What we're reading in TLS this week:

How about jump starting your Monday with some Lemonade?! We have 25 delicious choices for your reading pleasure. Get cozy & dig in. Be sure to let the author know where you saw their story featured & leave them some love. Have a great week!

♥ Nic & Six  

Another Heart Calls by Uselessid90-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6072448/1/Another-Heart-Calls
The tale of an affair gone horribly right. What happens when you're already married and you meet the person you were meant to be with? This choice will make or break Edward Cullen. Rated M

Artful Maneuvers by Planetblue-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10693749/1/Artful-Maneuvers
I needed to figure out who Edward Cullen was before he figured out me. Rated M

Boxing Out by MeilleurCafe-rec'd by Evilnat/Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7534919/1/Boxing-Out
Bella is a little lost while trying to make a new life in the Big Apple. Edward is a Manhattan police officer who knows it to the core. They meet at court. Will this new romance be a slam dunk? Rated M

Designated Hitter by Esmegrace-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10533355/1/Designated-Hitter
Orthopedic surgeon, Bella Swan encounters the last person she ever expected to see again on Valentine's Day no less. Can she remain professional with Major League pitcher, Edward Masen, given their pasts? Rated M

Fairy Godfather by Cris-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10635158/1/Fairy-Godfather
Young doctor Edward pulls a beautiful girl out of harms way, and finds that he may have just stumbled onto his greatest desire. Daddykink, so if that's not your thing, go elsewhere.
Rated M

Getting Blitzed by Nolebucgrl-rec'd by Edmazing
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10676370/1/
The continuing adventures of Cockyback and Reed Girl. College is over and real life awaits. How will they handle the ups and downs thrown their way as Edward enters the NFL and Bella approaches graduation? Rated M

He Came Along by HopeSparkles-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9894117/1/He-Came-Along
This was going to be a fresh start; a new beginning, in a far off place. But what happened that night, on a dark road near Maxwell changed everything for Bella. Rated M

Isabella by Suitablyironicmoniker-rec'd by VampsHaveLaws
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10087055/1/Isabella
In the Cornish countryside of 1804 England, a foreign visitor brings Isabella to reconsider the inexplicable occurrences she had always taken for granted. Rated M

Lean Into the Fall by Ifyouweremine-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10683064/1/Lean-into-the-Fall
Bella is leery of falling in love. She soon learns that life is filled with countless forms and degrees of emotions. There is love, loss, healing, and everything in between. Rated M

Mate of Honor by MagTwi78-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8750134/1/Mate-of-Honor
Best friends Bella and Edward have a deal—if they're not married by the time they're 30, they'll marry each other. While she's been searching for Mr. Right, he's been busy with Miss. Right Now. Would you be happy seeing your long-time love say 'I do' to someone else?
Rated M

Outbound by Aftrnoondlight-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7239880/1/Outbound
Two beautiful souls humbly traveling life's lonely path, until fate suddenly shows her hand. Will Edward and Bella surrender willingly... A tender, romantic tale of love and life in the clouds. Rated M

Scotch, Gin, and the New Girl by Wtvoc-rec'd by VampsHaveLaws
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4561940/1/Scotch-Gin-and-the-New-Girl
Les Liaisons Dangereuses, je crois. We were Cruel Intentions. We are Gossip Girls. We do not care. At all." Rated M

Sear by Rochelle Allison-rec'd by Dreamweaver94
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10682931/1/
Bella, one week into a housesitting job, has an unexpected, late night visitor. Rated M

Stealing Bella by Violet Bliss-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10650168/1/Stealing-Bella
"What are you waiting for?" Her angry hiss makes him smirk as she struggles against him. "I'm just wondering if seducing my enemy's sister-in-law will have quite the same satisfaction as seducing his wife." To repay a debt owed by her sister, Isabella Swan must spend seven nights in the bed of the scarred and scandalous Edward Cullen, her family's greatest enemy. Rated M

Stolen Secrets and Shattered Dreams by FoxxyJ-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7385951/1/Stolen-Secrets-and-Shattered-Dreams
A NYC barman views his mind reading as an isolating cancer, until he meets a lonely 28yr old trying to escape her sad reality. His life is full of harsh lessons. Hers an uphill battle, so she never complains when a beautiful boy pushes her away time and time again. Rated M

