What we're reading in TLS this week:

We have a diverse variety of fic choices to improve your Monday. We have some fledgling fics, some established ones capturing our attention with every update, and some old faithfuls we are revisiting. Whatever your taste in fic, we have a sample of something just for you! We hope you enjoy these as much as we have. Be sure to let the author know where you saw them rec'd, when you leave them some love. Happy Reading!

♥ Nic & Six  

Against the Odds by Knicnort3-rec'd by Sherry N.
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8641927/1/Against-the-Odds
When her brother Emmett is diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, Bella attempts to save him by secretly embarking on a radical scheme involving his best friend Edward. As their plan proceeds, Bella and Edward must deal with the repercussions of their actions and a love they were never expecting. Rated M

Alaska by Anton M-rec'd by Staceleo
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10600868/1/
Bella has a cotton candy romance going on with her taciturn best friend. In her head. So after two years of hearing about Edward's home, Bella pays a visit to Alaska. Rated M

Angel Is A Centerfold by LyricalKris-rec'd by Nic/Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10591521/1/
The Madonna-whore complex. The idea that women's sexual expression is limited to being virginal or being degraded. Or lady in the streets and a freak in the sheets? Pffft. Where's the fun in that? Rated M

Bella of Victoria by DH78-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7764436/1/Bella-of-Victoria
Kindred spirits, family, and love... she finally had it all. Her stubbornness may have caused her to lose the one who knows her best. A story about growing up and growing love. Rated M

Cadillac by ThisIsReallyHappening-rec'd by VampsHaveLaws
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10600676/1/Cadillac
He once told me I stared at the sun too long. "You keep looking, Dimples, and you're gonna miss the one thing that rises and shines for you." He was right. Rated M

Counsel by Write Sisters-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9690778/1/COUNSEL
Known as Counsel to his friends, bastard or worse to his enemies, Edward is set to prosecute a case against, Jasper, a college friend and politician. Jasper engages another friend, James as his lawyer. Isabella, a key witness, becomes involved with all three. Can she navigate a path between these ruthless men, and will the mens' friendship survive? Rated M

Dark Paradise by Allihavetodoisdream-rec'd by VampsHaveLaws
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10594891/1/Dark-Paradise
She lives in a make-believe world of open roads and endless freedom to escape an addiction-riddled mother and a grabby older man with sick intentions. Adrift in a place of uncaring hearts, she makes her getaway. She finds a ratty old motel, late night smokes, a new life, and a boy with a past as clouded as her own. A boy with a dark gentleness too beautiful to ignore. Rated M

Facebook Friends by GreenPuma-rec'd by Edmazing
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5334078/1/Facebook-Friends
Bella is shocked when her sexy but standoffish lab partner, Edward, friends her on Facebook. Will Alice, convince her to accept Edward's friend request? Or will she write it off as a prank of the conceited, spoiled rich kid she knows him to be? Rated M

Fill Me With Your Poison by Nolebucgrl-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7007740/1/Fill-Me-with-Your-Poison
Bella Swan's intrigued by vampires. Edward Cullen's bored and alone. What happens when they meet? Rated M

Forget Her Not by CrimsonHarps-rec'd by Nic/Fanfic Maplestyle
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10428183/1/Forget-Her-Not
Bella has hated Edward for years, but thanks to a recent head injury, she doesn't seem to remember who he is let alone her feelings of intense hatred. Meanwhile, Edward decides to have some fun with his favorite adversary when the opportunity arises. What's a girl who can't remember supposed to do when her sworn enemy claims they've secretly been friends with benefits for months? Rated M

Halfway to Anywhere by SydneyAlice-rec'd by VampsHaveLaws
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10587412/1/Halfway-to-Anywhere
Life on the streets is hard. Life on the run is even harder. Two troubled teenagers try to escape their horrific pasts in hopes of a brighter future. Rated M

Heart's Desire by Daisyandphoebe-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10317585/1/Heart-s-Desire-Ceanothus-gloriosus
Bella's life, predictable and streaked with poor timing, can use a re-landscape. The decision to make some changes brings with it an old friend. The boy who had pulled up a chair, opened a sketch pad, and infiltrated her mind for four years stands, now a man, behind her screen. But inviting him in is not as simple as opening the door. Rated M

Hooked Up and Locked Down by Layathomemom-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9320881/1/Hooked-Up-and-Locked-Down
All he wants is a distraction. And a distraction is what he gets when a night out with friends leads to a steamy hook-up. Of course, sometimes things look different in the morning... but that's the trouble with one-night stands in locked down Boston. Rated M

Lessons of a MPW by Christie Hart-rec'd by Fanfic Maplestyle
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10509795/1/Lessons-of-a-MPW
Four guys. Four babies on the way. One house, and one very mad, pregnant woman. Rated M

