Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Like to be teased? Come on in...



If you haven't checked out the TLS Angst Contest entries because you just aren't sure which ones you really want to read and don't have time to read all of them... no worries. I've got a teaser from each entry for you and I'll be posting two a day, everyday until public voting opens on August 14th! This way, you can read all of them or just the ones that grab you! There are SO MANY excellent entries in this one contest that I'd hate for you all to miss out on this, so you can find me here, each day... hooking you up with some angsty teasers!

Let's go: 

The canned, cooled desert air hits the damp material and pulls my nipples into stiff little points that will not go away.
On the bright side, I make double my normal amount of take home tips.
On the bright side, my husband just posted a new song. Apparently he misses the brown featureless hills of some mythological desert.
Is this about me?
God, I hope so.
I look at my watch. It's after three in the morning where I am. That means it's after four where he is.
If he's still in Colorado. I have no idea.
I wonder if he still drives the pickup. Probably.
I wonder why I'm so hesitant to just ask him. I used to ask him whatever the fuck I felt like asking him. He used to answer honestly.
Now the only things I ask him are when I silently scream at my computer screen.
"Who is she?"
"Where are you?"
Then I silently scream at myself.
"Why do you care?"
Duh.
I will always care.
Maybe these songs aren't about me. Maybe he won't sign the divorce papers because he worries about alimony. I don't want any alimony. Maybe I should make that clear somehow.
Maybe I will email him tomorrow.
Maybe if he signed the fucking things I would move on.
Sounds awful. I'd rather wallow.
I would have to give up all this hope that he will come back.
Maybe he thinks I'm the one that should come crawling.
Maybe I am the one who should come crawling.
Maybe I should come clean.
I didn't actually sleep with that guy. That night. Two years ago. I let him believe it. I let him believe I had cheated. I let him believe that a random fuck defiled his temple. I let him think it, to set him free.
Because, "I love you, Belle. But I hate my life." Well, it's not what I wanted for him. Not ever.
I never wanted to see that tightly wound tolerance. That bleak short-distance vision that only saw all our acquired things burdening him with their permanence. I never wanted to trap and hold him still against his will. I never wanted that. I wanted to fly with him. But that isn't what our marriage became.
I broke his wings, burdened him with a load too heavy to lift off.

The first time I kissed him, I felt like I ruined everything. His head snapped backward as if I'd punched him instead, eyes wide and jaw slack. I stared at him, a litany of apologies hovering on my tongue but unable to find their way past my lips, and his saucer-sized green eyes stared at me as if he'd never seen me before. I dropped my gaze, staring unseeingly at the rows of text outlining the steps of the cell cycle on the sheet of notebook paper in front of me, trying to steel myself for the moment he kicked me out of his room.
When I felt like my only course of action was to gather my books and stumble from the room, apologizing profusely, I felt his hand cover mine on the bedspread between us. The second time he'd ever touched me, and I could feel my heart take flight.
The first time I kissed him, I felt like I ruined everything.
As it turns out, in the long run, I was right.
. . . .
The room is unfailingly tidy, books neatly aligned on the bookshelf, surfaces relatively clear of clutter. There's a dog-eared paperback on the nightstand, and I recognize the title from the AP English syllabus. It occurs to me that the top drawer of Edward's nightstand might be a place he wouldn't want his parents to look, if they haven't already, but when I slide it open, all that stares back at me is a pack of cinnamon gum, an array of pens, a black leather notebook, and a ball of rubber bands. Without thinking, I take out the gum and slide it into my pocket; after only a brief hesitation, I lift the notebook from the drawer and lower myself to sit on the edge of his bed. Running my hand over the cover, I try to steel myself for whatever might be inside: the disappointment of page after page of mathematical equations, the unexpected anguish-slash-elation of lines of Edward's private thoughts. I swallow, tracing a single finger over the spine of the book, trying to imagine Edward sitting here, hunched over, hair falling into his face as he scribbled away.
I take a breath and open the cover; printed inside, on the very first page, in massive, black letters are two words.
PLEASE DON'T.
I close the book and gently return it to its place, feeling as though he's further away than ever. Wondering, as the gap opens, what there is – was – that he never told me. Missing him, with a desperation and an ache and an anger and a pain that feels like it's hollowing me out.
PAST TENSE - Read more here:  http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9509266/1/Past-Tense

You can't go wrong with either of these excellent entries... please read them and show them some love.


Sunday, July 28, 2013

Meet the Poll: Please choose the FIVE that move you the most



Each week we share with you what we are reading and enjoying. The following made the top of our lists last week. Please help us determine which 5 of these will be featured as fics of the week, next week, by choosing FIVE from the poll on the right!

Always an Edward by LifeInTheSnow-rec'd by Runtagua
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7180165/1/Always-an-Edward
Bella wants to say yes to kind, handsome Ed…but can't stop meeting Eddie for martini lunches. Eduardo just wonders why she's avoiding his yoga class. And who is this "Edward" leaving cryptic messages at work? Astory about people and how they change. Rated M

Bella Donna by JiffyKate-rec’d by Midnight Cougar
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9175099/1/Bella-Donna
Edward and Bella are similar creatures; they both screw people for money, but one of them goes for blood. It's nothing personal...until it is. Rated M

Birds of a Feather by Luckyirishtart-rec'd by Nic
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9459691/1/Birds-of-a-Feather
He drives her mad. She frustrates him to no end. How did they let it getthis far? If you truly love someone, is it always worth fighting for? ExB AH Rated M

Bite Club- You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having by Honeybeemeadows-rec'd by Runtagua
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9149354/1/Bite-Club-You-Can-t-Imagine-How-Much-Fun-We-re-Having
This is your life, and it's ending one moment at a time. I know this because Masen knows this. A tongue-in-cheek mash-up of Twilight and Fight Club. No copyright infringement intended. Rated M for blood and bad language. Rated M

Fill Me With Your Poison by Nolebucgrl-rec’d by Nic
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7007740/1/
Bella Swan's intrigued by vampires. Edward Cullen's bored and alone. What happens when they meet? AU, vampire. Rated M. Inspired by Katy Perry's ET. Rated M

My Devil by ExquisiteEdward-rec’d by Sunflower Fanfiction/Jenn Granat
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7210123/1/My-Devil
Bella has a less than stellar love life. That is, until a new neighbor moves in next door. But how long will it take her to overcome her hatred of the cocky, fast-talking, self-absorbed jerk? Humor, no angst. AH E/B. Rated M

One Day by RueforRegret-rec'd by Rochelle Allison
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9147787/1/One-Day
Over a quarter of a century separates single-mother Bella Swan from her hormone-riddled adolescence. Watching her teenaged daughter navigate her way through various rites of passage, Bella can't help falling prey to nostalgia. "One Day" brims with steamy reminiscences of first love and traces one woman's mid-life attempt to reclaim it. ExB, AH, mild angst, Rated M