Strong Foundations by PlotBunnyWranglers-rec'd by Cared Cullen
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10654999/1/
When an amazing opportunity finally comes up to have everything they want, will they take it? Can they remain professional for the sake of success? Celebrating never felt so good. Rated M

The American President by Rushed-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8213149/1/The-American-President
As the President of the United States, Edward Cullen finds it difficult to meet women. So his brother secretly employs the services of an escort agency to help fulfill certain presidential needs. Rated M

The Blue Hour by Mortissues-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10500426/1/The-Blue-Hour
The blue hour is the period of twilight each morning and evening when indirect sunlight takes on a predominantly blue hue. That afternoon, in the forest, Bella sees through Edward's act and so he stays. He was never likely to get very far anyway, the shy human girl owned him body and soul. That was a few years ago now and that shy human girl has just graduated college. Rated M

The Invisible Line by Littlecat358-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6834033/1/The-Invisible-Line
Edward and Bella, friends since high school, are very close. So close, that the line between friendship and something more is often blurred. Will they ever cross the line or will they always teeter on the edge of what could be? O/S for Fandom Against DV Now Expanded! Rated M

The Other One by JiffyKate-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10686454/1/The-Other-One
Two strangers struggling from day to day. One trying to overcome the past while the other hides behind it. Will they be able to trust one another enough to share their secrets and accept the truth despite what they've been through? Rated M

The Regular Season by Rockraven244-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10666545/1/the-regular-season
A glimpse into the lives of four players. Meet James, a quarterback on his way out; Edward, a first round draft pick; Emmett, a captain and caretaker; Jasper, a Texas boy trying to find his way in the Windy City. Rated M

The Sovereign Six by Holly1980-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5321563/1/The-Sovereign-Six
They were the best of friends, "The Sovereign Six" as they were most notablly called. After being apart for eleven years, they are all brought back together by a tragedy. Is their friendships strong enough to overcome the time they've missed together? Rated M

This Side of the Equator by Jaxington-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10020758/1/This-Side-of-the-Equator
On that side of the Equator a six year age difference is nothing, just a number that loses meaning in the face of adventures and shared interests and long bus rides. But on this side of the Equator, in Forks Washington where Bella is a teacher, six years are everything, an impenetrable barrier that makes life impossible when Edward Cullen shows up as an exchange student. Rated M

Turkey Baster by Counselor-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7867413/1/Turkey-Baster
Bella is determined to get pregnant. What's the difference if she uses a high tech appliance or a crude flesh appendage, it's all just delivery systems, right? And here he comes now. Rated M

When Will I Know by Deb24601-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7841318/1/When-Will-I-Know
You don't get over Edward Cullen. Even when he was never really yours. A story about wanting, needing and, eventually, knowing. Rated M

The Lemon Drops: 9/23/2014

Yep. The Fall Equinox is here, but rather than being sad that we've got to start saying goodbye to the sun up here in the northern hemisphere I'm throwing a fic party. Grab your shades and enjoy the heat, ladies. And please leave your authors some lovin'. 

Xoxo,

Mel

A Summer of Dreams by Isannah
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6403842/1/A-Summer-of-Dreams
Do you believe in love that transcends time and space? Madame Esme does and by the end of the summer, she'll have Bella believing too…maybe. My entry for the A Picture Says it All Contest.
 Fiction M - English - Romance/Drama - Bella, Edward - Words: 9,299

Fantastic contest entry that maaaaay be continued one day, but shouldn't be missed just because it remains a  one shot. 


Mo Chroi by SweetDucinea
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5319855/1/Mo-Chroi
Summer of Smut Contest Judge's Pick - Summer camp romance is put on hold when Edward returns home to Ireland & ended altogether after a misunderstanding. Will the next summer be torture for Bella, or will she be able to forgive & move forward? AH Fiction M - Romance/Friendship - Bella, Edward - Words: 10,495

This one's sexy and sweet. And how can you argue a Summer of Smut endorsement, right? lol

The Prettiest Regret by The Fic Chic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10645823/1/The-Prettiest-Regret
He looks like summer. He looks like freedom. He looks like the best kind of bad idea.
Fiction M - Romance - Edward, Bella - Words: 6,264

Rebellion and recklessness never felt. so. good.  