Love Like Crazy by JiffyKate-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10516118/1/Love-Like-Crazy
After meeting Edward, Bella thought her life would finally calm down, but nothing could prepare her for what happens next. Life takes a crazy turn and she realizes that the best revenge is moving on. *sequel to Crazy Good* Rated M

Make Your Own Kind of Music by Lazykate-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5443485/1/Make-Your-Own-Kind-of-Music
True love always conquers all...but in the real world, can Edward handle what Bella has chosen to do for those she loves? Rated M

Pen Pals by Greye Granger-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10559764/1/Pen-Pals
After being pen pals for years, Bella and Edward had planned to meet during the fall of 2014. Unfortunately, they lost touch, and now Bella is making the trip cross country to see him. Will Edward be there? Will he have moved on entirely? Rated M

Son of a Preacher Man by LaViePastiche-rec'd by VampsHaveLaws
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5058174/1/Son-of-a-Preacher-Man
The wild son of a famous televangelist, Jasper likes to love ‘em and leave ‘em. Will he meet his match in Bella, who’s in love with his sister’s boyfriend Edward? And what happens when Edward finally notices her? Rated M

The Resolution by Coldplaywhore-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5307740/1/The-Resolution
Bella is coming out of her shell with the help of her two best friends, Rosalie and Alice. All three girls have visions of falling for the popular boys, but when Bella's life is turned upside down, will Edward be able to help her? Will he even want to? Rated M

Unexpected by RockRaven244-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7037151/1/Unexpected
An unexpected event throws Bella into the hands of the Chicago mob. Can Bella accept the path her new life is taking? And how will Edward come to terms with the idea that he is responsible for Bella's safety? Rated M

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

The Lemonade Stand has spent years bringing you the best the fandom has to offer and we are very excited to have the chance to offer you MORE. We've watched stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE in The Nursery and now we're sharing previews of the stories that will soon be your new addiction. 

This week, the gorgeous SparrowNotes24, author of the beautiful Hollow Veins and co-author of the hilarious The Art of Getting Fluffed, shares some info on her upcoming story Sea Salt with us.

Sea Salt is a story about a girl who doesn't see herself clearly; a boy who can't escape reality and a town full of opposites.

A job application sparks her desire to discover who she really is. 

A beautiful beach house, courtesy of an absent father, gives her the perfect opportunity. 

A boy who has been treading water for a long time might show her the way.

Whether it's a sixth sense or perhaps survival instinct, I feel someone's eyes on me. 

I look up and find a gaze fixed on my face. A boy, waiting for the next bus. He's leaning against the wall of the ticket office, shaded from the sun. His hair is wild. His eyes unwavering as they meet mine. Unsettling and full of something I should probably be wary of. 

Despite the beauty of the ocean, Bella finds herself in murky waters, struggling against an errant father, entitled rich kids, and the lure of a boy from the wrong side of town who always seems just out of reach.

She's caught in the undertow and tangled up with deceit and lies before she can listen to the warning from the boy in the shadows. 

"It's not safe to be down here alone."

I turn to see the outline of a boy in the darkness. 

"Is that a threat?" 

He laughs and it's all smoke and rocks. "If it was, would I tell you?"

"Maybe not, depends on how crazy you are." 

"You should assume I'm the craziest."

There's nothing threatening about him. Then there's everything.  I suppose it depends on what you're protecting.

I dreamt up this story one evening while people-watching by the sea. Tourists filling the beach during the day, some staying to watch the sunset, and then the locals arriving—surfboards in tow—to enjoy the last few waves. It made me wonder how the two worlds could collide and then spiralled from there into Sea Salt. If you choose to come along on the ride with me, I hope you'll enjoy it! 

Sparrow x

.

Don't forget to pop Kate on alert so you don't miss out!

♥ Kim

The Lemon Drops: 8/14/14

Who's up for some Thursday thrusting? I'm serving up a hot, hot, hot batch of single serving reads. Enjoy 'em and please remember to leave your authors some love.

Xoxo,

Mel

A Love Like This by Brits23
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8595694/1/A-Love-Like-This
Bella's life changes in a heartbeat when she meets a beautiful, shy Edward Cullen at a summer concert. Before they get a chance to start, a shocking discovery has them questioning every thing…everything except the way they feel for one another. Edward is her teacher. Bella is his student. Fiction M - Romance/Angst - Edward, Bella - Words: 11,618

Admit it, whether you had a drool worthy prof or not, the hot for teacher fantasy is real. Is it the rebellious rush? The advantages of an experience lover? Read and decide for yourself. 

