, he begins to piece together these answers.

At the point of reading and reviewing this story (chapter 16), the other main protagonists of this story are Charlie (the sheriff of Forks), Bella and Lily (his daughter and grand-daughter, respectively). With their help, Edward slowly but surely heals from his external injuries. He also gets hints about what he was like prior to his memory loss. For example, he discovers that he knows how to play the piano and that his last name may or may not be Mason or Masen. But most importantly, he finds himself falling in love with Bella as he gradually builds a life in Forks. In doing so, Edward is faced with a dilemma: does he want to know the man he was before his memory loss? Is the man he was before worthy of Bella’s love?

And no doubt, as the story builds and these initial questions are answered, other characters and questions will be introduced to propel the story forward. I also have no doubt that each chapter will add up to a well-written, multi-textured story about love, memory and identity.

Yet again, in doing so, SydneyAlice reveals herself as a confident writer.

The steady pace of the narrative combined with well-written dialogue pulls the reader into a highly compelling story. The characters are sympathetically drawn with back-stories that are slowly revealed through a series of chapters. One of the hallmarks of a good writer is that we find ourselves rooting for the characters, and identifying with their daily ups and downs. For example, when SydneyAlice discloses Bella’s story, she does this without resorting to extraneous detail. In broad brushstrokes yet without losing any emotional resonance, the writer portrays a female character who isn’t perfect; she made mistakes in her youth yet she is not her mistakes.  Who she was in that past doesn’t determine who she is the present. The Bella in the present is a loving mother; she is a generous, sweet-natured, big-hearted and emotionally mature woman. I suspect this other theme of Forget Me Not (i.e. does our past determine who and what we are in the present?) is an important one in Forget Me Not but then, I may be woefully mistaken. But I’m really hoping I’m not far off the mark...

Will Edward get the answers to his questions? Will those answers open a Pandora’s box to reveal the true nature of Edward? Will these answers lead to him wishing that his true identity remained a mystery instead? Will Edward and Bella be able to continue to love each other and receive their HEA? Or will the fallout from Edward’s past tear them apart and prevent them from having a future? Updated daily, Forget Me Not is indeed a compelling must read.



Secrets and Lies by BellaScotia
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6331684/1/Secrets_and_Lies
Bella once told a lie. A lie that cost her everything she ever wanted. 10yrs later, she returns to her hometown to an ailing father, an angry ex-best friend, and the man from whom she has kept a secret that threatens to unravel her existence. AH OOC M

review by: ChocolateLover82

I can’t remember the way I got to this story in the first place, but I’m really glad I did.


In early chapters, each of them left me wanting for more to try figuring out just how Bella and Edward got to that place, and lately (now that story is coming to an end) wanting to read more of their time together.


Bella fell in love and started a relationship with Edward when she was in high school and he was a much older married doctor, trapped in a loveless marriage. The connection they shared was both powerful and beautiful and absolutely impossible to resist. They had to keep everything in hiding, and that took a toll on both of them.


When their relationship is discovered, Bella is left alone out there for everyone to judge and point. In her mind, Edward left her to be with his wife again and everything they shared was a lie. It was such a pain to realize that he never loved her, that the only thing that made sense at the time was leaving town ... just not quite alone.


Ten years later, she returns to Forks to take care of her dying father and she not only has to face the people she left behind, but also the consequences of her decisions, good and bad.


BellaScotia develops a well written story with the perfect amount of heartbreak and suspense. I love her BPOV and how believable it is the way Bella deals with everything. She gets mad, she cries, she’s helpless ... everything in a situation that’s out of her control now.


Bella’s scared about what will happen once her secret is out, because it will, but she knows that needs to happen, and that fear grows exponentially when Edward returns to her life once again. It doesn’t help that he’s also a changed man, so different from the one she met ten years go.


The nightmares I've had this week are nothing compared to this. I feel like I've been pulled into some kind of alternate reality. Though I never expected him to be the same, I didn't expect him to be this changed. There is no kindness in his eyes, nothing of the caring, compassionate man I found it so easy to pour my heart out to.


BellaScotia also shows us Bella’s beautiful relationship with her son Jacob, their love for one another is palpable and we feel protective of them, not wanting anyone to mess with that.


Jacob is clamped to my side and squeezing my hand as tightly as he can. Over the past few days there has been a change in him. He has taken over the role of protector – never leaving my side, and always asking me how I'm doing. My love for him has been the sole thing that has motivated me to even try to function properly.


We also see that even though she did a fantastic job in raising him, turning him into one of the most adorable, caring and witty little Jacobs out there, Bella has not really been living at all, just mostly surviving for the sake of her son and hiding from everything that hurt her.


This story deals with real problems and real situations. How secrets and its consequences not only changed the lives of Bella and Edward, but also of everyone around them. When Bella left, she was protecting herself, but there was a lot she didn’t know at the time and finding out these things ten years later brings great amounts doubt and guilt.


BellaScotia also wrote a few EPOV in her story ‘Edward’s Secrets and Lies’ for this story that are simply a must. We see that his actions in this story come from hurt most of all, hurt from the woman that he’s tried to forget for ten years and at the same time, scared to do so.


I truly recommend you to give this story a try. I hope I’m not giving away too much, but this story is more about the journey they take trying to come to grips with everything that happened back then and try to form a new future, if there is a chance at that. The seriousness of the situation is well developed by the author, nothing is rushed and the way the characters react is believable, even if at times we want to shake them.