Slapshot by Prettykittyartist-rec'd by Jenn Granat
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9174767/1/Slapshot
He comes in for the stale coffee and the girl behind the counter. She lives for the moments he walks though her doors. Can she snag herself a star? Can he handle being caught? HOCKEYWARD EXB OOC Rated M

Soul by Denverpopcorn-rec'd by Runtagua
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6928840/1/SOUL
Meet Edward Cullen, boy next door, dreamer, and self-proclaimed virgin.
Take a journey with him as he heads out in search of The One. AH. EPOV,
E/B. Rated M

Tantum by Bitter Shade-rec’d by Sunflower Fanfiction
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7542145/1/
Six years after watching the man she loved self-destruct in drugs and fame, session drummer Bella Swan is brought face to face with the wound that never quite healed. A little dark, but with windows. Mature: sex, drug references. AU/AH Canon pairings. Rated M

The Chosen Ones by AmaranthineX-rec'd by Nic
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9488969/1/The-Chosen-Ones
A new world order emerges after an epidemic alters the foundation of
life as we know it. The human race is in danger of extinction, but a
select few have the ability to propagate life. This is the ultimate
survival of the fittest. AH/ Rated M

The Sound of Steel Guitars on a Fallen Soul by Staceleo-rec'd by Cutestkidsmom
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9070951/1/The-Sound-of-Steel-Guitars-on-a-Fallen-Soul
Isabella Swan travels the world to escape heartache. A work trip becomes much more personal when she meets a guitar playing cowboy who enjoys bathing outdoors. Will he be the catalyst for her to find love and a permanent home?
Rated M

Torrid Teachings by BabyWard-rec’d by Evilnat
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9197730/1/Torrid-Teachings
Bella is a spoiled brat, only at university for the parties. When her practice exam results are sent to her father, he forces her to see an ugly nerd for tutoring. During their two weeks studying together, Bella learns a lot for her exams, but more about herself. She matures, focuses on studying, and sees Edward in a different light. Lemon warning. Rated M

Unraveled Knot by Twistedcoincidence-rec'd by Runtagua
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4919822/1/Unraveled-Knot
A round peg in a square hole. It's not always the easiest fit that works
the best. Maybe if it's not hard it's just not worth it. AU/AH E/B
Collab with astilbe13 Rated M

Friday, July 26, 2013

We have a new Affiliate: Emergency Beta Service



Are you losing hope that your story won't be everything it could be, because you can't find a beta? Do you have a contest entry written, and need a beta to look over it for you? Are you second-guessing the beta that you've been using, and simply want a second opinion? Need help with just one sentence or one paragraph?

If you answered yes to one of the above then Emergency Beta Service is right for you, and they just happen to be our newest Affiliate.

If you're entering the TLS Angst Contest and need a beta, Emergency Beta Service wants to help you. Visit their site to find out how to set that up. Remember, the deadline is midnight EST July 30, 2013... time is running out, visit them today.

You can find all the info you need on them right here: www.emergencybeta.com

Please take a second to look over their site. They have quite a few amazing features including their Writing Boot Camp:

This is your unique and amazing opportunity to get a one-on-one writing session with a beta!

The concept is simple: you set a goal—whether it be writing a specific scene or reaching 1,000 words in 50 minutes—and our WBC betas will be there to help you reach it. Your beta will join you at the set time and will be present during your boot camp challenge, helping you to stay focused and to KEEP ON WRITING.

No stopping. No editing. Just write, write, write.

If you stop, the beta will be there to talk to you about what troubles you, answer questions, or simply encourage you. And, of course, you will be reminded to keep going. You might even get yelled at, military training style, if that’s the motivation you need.

Can you handle that?

Check out the Writing Boot Camp page to find out how you can participate: http://emergencybeta.com/wbc/


TLS's Flash-Fic Fridays are in full effect! Come and see who's flashing us this week: 7/26 - 7/31


FLASH-FIC IS HERE




PLEASE JOIN US EACH FRIDAY TO SEE WHO'S FLASHING US

Each Friday a new prompt will be posted along with the previous week's winners.
What exactly is a Flash-Fic? It's pretty much a spur of the moment, tiny story, prompted by words, images or silliness. Not sure if you've ever been on twitter when this has happened, but it's pretty awesome when it does. It also happens often in threads, with a combination of people contributing. 
How does it work? Each Friday one admin of TLS posts a picture prompt here to the blog. Using this image, entries are created by commenting on this post. Submissions must be 100-300 words ONLY. No more, no less. The entries are then judged and we post the winners here, each Friday, to share with all of you.

THIS WEEK'S NEW PROMPT



You will have until next Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST to submit your entry.

Picture prompt and judge this week is Nicffwhisperer.

Please leave your submission in the comment section at the bottom of the post using this format:
Your name (use your Twitter, Facebook or FFN name)
Your link to your FFN profile if you choose to share it
Submissions will be judged on Thursdays and on Friday the winning entry will be posted here, on the TLS blog. This feature is open to everyone, so come one, come all!

LAST WEEK'S PROMPT AND WINNERS




FIRST PLACE WINNER

@bebeginja
Word count: 296

I ignore the buzz of my phone on my nightstand. I can’t talk to anyone right now.

I can’t talk.

October.

I’m sprawled spread eagle on my bed. On the inside I’m writhing, begging for a reprieve from this nightmare. A wide awake nightmare.

Are my eyes open? Is my heart beating?

Feel.

I’m trying to feel but I can’t. What am I supposed to? Am I supposed to? Is this why people self harm? To feel? To focus?

Crazy. They’ll call me crazy. Off.

Something’s off.

November.

I curl in a ball on my chair in the middle of the room. Somewhere deep within me a voice is screaming get up! Get. Up. GET UP! Knock it off! Snap out of it! He’s not worth it!

But he is. He’s worth everything. I was stupid to do that, I know. To make him everything. I never wanted to be one of those people. I know better.

What have you done? Look at you, you’re pathetic.

But I don’t understand. Was I too much or not enough?

It hurts. The pain is so intense I can’t even tell where it hurts the most.

December.

I lie on the floor and stare up at the popcorn ceiling. If I believed in God, I’d ask him to take me now.

I am frozen. Consumed. And certain that no one else has ever felt this way.

Because no one else had him.

I could laugh at the absurdity. I should hate him, but I take it all. I take whatever he gives me, and right now he’s giving me this. His absence.

Even as he damages me I cry for him.

Even as he slays me I die for him.

Even as he leaves me I’m lost for him.


SECOND PLACE
Megan
http://www.fanfiction.net/~virginalvampire
Word count: 297

Sitting alone in the darkness and solitude of my childhood bedroom nearly drives me past the brink of sanity.

I quickly grab my jacket, not caring that the rain is pouring down outside. Standing on my porch, I rip my jacket off and toss it back into the house, suddenly craving the feel of the wet, cold drops falling on my skin.

I walk aimlessly for a while, soaked to the bone by the time I finally stop. I swallow and push open the wrought iron fence. I follow the worn path, careful to avoid the mud so I don’t slip.

When I reach the headstone I’m looking for, I drop to my knees.