Summer Lovin' by andymarx
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10687541/1/Summer-Lovin
Bella believes there is no better way to spend a hot summer afternoon than floating on a pink raft. Edward has another idea. Edward/Bella. AH. Fiction M - Romance - Bella, Edward - Words: 5,527

This one sizzles from start to finish. Sensuality and swimming make for the perfect pair here. Damn. 

Summer of '88 by nobloodnofoul
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5221428/1/Summer-of-88
Edward Cullen tells the story about how he woo’d his lady love in 1988. He got a little obsessed, became a little stalkerish, and developed a voyeur fetish. In the end though, he succeeded.Oneshot.AH. Age of Edward Contest. Rated M for language and secks. Fiction M - Humor/Romance - Edward, Bella - Words: 12,694

And lastly, we've got Edward talking voyeurism. Ummmhmmm. 

What we're reading in TLS this week:

Mondays can't be THAT bad when you have a fresh batch of new recs from The Lemonade Stand! Dive right in with some old faithful authors that always deliver or take a chance on someone new with a fresh idea.  Either way, they have a story to tell and TLS is buzzing about these 25 recs. Take a peek & let the author know where you saw them recommended!

♥ Nic & Six  

A Tiny Little Gift to Me by Thimbles-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10596909/1/A-Tiny-Little-Gift-to-Me
Soft hair and a velvet tongue/ I want to give you what you give to me/ And every breath that is in your lungs/ Is a tiny little gift to me. The puzzle pieces were already in place. I just didn't know what I was seeing. A Jack White-inspired ficlet for my friend, BelieveItOrNot. Rated M

Birthday Wishes by Edward's Eternal-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10586787/1/Birthday-Wishes
Birthdays are special—especially when you're five. What special wishes does Teddy Cullen hope come true this year? And why do his wishes involve a certain dark-haired lady from the park? Rated M

Buried by Ericastwilight-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10317577/1/Buried
His reality was made of nightmares. She was plagued by them. Will she conquer her fears in time? Can he protect her? Rated M

Deep in the Heart of Me by Counselor-rec'd by Nic/Edmazing
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10661218/1/Deep-in-the-Heart-of-Me
Opens in 1934. Tonio is oldest of nine, farmboy. Sobe is the new lawman's daughter. She shows up at Tonio's school. What seems inevitable quickly becomes impossible. Rated M

Deeper Discord by Ifyouweremine-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8022119/1/Deeper-Discord
Edward is a boxer with a dark past and secrets. When his best friend's little sister moves in, he finds himself in the biggest brawl of his life. A story of love and sacrifice and fighting for what matters most. Rated M

Desperately Out-manned with No Allies by Vupgirl-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9317502/1/Desperately-Out-manned-with-No-Allies
With Arizia in ruins, King Charles gives his daughter's hand to the prince of his country's biggest foe, Englasia, to unite the two countries under Englasia's flag and save his people. Crown Prince Edward of Englasia accepts, expecting an ignorant woman from a hated and fallen nation whose life he can make miserable while continuing his rakish ways. He wasn't prepared for Isabella. Rated M

Episode by BoydBlog-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5625982/1/Episode
Bella Swan is a writer that is on a trip of a lifetime. Edward Cullen is a famous actor, whose life is a blur of film-sets, hotels and screaming fans. A destined encounter and a battle of mind over matter erupt amongst sensual music and a shared longing. Rated M

Going Under by Sparklnfade-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7728698/1/Going-Under
It's been ten years since the summer Bella Swan's life changed. What will happen when she comes face to face with the reason for it? She went under once, will she go under again? Rated M

Hallett Hall by Jaxington-rec'd by AlliZ
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6446703/1/Hallett-Hall
On our first night away at college, Bella Swan, thinking the room was her own, drunkenly stumbled into my bed. She was broken and I wanted to fix her. I loved her for four years before she left. Never did I expect her to come back, but she surprised me. Rated M

Here, In My Room by Nightcaller-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7647998/1/Here-In-My-Room
Bella is Jake's girl. Edward intends to change that. Sweaty back seats, stolen glances that cross the line and unrequited love that holds back no more. Rated M