Not everything is serious of course, and lately I find myself grinning like an idiot at their actions, especially Jacob’s. These last chapters are simply a joy to read. I love reading the evolution in them and how they are getting used to this new life and finding their way back.


I’m sad that the story is coming to an end soon and more so that it’s BellaScotia’s last fic. But at least we’ll always have her stories to read in the future.


Go read, you won’t regret the journey.



The Education of Professor Cullen by Sheviking
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5910879/1/The_Education_of_Professor_Cullen
College professor Edward Cullen is thoroughly annoyed by his student Ms. Swan. Everything about her bothers him, and he longs for the semester to be over. But what happens when he meets her one night when they aren't in school? Lemons and naughty language Twilight  Rated: M

Review By: BellaFlan
When I started reading The Education of Professor Cullen, I was expecting a little PWP... and I was okay with that! Sheviking surprised me by creating rich characters that I immediately wanted to fuck and cuddle. Professorward is a dichotomy of innocence and experience - he’s Bella’s prof, but is utterly clueless when it comes to women. Bella takes it upon herself to teach him the wonders of the pussy.

In a clever nod to the inappropriate kink dynamic of a student/teacher liaison, the story opens with Edward's class discussing the iconic and controversial novel, Lolita.

A guy in the back suggested that the main character Humbert was a degenerate and was not in control of his own actions and therefore he should be allowed a little clemency.
"But you can't actually defend his actions," a red-haired girl whose name I had forgotten argued. "He's a complete pervert and he corrupts the girl!"
"Actually, I think it's the other way around," Ms. Swan said without looking up from her notes.
"What?" the other girl said. "Are you serious?"
"As a heart attack," Ms. Swan said. "I'm fairly certain that Lolita is the one who corrupts Humbert. She seduces him and he loves it. What guy wouldn't?"
"But she's just a kid!" the redhead insisted.
"That she is, but she's well aware of what she's doing when she seduces him. She has had sex before him and afterwards he is basically eating out of the palm of her hand. I am not saying that what he did wasn't wrong, but you have to remember that he sees her as a young woman and he himself only possesses the emotional maturity of a twelve year old."

This foreshadows the impending relationship between Bella and her teacher, she, the Lolita to Edward's Humbert.

Where Edward lacks in sexual experience, Bella excels, but at times, I wonder if her sexual prowess is a reaction to the emotional abuse she endured from her ex boyfriend, James. This Bella is indeed broken, but not in the typical canon fashion. In a subversive reference to New Moon, Bella has abandonment issues, only it's she who does the leaving.

Whatever, right? We all have our flaws. But you know what makes her awesome? This:

"Wait, what are you doing?" I asked nervously.
She looked up at me with curiosity in her eyes.
"Well, I'm taking off your pants, Edward. Or would you prefer to do this on the bed?"
Do what? What are we doing? What am I doing? Why am I not leaving?
"D-do what?" I stammered.
She stood up and kissed my lips lightly.
"Have sex," she said slowly, as if I was retarded in some way, which frankly wasn't that far off at this moment. "I would love to have sex with you, Edward."

Yep, she's my kind of Bella. The angst level in this story is relatively low, the smut level is high and silly at times. This excerpt alone should make you want to read:

I let out a chuckle which soon turned into a laugh.
"What?" Isabella asked, lifted her head and gave me an amused look.
"I was just imagining discussing our future while you still have that thing in you," I explained and stroked her backside gently.
"Oh," she grinned. "Probably better to save that for another time."

I love a beautiful, romantic moment involving an buttplug. Win!

This story is one you can laugh, cry, and Jack kerouwhak-off to. I'm gagging for the last two chapters



We Come to Life Beneath the Stars by Lillybellis-
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6058476/1/We_Come_to_Life_Beneath_the_Stars
As Bella Swan starts over with hopes of finding her future, Edward Cullen is hanging on desperately to his past. She's treading water, and he's a corporate golden boy. They share an office, but few words...until one night changes everything. Twilight - Rated: M
Review By: edmazing

Phoenix stories are my own personal brand of heroin. As much as I love the whirlwind that is romance and fluff, nothing keeps me up and clicking “Next” like a story of two people becoming more than they were, independently and jointly. These stories nurture my heart and feed my soul. We Come to Life Beneath the Stars by Lilybellis does this in such a subtle, but gripping way.

Bella Swan had been going through the motions. She has put together a good life for herself. Well, that’s not entirely accurate. She has allowed her underachieving and overbearing mother to design her life. From the outside looking in it’s a great view; academic accolades, a career with endless possibilities for growth, and an acceptable man on her arm. At one time this might have been enough for Bella, but that feeling is slipping away.

“My head involuntarily falls to the side when he kisses my neck, and I put my hands over his as he touches me, because I want this. I want him to touch me the way that he used to; not just with his hands that have always made me feel so good, but with that wonderful, intangible thing that made our hearts fly, and our skin tremble, and bound us together more tightly than our arms and legs and lips ever could. It's missing, along with everything else that used to make us who we were, and I know that this is our last chance to find it.”

One of the things I love most about this story is the realities it contains. As Bella begins to rewrite her life and take ownership of it she is forced to examine who she is, embrace the things she likes about herself and amend those that have been holding her back. She is taking back the reigns.

By contrast, Edward is and has almost always been in charge. Circumstance beyond his control brought an abrupt end to his adolescence and forced him into the role of head of the household. He has learned to shoulder the burden and hide the toll it takes on him.

This story is filled with universal truths, one of which is that opposites attract and impact each other. The growth in We Come to Life Beneath the Stars is gradual, believable, and something you can take away with you and fully appreciate because of the honesty of its example.