“Everyone told me to just give it time, they said I’d be fine eventually.” I let out a cynical-sounding laugh. “Edward,” my voice breaks. I can feel the warmth of my tears mixing with the cold of the rain. “When is eventually going to get here? It’s been four months. I can barely breathe without you.”

I run my hand along the grooves in the headstone, tracing his name. The marble should feel cold to my touch, but it doesn’t, it feels warm. The wedding band that rests securely on my left ring finger and the dog tags nestled safely between my breasts seem to heat up as well.

It’s crazy to think that he’s somehow giving me a sign, isn’t it?

Just as I’m about to brush the feeling off, for the first time, I feel a kick.  My free hand clutches at my stomach. I can’t help it, I smile. A sense of peace rushes through me, calming me.

I take a deep breath and stand, blowing a kiss to the stone.

“I hope he has your eyes. I love you.”


THIRD PLACE

@GeekChic12FF
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2331711/
Word count: 229

Wandering.

That’s all my mind does lately.

All my feet do.

There’s never a specific destination.

Just wandering.

Thinking.

Walking.

You’ve been gone five months.

It’s never a conscious decision to seek you out.

My feet take me down the path in the woods where you told me I wasn’t good enough.

They take me to our meadow where you once told me I was everything.

My brain wanders around these conflicting thoughts.

It can’t make sense of them.

It wanders through memories of us--touching, kissing, laughing.

Through every ‘I love you,’ not believing them anymore.

Why should I?

Was any of it real?

You’re not coming back. I can feel it in the very marrow of my bones.

I’m lost now.

Literally.

My feet have wandered past the spot where you stood and ripped my heart out.

Past our meadow full of happy, purple flowers.

My mind doesn’t recognize these surroundings--mossy rocks and sparse trees.

I hear water crashing against rocks in the distance.

My feet wander that way. My mind wants to see the chaotic waves.

When I reach the cliff, my mind wanders down the path of no return. How will it feel when my lungs fill with water? When I can’t breathe anymore?

Will my mind finally forget you?

Will I finally be able to let go?

My feet wander.

Right over the edge.


HONORABLE MENTION

@QuinnSkylark
Words: 271

“Fallen” (Sarah McLachlan)

What am I supposed to do?

The room spins around me and my head matches the revolutions in a sickening, dizzying whirl. How did I let this get so messed up? I sat by, idly watching as the control I once had slipped right between my fingers and I just...allowed it. I permitted him to speak to me that way. I accepted the ache inside of myself and ran away. I signed off on my own downfall instead of fighting back.

Now, Rose truly believes that I’d been fucking Jake, and apparently Edward does as well. How can anyone believe that when I had him—the highest and most powerful of all sexual deities—at my fingertips? Edward’s life and mine have been intertwined by the fates, spun on the thread that held my entirety. It would seem, now, that the cotton has been cut as my world unravels around me.

My stomach lurches and my vision blurs in the twisting room and I slip off the chair, falling to my knees before the garbage can just in time to empty the contents of my stomach. Over and over, I heave until there is nothing left for me to surrender. The pain serves as a reminder of why I’m doing this; why I’ve made these choices, but also a reminder of just how lost I really am.

But then Ben opens the door, knocking lightly before he steps inside. As I fall into the strong arms of my best friend, sobbing in frustration, I remind myself that I haven’t lost yet. No. The battle has just begun.


HONORABLE MENTION

@Twilightladies1
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2878973/twilightladies
Word Count 283


I watch as you sleep on our couch.

Curled in the fetal position, it’s as if you’re trying to protect yourself from something. Even in slumber, your thoughts are consumed by darkness.

I want to smooth the frown lines between your eyes, wishing that just for once,
your dreams at least, are a happy place.

Recently, it seems that everything makes you cry, and I hate how helpless I am
in all of this.

I used to be able to make you smile or laugh, no matter the situation. Your
eyes danced with mirth as you played your practical jokes.

Now, your tears are my demons.

“Edward,” you murmur, and my heart breaks just a little more.

You begin to whimper, and I consider waking you, to calm you. Only, that didn’t
go too well last time.

“No…Edward…Sorry…” Your voice breaks and tears roll down your face.

I hate the tears.

Drawn to you, I move from my chair and take you in my arms.

You stiffen, and I brace myself, unsure of which Bella I’m going to be faced
with.

“Edward?” your murmur.

“I’m here,” I soothe, kissing your forehead softly.

Your arms wrap around my neck. “I’m so sorry,” you sob. I feel your tears on my
neck.

“You don’t have anything to apologize for, baby,” I whisper.

You sigh, melting into my embrace.

I close my eyes, cherishing this moment, unsure of when the next one will come.

Pushing the hair from your face, I look into your tired eyes.

“We’ll beat this won’t we?”

I smile softly, “Of course we will.”

For the first time in weeks, you smile—a proper Bella smile—and I know we’ll be
okay.


HONORABLE MENTION

@TinsleyWarren
Words: 296

“Compose yourself Bella,” I growl at my reflection.

The girl looking back at me isn’t the girl I saw when I came in here. That girl was full of hope. The girl I see now knows it’s over. The tears stain her face like battle scars as she clutches a stick, her knuckles turning white.

I know I should be happy, I should feel blessed. But instead I feel dread and emptiness.

I’m so lost.

I know I shouldn’t have let him pursue me. I knew it would blow up in my face. But I went with my heart and I let myself fall without thinking of the consequences. I just thought of him and the way his smile made everything better, and the way his fingers could make me feel so alive.

Now I won’t ever be able to forget the way he made me feel, because the evidence of our love for one another is growing inside of me.

I know I have to keep this to myself. Even if his promises and declarations of love are true, this could ruin him. It could ruin everything if I let this slip.

No matter what my feelings are for him, I’m just the help. I wish I remembered
that before all this happened.

I don’t have time to dwell on my mistakes, I need to do my job.

I hold my head up high as I dispose of the test. Securing a smile on my face I grab the tray of appetizers. It’s my job to make sure this event goes smoothly, it’s the most important one of the year for our country.

Today I’m working Prince Edward’s engagement party, and the future Princess has no idea I’m having his baby. And neither does he.




The Lemonade Stand would like to also thank all of the participants. We thoroughly enjoyed ALL of the entries!

And I have to add that it was a really hard one to judge this week - I wanted to give everyone an honorable mention, so thanks to everyone for entering - Nat xx

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Welcome To TLS Nursery!


Welcome to TLS Nursery! 

Here we nurture all of the newborn stories (stories published within the last 30 days or so), that we love! 

Everything in our nursery has been read and approved by a few, or a lot, of the TLS ladies, and we think you'll enjoy cuddling up to these babies as well.

As ever, there are some amazing stories to check out this month. Remember to leave these lovely ladies some love, and let them know TLS sent you!

XOXO

Laws of Decay by hollelujah
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9523185/1/Laws-of-Decay
A silent woman, an angry vampire, and a boy who wishes he could scream. An Edwardian exercise in angst. Short story, AU.