Broken Strings by Stella Luna Sky
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5969445/1/Broken-Strings
Bella Swan goes to a local bar to watch a band for her media class. She doesn't expect to be moved by the voice - much less the man behind the voice. She only has two weeks with him, and choosing wisely has never been her forte. M for... you know. Fiction M - Romance - Words: 8,032

There is something sexy about musicians. That passion, that control, that spark. And Broken Strings is filed with that wow factor. 

Lust by planetblue
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10167983/1/Lust
My take on the sin for the SALIGIA compilation: "Seven sinful one shots from seven of the Twilight fandom's most sinful." Fiction M - Bella, Edward - Words: 10,054

A query was floating around facebook the other day asking who wrote the best lemons and Planetblue's name was alllll over that thread. Come see what all the fuss is about. 

The Neighbor byMalloryKnoxx
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8018842/1/The-Neighbor
"I'm standing here with my face pressed against my door looking through the peephole at my neighbor...I wonder if she knows I'm watching". BXE PWP One big lemon
Rated: Fiction M - English - Bella, Edward - Words: 3,433

This one starts off steamy and only gets better. What's better than lusting after your neighbor? Having it be mutual, of course. 

The Truth According to Tumblr by nikkipattinson
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9788356/1/The-Truth-According-to-Tumblr
I was completely addicted to his blog. I woke to it every morning and went to bed with it every night. He was the man of my fantasies and then I asked him a mundane question…. BxE
Fiction M - Humor/Romance - Bella, Edward - Words: 22,640

Holy hell, ladies. This right here? This is social media fantasy at. Its. Best. Teasing, flirting, want, and follow through- it is all there and then some.

What we're reading in TLS this week:

Our theme for this compilation of recs is 'things that make you feel'.  These fics vary from happy to angsty. They make your heart pump a little harder and leave you wanting more, more, more. Take a look at this great list of recommendations and take a moment to let the author know where you saw them and leave them some love! Happy Reading :)

♥ Nic & Six

A Bullet from Chekhov's Gun by Callmepagliacci-rec'd by Katinki
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8520585/1/A-Bullet-from-Chekhov-s-Gun
"Charming" was the first deep cover Edward Cullen ever affected, years before he became a spy. Bella Swan is an American girl at Oxford with skills MI6 wants. "Befriending" Bella Swan will be his most challenging mission yet. Rated M

Abandoned Heart by Kitchmill-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10316778/1/Abandoned-Heart
I wanted to push him away, to tell him to just go now, because I was a battle he'd never win. Rated M

Catch My Breath by Tanglingshadows-rec'd by MrsSpaceCowboy
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8227043/1/Catch-My-Breath
Once upon a time, a quirky woman barreled into a soft-spoken man's life and turned it upside down. Not that he complained about it. Rated M

Days Like This by Soft Ragoo-rec'd by MrsSpaceCowboy
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6220974/1/Days-Like-This
Bella and her newborn adjust to their life together but it seems everywhere they go, they encounter the same man with the captivating eyes and sexy smile. Edward's life lacks something he desires. Has he been handed a challenge or a reward? Rated M

I Can't Outrun You by MariahajilE-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10459893/1/
A girl who can't trust. A guy who wants to show her how. A short story about how love really is all you need. E/B. M for lemons, language, love, laughter, and life. Rated M

Jurisdiction by StillDreaming85-rec'd by Sherry N./Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10165529/1/Jurisdiction
War has ripped the world apart and Bella is living in one of the few cities left in the States. Life is cruel, there is no freedom, food is scarce, and a few people hold all the power. Will Bella be able to survive? Will Edward be able to save her from Mike's snare? - Thugward Rated M

Quiet On The Set by Duhitsangie-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6689505/1/Quiet-On-The-Set
America's sweetheart Isabella Swan and Hollywood's playboy Edward Cullen are cast together in an upcoming movie. Will there be sparks or will things just be quiet on the set? And is everything the tabloids say just as it seems? Rated M

Rest My Soul by MrsSpaceCowboy-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9786923/1/Rest-My-Soul
On opposite corners of Third Street and Beale, two lonely people fight to stay that way. Her scars are on the surface, soft on her skin and in her eyes. His run bone-deep, seeped in bourbon and blues. EPOV. Rated M

Rhapsody in B by Lillybellis-rec'd by Nic/Jaime
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5427856/1/Rhapsody-in-B
When a rising musician falls in love with his small-town childhood friend, can their yearly New Year's Eve tradition bring them together once he rockets to stardom and leaves her behind? Rated M

Snapshots by LyricalKris-rec'd by Cappricorn75/Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9959272/1/Snapshots
When his older brother walked out on his girlfriend, Bella, on the worst night of her life, Edward was there to pick up the pieces. Jasper breezed back into town after being missing for three years to find his family had reformed around the hole he left behind. Rated M