"Life would be so much less confusing if everything worked out like it does in the movies."
He laughs over the creaky chains as we swing and sway. "How so?"

"You know, two people are separated for years over some misunderstanding, and then there's a grand gesture, and the world is right again. They have a good cry, then walk off into the sunset or whatever. It'd be nice if that worked in real life. If one big effort was enough to heal everything."

"That would just be a Band-Aid, Bella. Not real."


Oh, and “not real” is far from what this story is filled with. We have individuals that help and support each other instead of launching into a codependent love that is supposed to heal all wounds. A foundation is laid, trust is slowly established, and when the time is right, love blooms.

He puts his hand on the side of my face when I turn to him, and I lean into his touch. His thumb skims across my cheek, and his eyes are so beautiful and content.
"No one knows me like you do," he whispers.


I push up on the tips of my toes and kiss him, to seal those words on his lips with mine, to make them part of the two of us, because I don't want a single person on this earth to know his mind, his heart, or his body as well as I do. He's my favorite book; I'll read him forever and still not know enough, and when I reach the end I'll keep looking for more pages to turn.
And with my lips close to his so he can feel what I say, I tell him, "No one loves me like you do."

I'm not just talking about the way he always makes my stomach flip, or my knees feel like jelly. I know how special it is to find someone who grounds you and makes you fly, someone who pushes you and catches you, someone who calms your heart and unravels your body.
He is that someone for me.


I strive to find those perfect love stories. The ones that remind you of what true love is. The stories that refill your soul. That reignite that passion to reach for happiness. I am happy to say that this and so much more is true for We Come to Life Beneath the Stars and I’m so excited to share it with you. I loved reading it the first time and I know this one of the stories that I will reread and gain more from each time.

Meet the Poll: what we're reading in TLS this week

All Falls Down by Prettywildthings
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6843502/1/All_Falls_Down
What would you do if the love of your life was already married? Would you do the noble thing and walk away? Or would you take the pieces he had available? Twilight - Rated: M

Animate Me by Abstract Way
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6989390/1/Animate_Me
Professional animator Edward worships cartoon exec Bella from afar by day and draws her in his comic book late at night. When this Daffy Duck-loving geek comes face to face with his dream girl, will his fantasy world come to life? Twilight - Rated: M

Color of Loneliness by EquisiteEdward
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6633773/1/Color_of_Loneliness
Bella loses her last living relative and falls into a deep depression. She also has an ex-boyfriend whom she can't get away from. Can a gruff contractor named Edward bring her out of the darkness? Rated M for lemons and language. OC. Twilight - Rated: M

Cracks In The Pavement by VampiresHaveLaws
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6765479/1/Cracks_in_the_Pavement
Life is never perfect, the cracks always appear. "My Polaroid would show the face of a girl who has forgotten how to truly smile." Even the strongest of dreams can fail to become enough.
Twilight - Rated: M


Don't Judge a Bella By Her Cover by jtmd24
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6750605/1/Dont_Judge_a_Bella_by_Her_Cover
Edward meets sweet, innocent Bella at a strip club one night. Or so he thinks. He may have just met his match. Rated M for language & lemons. All human. Twilight - Rated: M

Reel Life by Sandyk199
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5078789/1/Reel_Life
Used to feeling lonely in a crowded room, Edward Cullen is on another press junket for his latest film when a certain journalist breaks through the tedium. Half an hour later, she's gone - or so he thinks. Rated M for later chapters of the citrus variey Twilight - Rated: M

Sin and Incivility by Pastiche Pen
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4740218/1/Sin_and_Incivility
Bella Swan deals with heartache in her own uncivilized way. Lemons galore - and the writing style intentionally switches between gritty pulp and fairytale pretty. Just don't say I didn't warn ya. All-human. Twilight - Rated: M

Sleep Talk by newlovenewhate
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6571467/1/Sleep_Talk
Bella and Edward, a friendly conumdrum... Two weeks to figure it out. Two weeks to talk and kiss and touch. Two weeks to fall in love. Twilight - Rated: M

The C Word by happymama
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5903178/1/
Settled into a life of perfection with the man of her dreams and a brand new baby, Bella is diagnosed with cancer. Rated M for swearing and potential moments of intimacy. Very short story. Twilight - Rated: M


The Red Eye by badjujube
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6496106/1/The_Red_Eye
It's important for any private investigator to maintain a good relationship with local law enforcement and it's representatives. Therefore, I am always cooperative and polite with Chief Swan. Also, I try not to drink his daughter Bella's blood. Twilight - Rated: M

The Secret of My Success by Up2Late
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6994878/1/The_Secret_of_My_Success
Bella is a successful romance novelist with unique research methods for her steamy sex scenes. While her leading ladies find true love, will she ever be so lucky? Rated M for FANTASY LEMONS, 1 or more LEMONS/chapter, E/B but non-canon pairings first Twilight - Rated: M

The Senator's Son by amoredjenaue
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6137805/1/The_Senators_Son
"I turned around slowly, my body already alight with fire. Standing there was a bronze-haired, green-eyed God. My Adonis. The star of my dreams for the last two months. Edward. Edward Cullen." A Senator's Son. A perfect match. But not for everyone. Twilight - Rated: M

Trash & Darlin's by CaraNo
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7146323/1/Trash_Darlins
Bella is new in Texas but her welcoming is warm to say the least. One hot night leads to so much more. More than they bargained for, but… well, it's all in the name of love. Hot trailer lovin' in EPOV and BPOV. And bring on the little runts! No angst. Twilight - Rated: M