California Dreamin’ by chocaholic123
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9428516/1/California-Dreamin
1967. Summer stalked in like a lion that year, fierce and angry; looking for someone to eat. Among the hippies, free love and Vietnam, we were forced to grow up, whether we wanted to or not.

Birds of a Feather by luckyirishtart
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9459691/1/Birds-of-a-Feather
He drives her mad. She frustrates him to no end. How did they let it get this far? If you truly love someone, is it always worth fighting for? ExB AH

The Chosen Ones by AmaranthineX
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9488969/1/The-Chosen-Ones
A new world order emerges after an epidemic alters the foundation of life as we know it. The human race is in danger of extinction, but a select few have the ability to propagate life. This is the ultimate survival of the fittest. AH/M

Wet Sands by staceleo
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9423029/1/Wet-Sands
A mother's need to protect her children from sacrifice. Love awakening the cold, dead heart of a monster. A band of misfits attempting to stop an evil curse. What happens when dreams become twisted and nightmares become salvation.

Turn it Around by willyoupleasebequiet
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9433192/1/Turn-it-Around
The first time I met Edward Cullen, he had blue hair and wore a panda hat on his head. The second time, it was at a wedding and I convinced him to spend ten days in London with me. The third time, I shaved all his hair off on national television.

Suddenly by LyricalKris
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9437432/1/Suddenly
An apathetic actor. A young girl coming into her own. He was always larger than life to her. She was always just a child on the edge of his horizon. For both, love was a silly game other people played, until it wasn't.

Rare Purity by Ta Paixao
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9402813/1/Rare-Purity
Every communicable disease, every illness contracted by humans has soiled the blood supply a little further. Vampires seek only the purest sources of untainted blood. And among the highest order of the undead, a rumor persists of a superior race of human - a rare mutation that renders them immune to illness. In Forks, Edward finds the proof in a peculiar girl. B/EPOV. Lemons.

Ride or Die by MidnightLove87
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9507925/1/Ride-or-Die
Edward has a choice, ride or die. But he's at the end of his moto career, where his body can't take much more. Will he ride, and if so, at what consequence? Motoward/Bella

Untouchable by Greye Granger
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9470585/1/Untouchable
With a killer on the prowl, FBI Special Agent Edward Masen is on the case. Can he successfully work undercover at a large University, or will he fail by falling for an undergrad? Little does Bella Swan know, she is being hunted by the man that haunts the tormented Agent's dreams. FBIward. EPOV & BPOV. RATED M for Violence, Language, Lemons. AH.

My Sentimental Vampire by thepinkcupcake
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9439211/1/My-sentimental-vampire
Charlie dies a year after Edward leaves in New Moon. Bella inherits her great-grandfathers home in Chicago and all of his worldly possessions. Imagine her surprise when she discovers that Edward and her great-grandfather had been friends. Full summary inside. Rated M for language and lemons. B/E eventually.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

TLS Fics of the Week 7/23/13: The Fab Five


The Boy At Table Seven by LyricalKris
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9169277/1/The-Boy-At-Table-Seven
Life for a young waitress can be pretty mundane. The highlight of Bella'sweek was the lunchtime visit from the three sexy mechanics from acrossthe street. Then one day there was a little boy at her table left alone.Rated: Fiction M

Review by Songster

I admit to being a bit like Bella in one, no, two important ways: love of Edward (duh) and a hatred of birthdays.  So when my dear friend Lyrical Kris told me that she wanted to write something for me as a birthday gift, I was all … not the birthday!!! and then, my brain caught up. Lyrical Kris words – for ME.  YESSSS. And thus was born The Boy at Table Seven and as usual, she did not disappoint.

Jessica, snickered. "Don't let my husband put you off, Bella. Come ogle with us. They'll make it worth your while."

"Oooh. Jess!" Tanya was bouncing in place. "There's a new one today."

Though she thought it was just a little creepy, Bella gave in to the urge to stare. The trio wore coveralls, and she deduced they must work at Hale Mechanics just up the block. As they got closer, she could see what the others were going crazy about. All three of them were good looking in that slightly dirty kind of way. "Who are they?"

 "They're regulars. They come in at least once a week." Eric leaned in conspiratorially, pointing. "The big beefy one is Emmett McCarty. He's a flirt, but he's harmless." He sighed. "And tragically straight. He's the Jessica of their little group" He smirked at Jessica who rolled her eyes. "Though admittedly he's shacking up with the boss's daughter, not the boss. The blond is Jasper Whitlock. Likewise attached and quite the charmer."

"He's got a Southern drawl that will make your knees weak." Jessica fanned herself.

"And like Tanya said, that one," he pointed at the guy in the middle, "is brand new."

"Holy crap." They were at the door now, so Tanya dropped her voice to a whisper. "Newbie is edible."

And so it begins.  But there is a secret and a mystery that soon appears in the form of an adorable little boy who sits at table seven every day at the same time and disappears just as regularly, worrying good-hearted Bella.

Benjamin shifted so he was sitting up on his knees, leaning at the table so he could talk to her. "Daddy said everyone has a job. He has a job so he has a house so I can have my own room and dinner on the table. He said being a waiter is one of the worst jobs and you don't get paid butt-kiss." He paused and then clapped his hand over his mouth, giggling with abandon.

Bella smirked. "Do you mean bupkis?" she guessed.

I won’t spoil the mystery, but needless to say there is a connection that is soon discovered.  Our favorite duo has lots of obstacles to overcome, but in the end it is clearly worth the effort.

Remembering his text messages, how often he'd told her this last week exactly what he wanted, Bella felt emboldened. Though her heart was beating fast, she stepped up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. He cut off mid-word, his hands going to hers. Bella rested her head against his back, just breathing him in.

"You need to study, don't you?" His tone was soft, low - the exact opposite of helpful if he really wanted her to get back to studying.

She let her hands find his skin under his shirt. "You didn't come here to help me study."

He turned around, his hands at her waist, and he kissed her. There was more heat behind this kiss, and his hands quickly became more possessive, sliding up her back. "I just had to see you, that's all." He kissed her again. "I swear, I was trying to be good."

Bella found his belt loops and tugged his pants so that he walked a few steps forward, pressing her backward. "I don't want you to be good."

His breath stuttered, and he tilted his head to press a flutter of kisses to the skin of her neck. "What do you want?"

She sat on the bed, pulling him down with her so he was hovering over her. "You," she said, already breathless.

His eyes seemed to darken as he held her gaze for three long seconds. She reached up to run her fingers through his hair, and he buckled. His weight pressed her into the bed as he kissed her again.

And then there was this:

His lips were parted, his breath coming in hard, warm puffs against her cheek. He raised his hand slowly, running the tip of a single finger down the center of her chest then up, tracing the curve of first one breast, then the other. When he leaned in again to kiss her, his hand cupped her breast fully, his thumb rubbing over her nipple. "You're so beautiful."

Bella was out of words at that point. Her thoughts were cloudy, her voice reduced to mewls and whimpers. The enormity of the emotion she felt rendered her speechless. It was just so new and consuming.