I Belong With You by Twilightladies-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10117247/1/I-Belong-With-You
In those moments, I realize it's over. Planning to follow you to the same college is not an option. I can't be near you and watch you love another. With one last glance at my past, I turn and go back the way I came. I don't see you turning around or the smile that falls from your face when you see me. Rated M

Kimberley Diamond by Gingerandgreen-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8965166/1/Kimberley-Diamond
Historical fiction, but not what you expect. In Kimberley, a diamond mining town in the Northern Cape, South Africa, 1872, a frontier bride meets her very certain destiny. Rated M

My Angel by ObsessingOverEdward-rec'd by VampsHaveLaws
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10586967/1/My-Angel
Edward's career, social life, and family life are exactly where he wanted them until a freak accident left him scarred and struggling to accept that his life was changing and not necessarily for the better. Battling with hallucinations he sometimes thinks are real, he struggles to straighten out his life and make the woman in his dreams fall in love with him. Rated M

Reign by Ruthlessly Yours-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10020142/1/Reign
Be gentle, be sweet, speak of womanly things, but above all else give your king everything he desires, Lady Isabella Swan of Devonshire does none of these things...#Kingward Rated M

Re-Shaping Hearts by GemmaH-rec'd by Cappricorn75/Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10650457/1/Re-shaping-Hearts
It's one thing to be infatuated with your almost brother-in-law, it's another altogether when he reaches out to you and offers to make your fantasies a reality. Hearts don't get broken in fantasies though. Rated M

Seventeen Minutes by Queenofthenile91-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8605893/1/Seventeen-Minutes
Seventeen minutes will now be forever known as the Forks High School Massacre. It only took seventeen minutes for a lone gunman to kill eleven students and two staff members as well as leave numerous others injured. It was only seventeen minutes, but its survivors have scars that will last a lifetime. Rated M

Shame by Belladonnacullen-rec'd by Dreamweaver94
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9281621/1/Shame
She destroys him. He hides his disgrace. She manipulates. He dominates. She's driven by power. He's inspired by duty. Their corporate arrangement is motivated by shame. ExB, AH, Rated M.

Sinful Desires by Leighjj256-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10140126/1/Sinful-Desires
Sometimes the line between right and wrong is very blurry. Rated M

Sky Full Of Stars by Lellabeth-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10662418/1/Sky-Full-Of-Stars
Wounded by life and war, Garrett's looking for solace in the arms of someone who'll help him make sense of the world he's returned to. Edward's been living on the fringes for years, but the scarred man he meets makes him want to step back into the open. Rated M

The Suitor by Melton.cecilia-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10396002/1/The-Suitor
Purchasing his own land is the one thing Edward Cullen wanted most in this world, until he met the neighbor's daughter. Rated M

This Girl's Life by Staceleo-rec'd by Edmazing
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10652651/1/This-Girl-s-Life
Flannels, candy necklaces, Nirvana and a desire for independence for a girl on the cusp of adulthood. He was the mystery that drew her in and the possibility of happiness or sorrow depending on his whims. Inspired by My So-Called Life. Rated M

Trouble by Breyzie1478-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10651309/1/Trouble
A sassy single mother, the little boy that rules her world, and a tattooed bartender that gets blindsided by them both. Bella/Edward. Good times, not-so good times, and everything in between. Tattward and Momella. Rated M

Two Blue Lines by Payton79-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10462777/1/Two-Blue-Lines
Bella, a good girl, was dumped by her long-time boyfriend. Edward, a young doctor, is feeling suffocated by his father's plans. Waking up next to a stranger is a shock for a good girl. Seeing the girl of your dreams run out on you the morning after sucks for a nice guy. What if two blue lines will bind the two together for life? What if they can't even remember how they came to be? Rated M

Virulent by Perpetually-rec'd by LayAtHomeMom
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10655037/1/Virulent
"When there's no more room in hell, the dead shall walk the earth." Friends with benefits. But caught in an apocalypse. 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 lovely planetblue, author of the standout stories Deviant and Badlands, shares some info on her upcoming story Artful Maneuvers with us.