Uptown Reality by lt90
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6916360/1/
When Bella and Rose move into an apartment that is a work in progress, Bella falls for her gorgeous landlord. Is he handy with more than just a hammer, or will his past hold him back from fixing himself and the apartment? AH cannon pairings. Twilight - Rated: M

Whatever Works by Soft Ragoo
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6744234/1/Whatever_Works
When Bella accepts a home-care provider position, she has no idea that the impossible son, Edward, will have such an impact on her. Will she find herself completely wrapped up in his complicated world, or will she learn to hate him? AH Twilight - Rated: M

With the Lights Out by Cherry.blossomz
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6865875/1/With_The_Lights_Out
What if the choice you made is wrong? Isabella falls into a charmed life as the new bride of Carlisle Cullen. When she meets his unpredictable heir and nephew, Edward, she is forced to question who she is, what she wants, and the life she has chosen. AHAU Twilight - Rated: M 

Monday, July 18, 2011



Welcome to the TLS Nursery. This is where we display the new babies, (stories) posted within the last 30 days, that we are extremely excited about.

There is something completely thrilling and satisfying, about finding a story, right from it's beginning, knowing how wonderful it is, and will be, and watching it grow into an adult completed fic.

By visiting the TLS nursery each month, you too, can watch them grow with us! All of the stories listed below have been read and approved by TLS as great reading material.



Her Secrets by samrosey
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7108369/1/
Dancing in light, she holds keys to pretty boxes of secrets she'llnever tell. A sequences of drabbles from him and her.     AH. Edward/Bella. Rated: M

You know what I love? When an author trusts the readers enough to provide them with just enough information...just enough of the story to be drawn in then lets their imaginations do some of the work.  samrosey does that with each and every story she writes and Her Secrets is no exception.  Her writing is poetic, lyricial and beautiful so go check it out!



A Matter of Life & Death by WhatsMyNomDePlume & Derdriu oFaolain
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7084805/1/
Forget being scared to death, Bella Swan isn't even scared of death, something that both greatly annoys and-even if he won't admit it-entices Edward Cullen. If only she weren't trying to destroy him. Collab rated M

This story a collaboration between two incredibly talented authors was written for the FGB auction and is based on a prompt that Edward is supernatural.  See where they take him in this story - it's only going to be 8 chapters and they've posted the first 6 so far.  Definitely a 'must read'!


The Breakers by les16
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7096926/1/The_Breakers
After spending 7 years in prison, Edward gets a new start in the fishing village of Corea, Maine. Can a little girl and her mom, Bella, see beyond his past and can they all find love again...or will the ocean swallow them whole? rated M

The Breakers is the newest story from the talented les16 - she brought us The Greatest Gift and this story promises to be just as incredible.  With teasers posting throughout the week and new chapters posting on Sundays, dive in now to catch up - at five chapters in you don't want to miss out!


Here are a few other new stories that come highly recommended - all have the TLS Seal of Approval!  Go give them a read and let them know we sent you!


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

The Vagina Monologues by jtmd24
What happens when 2 strangers have a 1-night-stand in college? Life. But not the way you planned. It's raising a foul-mouthed toddler, selling sex toys & trying to make your dreams come true. Oh, and running into your drunken hook-up 5yrs later.

Behind Closed Doors by lemonmartinis
 "I'm not sure what I am doing here or how to do this." Two people discover each other and themselves behind closed doors.  Rated M

Guarding Isabella by lindsay520
Edward and Jacob are hired as professional bodyguards for the "2011 Isabella US Tour." What will happen when 'professional' suddenly turns 'personal' and feelings start to develop between the soft-spoken superstar and her new bodyguards? Rated: M


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

TLS Fics of the Week July 12 - 18: The Fab Four Reviews



Conversations Over Coffee by cosmogirl7481
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6743346/1/
Conversations over coffee. Sometimes when you meet "the one," falling is easy – as simple as talking. Effortless. You just have to find the words. AH Twilight - Rated: M
Review by: Jaime Arkin

I seriously fell in love with cosmogirl7481 in a coffee shop.  When I finally found this story, no lie, my reviews I left her were a mess of incoherent, rambling thoughts about how much I wanted to find her and hug her for writing this story.  I may have even asked sweetly if we could be friends…let’s just say I’m surprised she hasn’t blocked me yet!

Conversations Over Coffee is one of the sweetest love stories I’ve ever read.  Period.

It’s amazing what someone can learn about another over a simple cup of coffee, but cosmogirl7481 shows us just that.  Bella is a waitress in a diner where Edward visits… frequently.  The first time they officially meet is where this story starts and I was immediately hooked.

"What's your name?"

She asks me this as if she's entitled to know. And maybe she is.

Definitely.

She definitely is.

"Why do you want to know?"

I challenge her, because I really want to know the answer to the question. I really do want to know why she would be interested in knowing anything about me.

"Well, first of all, you know my name."

"Yeah…and?" I say, playing with the little silver flippy thing on the sugar container. I briefly wonder what it's called. "Your name is on your badge, Bella."

My heart stutters a bit as I say it.

Her name.

You know…out loud and all that.

I try to ignore it.

"That's true," she says. "But secondly," her voice lowers and I find that I'm sitting up straighter, listening more intently. "Mostly…" Her voice is just a whisper. "Mostly…I just want to know. You know, a little more about you."

And I'm speechless.

Like an idiot.

"What do you know about me?" I ask.

I'm holding my breath.