That she loved this man.

That he loved her.

That he was hers and she was his and that nothing in the world had ever felt as right as this did.

She let the way her hands moved over his skin speak for her. As beautiful as he made her feel, he was just as stunning. She was instantly addicted to the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips, the way his muscles flexed under her palm as he moved.

When she fell backward on the bed, craving his weight on her, their bodies moved together. He pinned her down with his hips, she pressed up against him. She could feel how hard he was, and it only stoked her desire. She wanted him. She didn't have the words to tell him, but she needed him.

Bella moved her hands down, pressing against the small of his back, pressing him closer against her, before she moved them down to cup his ass. This time, he was the one who whimpered as her fingers moved over him.

There is such a lovely relationship that develops between these two, who have some heavy life responsibilities to manage along the way. This Edward is a true-blue every day hero. That he is a hot as Hades mechanic, a bit rough around the edges and living his life the best way he can is icing on the cake. I love how Lyrical Kris developed this Bella. She is no shrinking violet who automatically defers to Edward. She thinks long and hard about the complications of a relationship with him and in the end determines that he’s worth it.

I encourage you all to read this lovely story with a tiny bit of angst, many heartwarming moments, major hotness and it’s complete!! Go read, now.


Coming Home by Sarge's Girls
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8182137/1/Coming-Home
School teacher Bella sends a care package and letter to Army sergeant Edward, who is stationed in Afghanistan. They begin a relationship through letters, phone calls, and video chats. There's love, there's language, and there's adult situations, plus a strong, independent Bella and the Edward we all know and love. Rated M



Let Me by Iambeagle
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8990126/1/Let-Me
A story about two friends, a three-day music festival, and stupid love. EPOV. Rated M


I Was Nobody Once by Cutestkidsmom
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9405692/1/
Bella Swan was always an average girl, but when tragedy strikes she finds herself pulled into a world of lights, camera, action and mayhem. Will she let Edward's love lead her through the storms or will the darkness claim her. Romance/ Angst/ Drama. AH. Some non Canon coupling. Rated M


Beneath This Sky by Bedelia
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8396816/1/Beneath-this-Sky
Nineteen years ago, time unraveled. In a changed world, Bella fights to save aman from the past and a girl with no future. AU. Rated M

Monday, July 22, 2013

TLS Fics of the Week 7/16/13 - 7/22/13: The Sexy Six are up


Departures by TheFicChick
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8625604/1/Departures
"Every day for the rest of my life, I will wonder how kissing a virtual stranger goodbye could have felt like a hello." Rated M

Review by @Bebeninja

Bella is a flying out of Chicago to Seattle in the middle of winter, a week after Christmas.  The airport is packed with post-holiday travelers and those stranded from flight delays. Edward is on an EOD (military bomb squad) team and is on his way out on a tour of duty in Afghanistan.  He offers her a seat, and their story begins.

In their friendly conversation, they quickly cover topics of family, tantric sex, and women’s magazines.

"Well, since we've discussed family, hometowns, and your bedroom,

 I'd say it's about time I asked your name." His smile is warm and I feel

 something unfamiliar but not entirely unwelcome unfurl low in my belly.

They bond over Pearl Jam and other mutual music likes in their iPods.  And while their exchange is innocent at the start, it quickly becomes peppered with innuendo as they spend time together and really start to notice each other.

Breathtakingly green eyes, the jawline of a marble statue, eyelashes befitting

a starlet, long fingers, and he just used the word poetry. And just like that, I'm

aroused in an airport terminal.

When flights are delayed further, Edward asks her to breakfast. They eat, walk the terminal gift shops together, exchange personalized key chains, mark up a map with places they want to go, discuss public sex experiences, and Bella even takes off her shirt!

But despite all the sex talk, the UST isn’t overdone and in your face. TheFicChick possesses the unique ability to reveal character and develop a story through believable dialogue that gets you so comfortable with the characters, it’s like you’re sitting right next to them, chin on hands, listening to their conversation and nodding along.  Ok, maybe that’s just my fantasy.  But it’s still truth.  Their banter is playful, and the fact that it is so believable makes it all the more dreamy.

"You're like a Kennedy, aren't you?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Like, big family, all perfect, all beautiful."

He beams. "You think I'm beautiful?"

Warmth creeps up my neck, and I shuffle through my magazines so I have something to do with my hands. I do think he's beautiful, especially when he's smiling at me like that, and I want to kick myself for tipping my hand so spectacularly. 

"You know what I mean."

"I know it takes one to know one, Bella Swan."

Through their conversations you get to know these characters so well that you feel what they feel before they can tell you what they’re feeling. You know when important things are happening.  You can feel the instant connection and building attraction.

"I think we've surpassed the stranger portion of the program, don't you?"

Edward considers me for a moment and glances away from my face and down to his shirt before his expression sobers, his eyes hooded. "Yes. I'd say we have." There is a faint scraping sound, and I look away from the intensity of his eyes to see that he's pushing and pulling on the red straw of his now-empty smoothie, thrusting it in and out of the Styrofoam cup.

The motion is erotically reminiscent of something else, and heat licks at my body.

By the time Bella’s flight is ready to go they don't want to say goodbye.

"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.

They can’t help but kiss.  They exchange emails and he takes a picture of her with his phone. He writes immediately and they both can't stop thinking about each other.

This story was originally written as a O/S, and she was fiercely persuaded to continue it.  Because that’s what we do around here.  If you’re as good an author as TheFicChick, we butter you up with sweet, true words, and then demand more.

The bulk of the remaining chapters are flashbacks to the four months that passed between that day in the airport and the day Bella is sitting in traffic on her way to pick Edward up from his tour.  Things moved fast. They wrote each other, sharing more about themselves, flirting, discovering more about what they think of each other, and counting down the weeks until Edward is back stateside. Bella admitted “I suspect there's nothing about this that isn't somewhat strange, stranger. So how is it that it feels so normal?”

By the end of the first week, Edward was already asking, “ARE you still single? I thought I'd been working on changing that.”

Through a series of events, Bella met and became close to Edward’s family while he was away.  They began referring to each other as boyfriend/girlfriend.  Their words shifted from innuendo and flirting to outright plans to be naked together.

From: Edward Cullen

To: Bella Swan

Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2012 7:29 p.m. PST

Subject: The horse


Bella,

Forgive me for saying so, but there are certainly parts of me that could be described as…"horse-like." And rest assured that I'm not talking about my hair.

xo,

Edward

. . .

From: Bella Swan

To: Edward Cullen

Sent: Friday, February 24, 2012 6:12 a.m. PST

Subject: The jockey


Edward,

Which parts of you, specifically?

And that's convenient, as I've been told in the past that I'm a pretty good rider.

xo,

Bella

For reasons you will have to read about, they have a short window of time to be together upon Edward’s return before they are temporarily separated again.  Within a matter of days they’re exchanging I Love You’s.  And all I can say is their sweet, blessed reunion more than makes up for the long wait!  It sounds unrealistic, but the friendship and the trust that they’ve built with their words alone, and the way TheFicChick reveals their feelings with hers, makes you realize these two are meant to be together.  In fact, you long for this to happen.