Spark by AngelycDevil-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9960510/1/
The worlds of Austen-loving rocker Bella and quiet computer-geek Edward collide in one passion-filled moment, but he thinks it's too good to be true. Will another chance encounter smack in the back of his head and change his mind or will he be too late? Rated M

The Best I Ever Had by WhatsMyNomDePlume-rec'd by MrsSpaceCowboy
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6752826/1/The-Best-I-Ever-Had
Sex between friends complicates everything. Bella knows this. But she has no idea how much more Edward is going to complicate things. Rated M

The Late Late Show With Edward Cullen by Chartwilightmom-rec'd by Jenn G.
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5451548/1/The-Late-Late-Show-With-Edward-Cullen
Bella is a famous actress and Edward is a host of a late night talk show. What do they whisper to each other when they greet each other on stage? Rated M

The Learning Curve by Amethyst Jackson-rec'd by Nic/CarrieZM
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7512901/1/The-Learning-Curve
When Bella's boyfriend brings up the issue of her virginity with his ex, she decides to take charge of her own fate. Rated M

The Lottery of Life by IBACULLEN-rec'd by Coppertop
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10336818/21/The-Lottery-of-Life
Bella has been blessed with the finer things in life. She has always been focused on what she has and never understanding that money doesn't buy you everything. It will take one stupid bet and a homeless man to teach her what really is important in life. Can Edward get through to snobby Bella Swan and show her what she has been missing? Rated M

The Road Home by Iridescent Silver-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10504507/1/The-Road-Home
"I let it go. It's like swimming against the current. It exhausts you. After a while, whoever you are, you just have to let go, and the river brings you home." ― Joanne Harris. Rated M

Tunes with Tony Masen by Just4ALE-rec'd by Nic/Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5821478/1/Tunes-with-Tony-Masen
Our late night calls were fascinating. His attitude in person was frustrating. Stupid radio host with the velvety, seductive voice. Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? Will the real Tony Masen please stand up? Rated M

Walk With Me? by Windchymes-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10544958/1/
Bella makes a decision she believes is for the best, but it seems the universe doesn't agree. Rated M

What's In A Name by Bnpwrites-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8804979/1/What-s-In-A-Name
Edward's got a Caddy, a lame nickname, and a thing for Jake's girl. Life is funny sometimes. Rated M

Wisp by Cris-rec'd by Edmazing
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8051177/1/Wisp
Edward wins more than he bargained for at what was supposed to be a friendly poker game. Rated M

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

The Lemonade Stand has spent years bringing you the best the fandom has to offer and we are very excited to have the chance to offer you MORE. We've watched stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE in The Nursery and now we're sharing previews of  the stories that will soon be your new addiction. 

This month, the exciting new talent allihavetodoisdream, author of the stand-out story Hollywood, shares a little detail on her upcoming story Dark Paradise with us.

I didn’t like the way he looked at me.

I never did.

Bella has a dreamer’s mind, an artist’s soul, a heart of gold. She lives in a make-believe world of open roads and endless freedom to escape an addiction-riddled mother and whispered words of hate in school. To escape a grabby older man with sick intentions.

He always found excuses to touch me, to run his hand down my arm or brush his fingers on my cheek. I would hold still and be quiet, staring up at him with my empty eyes until he stopped.  He’d laugh, say something cruel.

Mom was always too high to notice.

Finally, adrift in a world of uncaring hearts, Bella makes her escape. She finds a ratty old motel, late night smokes, a new life, and a boy with a past as dark as her own. A boy with a dark gentleness too beautiful to ignore.

“Where do you work?” I ask, noticing all the oil on his work shirt.

“Car garage. Down the road.” He tilts his head vaguely in the right direction, but he never looks away from the sky. There’s longing in his gaze, longing that’s achingly familiar to me and different at the same time.

He’s got old, sad eyes.

“Every man I’ve ever known who works at a car garage has a golden heart,” I murmur.

This makes him turn his gaze back to me. I see now that his big eyes are hazel and absolutely fascinating. He stares for a moment, and then he smirks. It makes his dimples appear again, and it makes one eye squint, almost like he’s winking. He flicks his cigarette out and stands up, shrugging.

"Well, maybe you’ve just met an exception.” He winks good-naturedly and starts for his room. “Night, mystery girl.”

“Goodnight,” I call back softly.

His words were light, but the meaning was heartfelt.

He hates himself.

It’s a feeling I can relate to.

Dark Paradise is inspired by Lana Del Rey’s music video Ride. I just thought the character Lana portrayed in that video was so unique and captivating, and I wondered more about her, about her past and what had brought her to that certain point in her life. So I imagined a life for her and thus came this fanfic! I hope whoever decides to read it will enjoy!  (:

.

Don't forget to pop Lila on alert so you don't miss out!

♥ Kim