"Well," she says, biting down on her lower lip and tucking an imaginary strand of hair behind her ear. Her hair is pulled up. It's always pulled up. I wonder what it looks like hanging down around her shoulders. I imagine that it's soft. "I know you like coffee. Black with lots of sugar."

She looks down at my hand, at my finger that is still idly playing with the flippy thing. I vow to go home and look up what it is. It's bothering me now.

"And?"

"I know that you come in the same time everyday and order the same thing. I know you like apple pie."

I wonder if she finds me boring and predictable.

"I know…I mean, I think I know that you like to read. You always have a book."

She motions to the worn paperback copy of Holidays on Ice in front of me. I wonder if she thinks it's strange because it's not Christmas. I just like Davis Sedaris. Maybe I should explain that to her?

"I do," I tell her. "Like to read."

My heart is beating…faster. I don't think it's the coffee, though I have had three cups this evening. I wonder if she notices that I'm drinking more…that I'm staying longer.

I honestly read this story with the stupidest smile on my face and every time I go back and reread it, that same smile reappears.  It’s told in alternating points of view so we get reactions from both Bella and Edward and I love it.  I gurantee that you will be awwwwww’ing and grinning with each chapter.   The cute and sweet just ooze off the page.

Without thinking, I reach my hand out.

I touch her elbow that's resting on the counter.

I hear her take in a deep breath and my eyes shoot up to hers.

Wide.

Brown.

Beautiful.

And she doesn't pull away.

"It's okay," I tell her.

And it is.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"You just seem…" she starts, "I mean. Well, I would want…"

I'm still touching her.

And her voice is soft.

And yeah...my hand is still on her elbow.

I'm still touching her.

Bella.

"You would want…?"

I squeeze gently.

"Nothing."

Her skin is soft like her voice.

Warm, too.

I wonder if she uses lotion.

"What?"

"No…nevermind."

"Tell me."

Please.

She blows the stray hair out of her face.

Her breath smells like spearmint.

"I would want…to be your friend," she whispers.

The words cosmogirl7481 uses and the way she tells this story are perfect. It truly doesn’t get much better than this in my opinion and if you haven’t read this yet, drop everything you are doing and run.  I’m not even going to share one of the best first kisses I’ve read in quite some time with you, I’m going to make you go find it yourself, because it’s in this story.

Cosmogirl7481 says it best in her closing author notes.  This story is about “quietly getting to know someone. Honestly. Realistically.  With no fanfare or drama.  Just simple words, true emotion and lots of coffee and sugar.”  I feel lame for using her words in a review about her story, but truly there is nothing I could say to explain it better, and she accomplishes exactly that in this incredible story.

Now…I’m off to go harass her about that authors note about revisiting them if she feels like it.



All I Want by momof4luvntwisaga
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6668649/1/All_I_want
The drive back home from a weekend escape to Forks could change everything in Bella's life. She stops to help a stranded driver, and gets more than she bargained for. Twilight - Rated: M
Review by: Troublefollows Edward

I might be showing my age here, but I'm pretty sure that all you ladies out there who listened to Heart's All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You back in 1990 dreamed about picking up a gorgeous stranger and having the best one night stand of your life like I did.  All I Want by momof4luvntwisaga is that fantasy brought to life through our favorite couple, Bella and Edward.

Bella is unfortunately married to Mike Newton in the beginning of this story.  They've been trying for  years to have a baby with no success.  On a drive home to Seattle from a visit with her dad in Forks, Bella picks up a very wet and very beautiful stranger, whose car has broken down in the middle of a nasty rainstorm.    Right away, Bella can tell there is something about this guy.  She can't explain it, but she is drawn to him.  Without thinking about the consequences, they stop and get a room when the weather becomes too much to drive in.

This is where momof4luvntwisaga shines.  The woman knows how to write a hot lemon.  Edward is not only a fantastic lover, he's sweet and gentle with her.


"Relax, baby, you need to relax so it doesn't hurt," he cooed at me, stroking my cheek with his thumb as his fingers wrapped around the side of my neck. Looking into my eyes he leaned down and kissed me so softly that if I hadn't seen him do it, I would have thought that our lips never touched. Taking in a deep breath and exhaling it slowly, I felt the tension leave my body. I watched his face taking in his beautiful features and getting lost in the sensation as he began to push his hips forward. With each gently nudge forward, he gave my body time to adjust and I appreciated it.


They share an unforgettable night of passion, but Bella runs before the morning comes.  Momof4luvntwisaga doesn't shy away from letting us see Bella's struggle with the guilt and shame of what she did.  Bella grapples with a myriad of emotions throughout the story because of the new path her life takes after that life-changing night.

If you listen to the song, I am not spoiling it for you; that night had real and life-altering consequences.  Consequences that put her marriage and her sanity to the test.  Let's not forget the added issue of her best friend's boyfriend's brother or her husband's new boss.  There are so many "Ah!" moments throughout the story.   It will have you clicking the next button, needing the next chapter because you want to know what is going to happen so badly.

Will Bella find her beautiful stranger again?  What other secrets are people hiding?  What will be the fallout when all the secrets and lies are out in the open?  I can only tell you that my girl is all about the HEA.  All I Want is a must read.  Go.  Read.  Now.  Give her some love, too.  That's all I want :) 



Thankful by SydneyAlice
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6436199/1/Thankful
She had always been my drug of choice, and tonight, I would get my very last fix. She loved me, and I loved her. Sometimes love just wasn't enough. Twilight - Rated: M
Review by: EvilNat

SydneyAlice has written some amazing stories, and in my opinion ‘Thankful’ is definitely up there as one of her best.  It is a hot, a little sad in places, touching story.  It only has two chapters, a prologue and an epilogue but you don’t feel like you have missed anything with the short length.