Departures gives you everything you need in a fic in the perfect amounts: friendship, humor, UST, a little bit of drama to keep things interesting, and of course, romance.  It moves you, entertains you, makes you laugh, and yet, it’s so very original.  TheFicChick beautifully delivers all of these in a complete and tidy package of 10 chapters.

I can tell you that with over 300 fics under my belt, this has got to be in my top 20.  So, if you haven’t gotten to this one yet, you definitely need to join in on the flailing and read this story.  Go.  NOW!


Accidentally in Love by Missus T
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7778961/1/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 RatedM


Stay by Fictionfreak95
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8767352/1/Stay
Sometimes a blast from your past is exactly what you need to ignite your future. AH, BxE. Rated M


Rubbish by Belladonnacullen
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6763895/1/Rubbish
Trash. Dirty. Filthy. Late nights. Early mornings. Finally open your eyes to see Edward staring back. It's hard to remember to take out the trash when you're a high-class hooker. Do you need help cleaning house? Let the garbage collector do it. Rated M

Ties That Bind by EmmalynnMarie21
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9410800/1/Ties-That-Bind
"Car wreck, girl pinned, expect casualties!" The lieutenant shouted as the men raced to the trucks. Fireman Edward Cullen and his crew receive a call on a cold October night that will change their lives forever. All human, AU, cannon pairings. Rated M for adult content. Rated M

To Destroy by Walkingwithgiants
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7493279/1/To-Destroy
In the words of Abe Lincoln, "The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend." Bella works for a man that makes her teeth grind. "My boss is an asshole," she cried. Rated M

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Meet the Poll- What We're Reading In TLS This Week:



Each week we share with you what we are reading and enjoying. The following made the top of our lists last week. Please help us determine which 5 of these will be featured as fics of the week, next week, by choosing five from the poll on the right! 


All that Jazz by javamomma0921-rec’d by Yellowglue
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5928431/1/All-That-Jazz
AH/AU Set in 1919. Meet orphan sisters, Bella and Alice Swan, as they journey to Chicago to meet their Aunt Esme, brazen, disowned sister of their mother. Join Bella as she learns the true meaning of marriage and love. Rated M

California Dreamin' by Chocaholic123-rec’d by Nic/VampsHaveLaws
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9428516/1/California-Dreamin
1967. Summer stalked in like a lion that year, fierce and angry; looking for someone to eat. Among the hippies, free love and Vietnam, we were forced to grow up, whether we wanted to or not.  Rated M

Dark Games & Twisted Minds by Katinki-rec’d by Perry Maxwell
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5467692/1/Dark-Games-Twisted-Minds
2010 Indie Award Winner. A decades-long feud between two powerful vampires. A contest. A deadly game of cat and mouse. A woman's fate rests in his hands... but he can save her only if he manages not to kill
her himself first. AU.  Rated M

Dear Bella by Lellabeth-rec'd by Edmazing
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9314616/1/Dear-Bella
December 22 is the only day I let myself think of you. I don't know if you remember, but I'd do anything to forget. Rated M

Heat by PrincessRachael-rec'd by Drotuno
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9441302/1/Heat
Edward is an Alpha wolf of a dying pack in a world where she-wolves no longer exist. The responsibilities of too many lives rest on his shoulders and he's running out of time. Edward/Bella. Graphic lemons, violence, sensitive themes. Rated M

I Hate You Kiss Me by BittenBee-rec’d by Perry Maxwell
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4805328/1/I-Hate-You-Kiss-Me
Bella's given up on dating but has a one night stand w/mystery guy Edward. Both are surprised when he gets a job at her law firm! Coworkers Alice and Jasper, best bud Emmett & sultry boss Rose play a role in Bella's love life. Humor, UST. AU/AH OOC Ex.  Rated M

So Be It by SophiaAnne-rec-d by Suebee0619
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4843214/1/So-Be-It
Happy Harry is here again, live and streaming right into where you live. Are you ready for me?” Will Bella Swan find out who's behind the sexy voice that has her all hot and bothered? BxE - AU/AH, OOC, Lemons and Language. Now revised and expanded.  Rated M

Surviving the Rain by wandb-rec-d by Missus T
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6131815/1/Surviving-the-Rain
Extreme circumstances force Bella and Edward into an intense relationship amidst devastation, but will their foundation be enough to survive reality? AH. B/E. Rated M.

The Back Road by TallulahBelle-rec’d by Katinki
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6946401/1/The-Back-Road
Stories from childhood claimed that monsters lived behind the Cullen Estate's tall walls, so we avoided the back road which passed it. One day, I had to take the road and met one of the Estate's occupants to find no monster but someone extraordinary. Rated M

The Bad Vampires Handbook by Maxigrumpling-rec’d by The Saints Mistress
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9133049/1/
Turned by accident, nerdy loner Eddie faints at the sight of blood and wakes, often, at the morgue. There's no handbook for what he's become. When the Cullen's discover him he needs a total vampire makeover and the OCD, hypochondria and his image of what he is all have to go. Bella is given the task of educating him. She thinks he's a joke, but likes the glasses. E/B HEA assured. Rated M

Through Her Window by GeekChic12-rec'd by Agrutle
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9482503/1/Through-Her-Window
She's there again, taunting him. He wants her. He's always wanted her. Will watching her be enough? A mini-fic for Twilly's birthday. Rated M

Through the Flames by SparklingTwilight-rec’d by Perry Maxwell
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5883476/1/Through-the-Flames
One fateful night, 29y/o Edward must make the decision that haunts every firefighter's worst nightmares. In choosing between his life and that of another, life altering repercussions arise. Rated M. Contains graphic descriptions of fire. HF Warning.

Troika by Mortissues-rec’d by Nic/Susan Q Susan/Heather
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9332530/1/Troika
Waking up, not matter how long it takes, should be a wonderful thing. Powerful and liberating. Like emerging from the chrysalis. I should have known it wouldn't be like that for me. Rated M

Untouchable by Greye Granger-rec’d by Dolly Reader
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9470585/1/Untouchable
With a killer on the prowl, FBI Special Agent Edward Masen is on the case. Can he successfully work undercover at a large University, or will he fail by falling for an undergrad? Little does Bella Swan know, she is being hunted by the man that haunts the tormented Agent's dreams. FBIward. EPOV & BPOV. RATED M for Violence, Language, Lemons. AH.

When The Tree Fell by Cherry.blossomz-rec'd by Susan Q Susan/Heather
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9194906/1/When-The-Tree-Fell
Ona random November day, Bella sees a stranger watching her. She can't shake his face from her mind. She sees him everywhere and once she summons the nerve to confront him, she discovers that Edward is broken
man. Bella is drawn to him, but she has convinced herself that she is happier alone. Edward, however, will not be dissuaded from his powerful feelings for her. A/H ANGST.  Rated Fiction M

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Psst! We've got your angst...right here:


The TLS Contest is live and in full effect! So far we have seven entries up and we are still accepting submissions, so get your angst hats on and get to writing, ladies!