‘Thankful’ describes the despair of two lovers, Edward and Bella, who are forced to part.  Their relationship is unable to continue when Bella’s husband returns from his tour of duty.  I’m not going to tell you too much about the storyline, due to the short length of the story and I think the twists are best found out while reading.

I found it to be such a passionate, romantic, heartfelt story.  The prologue in particular portrays a longing and hurt by the two characters who are parting but don’t want to.  Bella in particular wants to do the right thing but in doing so resorts to a life of mediocre.  A flashback and points of view from both Edward and Bella help to tell the story.

The passion between Edward and Bella is so intense, it is written so well you can almost feel it coming off the screen.  Bella describes it perfectly when she says:

“Maybe that's what happens when a tornado meets a volcano…” 

Pink stilettos appear as a symbol of their relationship, which is interesting and kinda hot.  She only wears them when she is with him and many of their meetings involve her wearing them during sex.

Edward is a brave character; he knows exactly what he wants and would do almost anything to get it.  His love towards Bella is powerful:

“He could never make her tremble like this.”

 ‘Thankful’ has a realistic ending but is still a happily ever.  Not everything turns out the way we expect it to, but for our two main characters they get their HEA.

I actually hadn’t read ‘Thankful’ when they were looking for a review but being a fan of SydneyAlice’s other stories I jumped at the opportunity when Nicole asked.  Please go and read it, you won’t regret it, I didn’t.



In Too Deep by EdwardsBloodType
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6358380/1/In_Too_Deep
Too much to drink,a wounded heart, and a chance encounter with his father's mistress, lead Eddie to make a bad decision. And when he falls in love with her daughter unknowingly, he gets himself in so deep he can't get out. AH/AU Graphic language,lemons. Twilight - Rated: M
Review by: LaMomo

EdwardsBloodType doesn't need introductions. Everyone here has, at some point, either read or heard of High Anxiety. If not, they're probably living under a rock, without internet connection, and have no clue what a blog is.

How to follow up from such a harrowing, angsty, complex and all-encompassing tale? In Too Deep shares some traits of HA but departs from it in other respects.

Main similarities?
The complex, almost convoluted plot twists and relations among the characters are there. They weave a colourful and lively tapestry, where no detail should be left unattended, because they will later play a role. Nothing should be overlooked.
The angst is there. We begin with a prologue charged with hurt and resentment, with a son packing his bags and ready to leave home, his relation to his father crashed beyond repair, his own life in shambles.
For example - if our main character decides to hook up with his father's former mistress, we can say it's revenge, right? What does that become when that mistress's first name is Renee, and she has a daughter? You are all fic-savvy enough to know that this paves the way for some serious shit ready to hit the fan, at some point down the line...
A lingering feeling of hope is also there - through all the darkness, there is something that sparkles change, that triggers a flicker of light, a possibility of happiness.

Main differences?
"Location, location, location" - we're in Long Island, among a tightly-knit community of Italian descent. Edward's last name in this instance is Cullenata. Yes, you read that correctly. Bella's last name is Cigno. As in, Swan in Italian. Jasper is Jewish, and his family has cut him off entirely when he got Alice pregnant almost fresh out of high school and announced he'd marry her. Raising Garrett (their son, and Edward's godchild) as a Catholic is the final blow for this parents, who have never seen their grandchild. This is a peculiar environment and, even as a native speaker of Italian, I had to undergo a crash course on "How to Survive on Long Island if You Are Italian" from a dear friend and co-worker who was born and raised there... This makes for an interesting playground for our usual suspects.
Narration - this is mostly EPOV. As a well-known EPOV h00r, I can't but rejoyce about this. Edward's mind is, as ever, a very complex place to be. Not at all hearts and flowers. Until...until he gets fed up with his plight and...decides to change.

What happens to this Edward who wants to change his ways when he meets Bella? What will happen when "ghosts from bad fucks past" come back to haunt him?

Watch out - most of all, for one of the sweetest first kisses in fanfic...
You've been warned....READ!



Faithfully by LailaB
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5879485/1/Faithfully
Edward, the lead singer of Eclipse, has always considered himself fulfilled. He has never desired an emotional connection with anyone outside his band or family, until he meets a much younger Bella on European summer tour. Will love prevail? AH/OOC Twilight - Rated: M
Review by: Mina Rivera

Faithfully starts with Edward's point of view. He is a rock and roll star and lead singer of Eclipse. He feels like his life is where he wants it to be and feels pretty fulfilled. That is until he crosses path with Bella during his down time in the city of London. Edward is just about to embark on a world tour with his band and wants to have some normalcy before the chaos. But Bella catches Edward's attention inside the music store where he was browsing some vynil recods. Bella walks out of the store, and Edward feels the strong need to follow her, which he does. And that’s how the story begins.

I LOVE this story with a fierce passion. It’s a lot of fun, it’s very well written and I forget about everything else when I read it. The premise of a sexy, tattooed, bad ass, rock star Edward caught my eye, but what I didn’t expect was to actually have a small crush on this Bella as well!

But let’s talk about Faithfulward first, shall we?

He is 35 years old and the most wanted successful rock star in the world. He has an insane group of bitches that are completely obsessed with him who, of course, hate Bella and want her out of the picture. But Edward only sees his Bella. He is very possessive (which I secretly love as much as Bella does) and, in spite of first impressions, really sweet and considerate. And of course, he has some hot tattoos, but what did me in where the motherfucking piercings! *drools* I swear when I first read about his ‘ladder’ I actually shivered imagining how that would feel like. What’s a ladder? You find that out on Chapter 3. ;)

Edward has pretty much been alone for a long time, never had a serious committed relationship which kind of stuns me. So, when one afternoon he spots a sexy brown haired beauty walking down the side walk with a very fine piece of ass, what does he do? He follows her, of course, into a coffee shop and then strikes up a conversation with her. I swear I freaking snorted when I read their first meet. Here he was a very confident-almost-arrogant Edward trying to dazzle Bella, while she has no freaking clue she was talking to a Rock Star!

Her beauty momentarily stuns me as she unleashes a dazzling smile, before I answer, "My band is touring across Europe for the next eight weeks. Our first show is tomorrow night, here in Hyde Park. After that, we will take a couple of months off for some much needed rest and relaxation. Then we'll pick up again for a U.S. tour starting in November. However, I live here. A couple of blocks from this very spot as a matter of fact. You see, while my mother is American, my father is British, so I have dual citizenship. I actually have homes in both places; I just prefer living in London because the paparazzi are far less intrusive…." I trail off, realizing I sound like a complete jackass. "Wow, that was a whole shit load of useless information about me." I chuckle awkwardly, looking away and clicking the ball in my tongue against the rings in my lower lip while rubbing the back of my neck. Christ, you sound like a moron. I push my hand through my, already chaotic, hair and chance a peek back at her, trying to gauge her reaction to my incessant rambling. I was hoping like hell I have not scared her away.

"Oh, wow. Your band tours?" she asks, genuine interest shining in her beautiful eyes.

"Uhm, yeah," I answer incredulously. Hello? Have you really no idea who you are talking to?

"Nice. So, have you ever recorded an album?"

She is still completely oblivious to my identity. It is equal parts refreshing, intriguing, and aggravating which is completely fucking with my head, not to mention my ego.

"Uh, yes. Several, in fact. Have you never heard of Eclipse?"

"You're in Eclipse?" she whisper shouts, looking around quickly to make sure no one has heard her. My ego inflates and I unleash my best panty-dropping smile. Finally, I think just before she continues…

"My babysitter was so into you!"

She is so proud to finally put together who I am that she misses the look of absolute horror on my face. What the fuck! Her babysitter? Does she seriously think I am that fucking ancient?

LOL! But don’t worry girls, Bella is legal… barely.

After breaking that awkward moment, they fall into a very easy conversation, talking about anything and everything. He tells her things about his family, childhood, the band and his desires for the future. In turn, she talks about her mom and dad, her brother (who is on this vacation with her) and her passion for photography. Before they even realize it, the sky has darkened, alerting them that they have been talking for over hours. Edward is shocked at how easy it has been to let his guard down with Bella. This sexy and confident, yet shy creature has completely disarmed him. A task that has never been accomplished by a member of the opposite sex! Much less by someone who is fifteen years his junior! But Edward is hooked and he asks her to some to his concert the next day. Bella says yes and leaves Edward feeling lighter and happier than he ever has in his life, with only one thought running through his mind: “Goddamn, I cannot wait until tomorrow.”

Now, let’s talk about hot-as-fuck Bella.

She is 20 years old. She has an Italian heritage and she speaks the language. She has a few nicknames in Italian for Edward that are very cute and different. She can also be a brat, but in an adorable way, and Edward spoils her. She takes nothing for granted and is very independent and stubborn (very cannon of her), but she is no wimp or door mat. This Bella knows what she wants, and fucks off whoever stands in her way. She can battle bitches left and right and still leave with her head held high. She feels no shame to be involved with a man who is 15 years older than her.

There is a LOT of PDA between her and Edward and I kind of feel jealous of them…

Tanya's shrill voice rings out next to my ear, while she reaches out to run one of her hot-pink talons down my chest. It's not that Tanya is ugly per se; she looks a lot like Rosalie, fake tits and all, only with strawberry blond hair. It's just that she is dirty and fake, and she has fucked nearly all of our road crew, and is currently trying to work her way through our security team. All while still, after countless rejections, trying to get in my pants. Fucking Gross. Some people just don't understand the meaning of the word no.

"Don't fucking touch me," I snarl, glaring at her before turning my head away. I am pissed at her complete fucking lack of respect for my girl. "It's never gonna happen."

Bella appears a moment later, plopping herself sideways into my lap, virtually shoving Tanya out of the way, while planting a scorching kiss on my lips. I open my mouth, practically shoving my tongue down her throat, and trailing my hand up the outside of her thigh, grabbing a handful of flesh where her thigh meets her ass. She winds her arms around my neck, threading her fingers into my hair, scratching and pulling, as I suck on her tongue, swallowing her moans, before moving to her neck and biting down again, creating a twin for the mark I made earlier. Fucking Neanderthal. I lick the mark before planting a wet, sloppy kiss on her sexy mouth.

"I sincerely hope you don't plan on making a habit out of this." Rosalie sneers, gesturing distastefully to Bella. "I would hate to have to entertain each and every one of your conquests going forward," she finishes, her voice dripping with animosity.

I snap my head to glare at the bitch. "Watch it Rosalie," I warn in a low threatening voice. "Bella is now a part of this group. Permanently."

Out of the corner of my eye I notice Bella smirk.

Rosalie's eyes widen in shock at my declaration, but instead of backing off, she continues with her taunts. "Is she even old enough to drink, Edward?"