I wish that I could scream and shout about some of these entries, but I'll let you all decide for yourselves which ones kick you in the feels and leave you wanting more. Check out the entries here: 


Don't forget... you still have an entire week and a half (TEN FULL DAYS) to get your entries written, beta'd and submitted to angstcontesttls@gmail.com! 
Visit our ffn account above for the rules, regs and entry template. Thanks for reading and have a lovely weekend everyone!

Friday, July 19, 2013

TLS's Flash-Fic Fridays are in full effect! Come and see who's flashing us this week: 7/19 - 7/24

JOIN US EACH FRIDAY TO SEE WHO'S FLASHING US



Each Friday a new prompt will be posted along with the previous week's winners.

How does it work? Each Friday one admin of TLS
posts a picture prompt here to the blog. Using this image, entries are
created by commenting on this post. Submissions must be 100-300 words
ONLY. No more, no less. The entries are then judged and we post the
winners here, each Friday, to share with all of you.

THIS WEEK'S NEW PROMPT:



You will have until next Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST to submit your entry.

Picture prompt and judge this week is Evilnat.

Please leave your submission in the comment section at the bottom of the post using this format:
Your name (use your Twitter, Facebook or FFN name)
Your link to your FFN profile if you choose to share it
Submissions will be judged on Thursdays and on Friday the winning entry will be posted here, on the TLS blog.
This feature is open to everyone, so come one, come all!

LAST WEEK'S PROMPT: 




FIRST PLACE:

@GeekChic12FF
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2331711/
Word count: 300

Stupid fucking truck.

It would choose to break down in the middle of a motherfucking monsoon.

Shit.

There are only two other cars in the parking lot, the game long since finished.

I had to stay and help put away the equipment though. 'Ball girl' they call me.

Yeah. Fifteen sweaty teenage boys asking me to take care of their balls.

Fucking hilarious.

Huddled next to the brick wall of the gym, I search my bag for my phone.

"Hey, you okay? Need a ride?"

Fuck, that's a sexy voice. I glance up to see who owns it, and holy shit. "Cullen?"

He runs a hand through his wet hair, and my mouth falls open. I've only ever seen it parted on one side, combed down straight.

But right now it's this beautiful mess framing his face, some of it flopping onto his forehead with water steadily dripping off the ends.

His glasses are in his hand, probably too spotted or streaked with water to see through. Piercing green eyes blink back at me, framed by thick, dark lashes.

The white t-shirt clinging to his body shows off defined muscle--firm pecs, solid abs, that delicious V peeking out of his jeans, hard little nipples.

His jeans are soaked, showing off thick, muscular thighs, and I lick my lips.

Fuck.

"When did you get so fucking hot?" I blurt out.

Subtle, I am not.

His face twists in confusion. "Huh?"

"Seriously. Have you always been this hot?"

He rubs the back of his neck. "Um, I don't know. I've been working out, and-"

"No shit." I'm still gaping at him.

Edward glances toward the parking lot and back, still seemingly baffled. "So, uh... ride?"

I step forward and press my wet body to his. “Oh, yeah. I definitely want a ride."


SECOND PLACE:

Twilightladies
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2878973/twilightladies
Word Count: 299

Your rain-soaked t-shirt clings to you like a second skin. My eyes hungrily roam your body.

Your muscles twitch beneath my wandering hands. As I move lower I hear your sharp intake of breath.

I love that with a simple touch, I have this effect on you.

“What about—“

“Don’t,” you mutter. “Don’t you dare say her name.”

Your hands are on the button of my jeans. The rain has soaked them through, but you still manage to push them past my hips.

“I refuse to think of her when I’m with you.”

“She wants to work things through.” I gasp as your fingers move deftly beneath my panties.

“I don’t care,” you growl. “She signed our divorce papers the day she cheated.”

My weak argument comes to an abrupt end as your fingers find my sensitive flesh.

“Fuck, baby, you’re so wet.”

“For you,” I whimper as your thumb finds my clit.

The rain continues to pound us, but I barely notice.

I fumble with your belt. “Don’t. I just want to see you fall apart.” Your urgent voice coupled with your expert fingers brings me to the edge within minutes.

“Edward,” I gasp.

“You’re mine Bella. You’re going to go back inside and finish things with him.”

I look back to my house, the lights glowing through the darkness. You grasp my chin and turn my attention back to you. “Don’t look. This is all that matters right now. Right here. Right now.”

I tighten around your fingers and bite back a moan as my orgasm approaches.

“Say it. Say you’ll do it.”

Your thumb presses my clit, and your name falls from my lips. I come hard. Your fingers continue their sweet torture as I descend from my high.

“Yes. I’ll finish it.”


THIRD PLACE:

Bravery0898
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1414529/
Word count: 299

"You sleep like the dead!" I rub my eyes and see my roommate standing over my bed. "Your phone has been ringing nonstop and that guy is yelling from under your window again. It's 3AM."

I grab my shoes, and groggily rush down the stairs. I see Edward Cullen, holding his phone to his ear, frowning up at my window, like every other night. I tremble near the wall, realizing that I have no bra on and that it's fucking raining.

"What do you want?" I hiss.

"Bella," he grins because he knows I have to see him to get him to leave.

"Well?"

"A kiss?"

"For the last time, you aren't getting in my pants." I yawn and stretch my arms.

"Those pants are nice," he smirks and closes the distance between us. He pins my arms above me. I'm trapped. He teasingly dips the forefinger of his free hand into the waistband of my yoga pants. I shiver. "But I think they're too small for me."

Normally, I can successfully send him away. Tonight, though, my fatigue has ruined everything. I notice his shirt to cling to his body. As I do, his hand creeps further into my panties. I gasp as he rubs me. I'm sure he can feel my arousal. While I'm distracted by the pleasure, he kisses me.

Then, he pulls back and pushes my hair out of my face. His eyes are overwhelmingly tender as he brings one of my hands to his erection.

"Please." I feel his breath against my face, and with little thought other than how much I want him inside me, I answer.

"Okay."

Hidden behind the trees and against the brick of my building, Edward gets what he's always wanted.


HONORABLE MENTION:

@bebeginja
http://www.fanfiction.net/~bebeginja
Word count: 299

“Fuck, come on!” I pound my dash as I miss the light.

Work kicked my ass today, and now I’m racing home late. I need these heels off and my sweats on. I need a glass of wine and my favorite throw blanket. Right after I feed the kids, get them bathed, and do the dishes. Shit, I’m exhausted.

I’m on autopilot, when I see movement outside. It’s a couple up against a building. In the pouring rain.

“Thaaat’s unfortunate,” I scoff.

And then I really see them. He’s leaning into her. They’re soaked but smiling. Kissing. Handsy.