I feel Bella stiffen in my lap, but before I have a chance to respond, she retorts. "I apologize if my age makes you uncomfortable Rosalie. I will try to keep my distance." Rosalie looks smug, and I am about to rip in to her when Bella continues. "It's understandable that you wouldn't want a constant reminder of your lost youth. You know, my mom has a really good doctor in Jacksonville that administers her Botox. I'd be happy to give you his name and number, because whoever it is that you are using is causing your facial expressions to look strange. I think it's because your eyebrows don't move. Gosh, I can't even imagine the day when I will need that stuff…. I still have quite a while though…" she trails off with the sweetest smile on her face.

I am fucking speechless. Everyone is speechless, and Rosalie is fuming. No female has ever put Rosalie in her place, but Bella did it flawlessly and believe me, it was sexy as hell.

Sexy as hell, indeed. This Bella is one of my favorite fiction girl crushes, right after Beautiful Bitch and my Painterella. I seriously admire the way LailaB wrote her. I was sorta getting tired of the damsel in distress type of Bella that you see all around, and this fic popped in my computer screen at the right time. And yes, Rosalie and Tanya are the insane bitches looking forward to break E and B apart, but don't worry, they are really not a threat. Now Gianna on the other hand... that bitch better watch out! But leaving the skanks aside, you have nothing to worry about. Bella and Edward are crazy about each other and no dirty groopie nor self-named ex is going to break these two apart.

When Faithfulward and Sexybella are together in a room, they just can’t keep their hands off each other! They are full on fuckhawt insane passion. You've got the lust, the insane connection and the need to be together that just consumes every fibers of their being, and the lemons written by LailaB certainly do this relationship justice. But along with their fierce passion, there is also a ton of love. This story is very, very romantic. These two are soul mates and they know it. They just belong together and they will do anything to stay that way. They don't care what anyone thinks about them or what anyone else does to try to break them apart. They are a strong team. It's them against the world. And that is what sets this story apart from other BxE fics. They are confident in their love, once they pass the initial hurddles of every new relationship. They know that the only way to make it work is by being together till the end no matter what.

And with the lust and romance, there must be some crazy, sweaty, hot-as-hell lemons! Oh man, and isn’t that a fucking understatement! The lemons in this story make me dizzy and leave me panting and begging for more! Let’s just say, Dirty Talking Edward comes out to play A LOT!

Here’s a little lemon zest of what you might encounter, but watch out! Please make sure you have your shamwows at the ready and an extra set of batteries. You are sooooo gonna need them.

I scramble to my knees, leaving my elbows on the mattress, giving him a fantastic view of my ass as I look at him over my shoulder, smirking. I watch him as he drinks in the sight before him, smoothing his hands over my flesh reverently. He catches my eye as a cocky smirk graces his chiseled features right before he plows into me. Holy shit, it's a tight fit in this position, and deep… so fucking deep.

I can feel each one of the steel balls in his super-sized cock moving inside me and it feels un-fucking-believable. He scrunches his eyes closed and grips my hips tightly before pulling out ever so slowly then plunging in again, causing us both to cry out at the sensation. He brushes his hands from by lower back, across my ass and down to the backs of my thighs. After completing the circuit twice, he pulls one of his long fingers down the crack of my ass, applying just a hint of pressure on my back entrance. The pressure of his finger feels fantastic and I suddenly want to know what it would feel like inside me. "Please," I pant out, pushing against his hand. He stills momentarily before I feel him slide his finger down to gather some of the moisture that's seeping down my thigh, and then bring it back to where I want him, pressing into me slowly. I feel a shit-load of pressure at first, followed by a little stinging that actually feels pretty awesome, and then he starts to move in time with his trusts. The feeling is so overwhelming that I can't even put together a lucid thought.

"Fuck, Bella, fuck…it's so tight…I can feel your pussy fucking pulsing all around me…and, God, it feels so fucking good," he groans loudly. He adds with a disbelieving tone, "And I can feel it around my finger. Fuck, I can feel it. It would feel so good… gotta try it…" He mumbles the last part as if speaking to himself. He thrusts slow and deep while trailing his other hand up my back and curling around my shoulder for leverage, while adding a second finger to my ass. The dual sensations are incredible and I have never felt so full. Impatient for more, I start pushing back against him, causing him to let out a string of curses.

"Pull my hair, Edward… pull it hard." I can feel his long fingers leave me to grip the headboard while the other tangles into my hair before he yanks my head back with just enough force to make me gasp. "Is that what you want, Isabella? You're a nasty little girl, aren't you?" His voice is low and his breath is hot against my ear and I can feel his stubble lightly scratching at my cheek, making me whimper.

"Yes, Papi," I groan out, the stimulation of the hair pulling, along with his massive dick slamming into me, makes me moan wildly.

"Who do you belong to, Isabella? Fucking tell me!" The dominance in his voice is what finally triggers my orgasm and I come, practically shouting, "You, Edward. Ooohhh…I belong to you…only you."

Mewling and quivering, I continue to drive back into him with abandon until he finally explodes, groaning and cursing deafeningly before answering with a deep and gravelly voice, "That's fucking right…you belong to me, only me."

*fans herself*

Told you so…

I just love it when I find a story that just sucks me in (no pun intended... well, maybe just a little), and then, when I’m all caught up with the updates, I just can't stop thinking about it! Faithfully it’s exactly like this type of story and I freakin' love it!

What else can I say, except: GET YOUR ASSES OVER TO READ THIS FIC.

RIGHT. THE. FUCK. NOW!!!

Till next time. xoxo ~Mina
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