In a flash I’m envious. Edward and I were them once. Uninhibited. Unabashedly affectionate. Oblivious to anything but each other. I miss the days of our young love.

A car honks at me when the light changes, and jars me back into the present.

I arrive home hurried and flustered to find the house quiet, warm. There’s a fire already lit. Edward is seated at the table with our girls. They’ve eaten and he … did he make cookies? Oh god, I could jump him right here and now!

“Welcome home, babe.” The previous ten hours immediately melts away with his smile and I want to cry in relief. And joy. I’m on the verge of tears when I collapse in his arms.

He hands me a glass of wine, and with a gentle kiss ushers me toward the bedroom.

“Let me finish with the girls, then I’ll come take care of you,” he whispers.

I think back to the couple in the rain. We used to be them. But now we’re this. They won’t be this for at least another fifteen years.

I hear my girls laugh with their daddy in the other room.

I wouldn’t trade this for the world.


HONORABLE MENTION:

AngelycDevil
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2647450/AngelycDevi
lWord Count: 300

I don't know why I'm here. I shouldn't be here...waiting for him in the pouring rain. He broke my heart and left me in the dust. He's engaged.

I will be too. Soon.

I picture Jake's rugged-yet-beautiful face in my head and start walking home. I don't hear anything, but suddenly, I'm pulled backward and shoved against a wall. He towers over me, his bright green eyes clouded with rage.

“I've been looking everywhere for you.” His words are immersed in venom, his hate for me.

I look at him square in the eyes. “I'm here. What do you want?”

He stares at me as the anger in his eyes melts into...desolation. I strain to hear his whisper. “Are you really going to marry him?”

The nerve of this man...

I ball my hand into a fist. “Yes.”

“But why? You don't love him.”

I scoff. “I don't love him? How exactly did you come that conclusion, Mr. Cullen?” I all but snarl at him.

“Because you love me.” There's a small smirk at the corner of his lips. It's the last straw for me.

After everything that's happened, after years of being a part of this one-sided love, he admits it now?

He's too late.

I shove at him with everything that I have and run...only to be dragged back and trapped again.

His face is mere inches from mine, his eyes coal-black. I struggle against him. “You love me. No one else can have you. You. Are. Mine.”

Before I can reply, he kisses me, his lips soft and yielding compared to his tight grip. I can't escape, so I do what I've dreamed of doing since middle school; I wrap my arms around his neck and fall into him.


Thanks ladies for the great entries. I loved reading them all.
Xoxo,
Tracy

Thursday, July 18, 2013

TLS has a new look! Come and take a look at our SCORCHING new header:

Mayhem Cover Creations has hooked us up with a sizzling new header!

If you've followed TLS from the beginning, you know that this blog is ever changing. TLS has come a long way since 2010 when it was all the the neon colors of the rainbow... until we adopted a color scheme of black and yellow in 2011.

Today, we say goodbye to black and yellow and hello to skins. This new nude look we've adopted is sure to be easy on your eyes while reading the latest Fic of the Week reviews, Lemon Drops recommendations, Nursery additions and Poll noms. We sure hope that you will enjoy it and we are forever thankful to Soapy Mayhem of Mayhem Cover Creations for our insanely hot new header!

Most of you are familiar with Soapy, she's a sweet little doll that's been around for quite some time now and has ventured out into the original Fiction area of our fandom. She not only owns her own design firm now but she also has her own publishing company, Mayhem Erotica, as well. 

If you're a new author our there with no expertise in the design field but want a professional look, take a look below at just a few of the covers from Mayhem Cover Creations, and visit her sites for more information about how you can get a striking cover, help with marketing swag and some great layout, editing and publishing packages as well:


       



Mayhem Publishing prides itself on providing authors the opportunity to write and publish dynamic and well-developed original novels while maintaining complete control of their work through the self-publishing process. Publishing with Mayhem has created an outlet for each of our authors where they can spread their wings and flourish outside the erotic genre.

We are a team of writers, editors, and designers who collaborate to provide readers the best in quality. As a small press, Mayhem Publishing commissions both authors and individual written works for distribution. We offer affiliations with bloggers and book tours, a full line of graphic and book formatting services, as well as links to a wide range of professional editing services for our writers.

In our inception, we cast ourselves as primarily publishing erotic works, but have since added three new imprints to the Mayhem Publishing line, including New Adult Fiction, Erotic Fiction, and Fantasy Fiction.
Mayhem Publishing’s foundation was built on a small group of authors who got their start in writing Fanfiction, but were steadfast in developing their craft and creating original works for publication. While romance and erotica may be our core, we’ve found that our fans have become loyal followers of the story-telling, not just smut with an HEA.

We are always looking for dedicated authors who wish to share a story, or perhaps even join the Mayhem team.

VISIT MAYHEM COVER CREATIONS TO GET YOUR OWN COVER CREATION TODAY!










Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Lemon Drops 7/17/13: 5 New School Authors You Need To Know


This week I’m bringing you one shots by some of the newer fandom authors that I think you should get to know, if you haven’t already. Their stories are bold, smart, and sexy. And guaranteed to please. 
Read up, check out their other works, devour their fave lists. And forever and ever, please leave your authors some love.

Xoxo
Mel


Fringe Benefits by chocaholic123
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9101443/1/Fringe-Benefits
In the hot, humid Virginia summer, Bella juggles real life responsibilities with babysitting in an effort to prepare financially for college. Enter Edward Cullen: sexy, older and very married, with a body that Bella simply can't ignore. Suddenly, the weather isn't the only thing that is sweltering on the fringe of Bella's life. My Entry for the Taste of the Forbidden 2 contest. Fiction M -  Drama/Romance - Bella & Edward - Words: 10,702


Move Like You Want by thimbles
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8431129/1/Move-Like-You-Want
Every single gig has been hours and hours of torturous foreplay, played out on a stage for everyone around us to see. I watch you. I want you. And tonight, if you're willing, I'm going to have you. M for musicians, some swearing and sex. Fiction M - Romance - Edward & Bella - Words: 5,135


Room 3 by jonesn
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9100214/1/Room-3
At the end of a winding hallway it can be found. No one has entered Room 3…until now. Fiction M - Edward & Bella - Words: 5,190


Someone Like You by IReen H
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7751603/1/Someone_Like_You
Age of Edward Judges Choice Winner: Bella struggles with mental illness, Edward struggles with fidelity. Story set in 1950 with flashbacks through the 40s. Title based on "Someone Like You" by Doris Day. Fair Warning - Macabre. Character Death. AH, AU B/E Fiction M - English - Romance/Tragedy - Edward & Bella - Words: 11,439


The Preacher's Daughter by Hoodfabulous
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9099390/1/The-Preacher-s-Daughter
My entry in 'The Taste of the Forbidden II' contest. The preacher's daughter, eighteen-year-old Bella Swan, has some dark, hidden, sexual desires. When gynecologist Dr. Edward Cullen, moves to town, will the high school senior make her fantasies with the much older doctor become a reality? Fiction M - Romance/Drama - Bella & Edward - Words: 10,209
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