Hi everybody! I’m so happy to be bringing you a sneak peek of my new story, posting next week! When TLS honored me by asking me to do this, I was told to “have fun with it”. So my awesome beta, Carrie ZM, and I thought, how about an interview? Well, as things normally do with us, our Facebook chat took on a life of its own, and I decided to share it with you word for word, incorrect text-speak and all. Enjoy, and thank you! 

Carrie ZM: Good morning, pretty girl :) Are you ready to talk a little Artful?

Planetblue: Morning, love!! Ready as I'll ever be...

CZM: lol - I'm so excited for this fic to post

PB: I'm glad one of us is lol

CZM: Staphit. It’s a breath of fresh air - a break from the heavy

PB: I hope so, after Badlands, I really needed to just do something lighter

CZM: Nods. I can imagine. Was it difficult switching gears? I know we talked about this fic for awhile

PB: It was harder than I thought. You know how I struggled. I was back and forth, picking up stories I’d started a while ago, starting what, 3 others? I couldn't find anything that clicked. Nothing seemed... good enough after Badlands.

CZM: *stares at you* I remember lol. Funny thing is - ALL of them were good enough ;) I'm glad you continued this one though. It's more than just a romance/fluff. 

CZM: I sound like Diane Sawyer gone bad

PB: lol as long as you're not Barbara Walters, trying to make me cry

CZM: lol - I wanna be Katie Couric

PB: You're as cheery as Katie

CZM: nods - but I can sting like a bee bahaha

PB: Oh I know!

CZM: omg – lol. Well… okay then - maybe sometimes! So you wrote quite a few things and ended up choosing Artful. Any particular reason why? Aside from writing me a fabulous Edward lol

PB: Well this definitely came about from something you said, lol. I think you really encouraged that one to continue. That was a big part of it. I trust you completely, and LayAtHomeMom seemed to agree, and I trust her as well.

CZM: ah yes - I did have some requests. btw - I still do lol

PB: Oh I know you do! This one though, I think fits your bill quite a bit, debonair, mysterious, a little older, worldly.

CZM: And Bella?

PB: Well honestly, you never request certain Bellas...you seem focused on Edwards lol. But Bella is a strong character in this one, I don't like mousy Bella.

CZM: What do you mean by strong?

PB: She’s independent, confident, and witty - I hope.

CZM: So you have this strong Bella and a debonair/mysteriousward... care to share more?

PB: Hmm. Well you know I have an evil rep for not giving anything away

CZM: True that!  

PB: I will say that this is a bit of a cat and mouse; nothing is as it seems at first.

CZM: It's hard talking Artful without giving too much away

PB: dfdlk

‘/mjbv,.cbvxdsr

PB: sorry Squiggy just sat on the keyboard

CZM: aww - Squiggy wants in on the talk. 

PB: He does!!! He's jealous of the attention I give you

CZM: lol – My Rose could give two bits - she's sleeping. Squiggy needs a cameo in a story

PB: I need to write an Edward that owns a pug. Swoooon. I'll put Rose in there too. 

CZM: yes - Bella could own Rose - HA! 

PB: Their own love story

CZM: yes yes - maybe he could have piercings ;) ;)

PB: The pug or Edward? LOL

CZM: Edward lol

PB: Done and done!

CZM: I’m liking this idea a lot - I think you need to write an Edward with a piercing below - if you know what I mean - I think I've requested this before - we could research

PB: I would do that, lol. Dog lovers would be sweet... but after this one I may have to return to the dark side

CZM: oh bb - the dark side? How dark?

PB: Cannibalism.

CZM: lmao - Jasper eats Alice? That would make Lay happy bahahha

PB: LOL Maybe E and B enjoy cooking Alice and Jasper, serving them at dinner parties

CZM: omg O_O for real though - I know you're itching to go down some dark, angsty road. *holds your hand*. 

PB: I am, I have some thoughts, but Artful needed to come out first.

CZM: So aside from my wild requests - how do you come up with ideas? Like do you know the ending before the beginning? Do you see scenes?

PB: How do I come up with ideas...well they just kind of come to me? I write things I want to read, or see in a movie. I like certain moods and vibes and want to convey them somehow. It's hard to come up with stuff that hasn't been done a million ways though. That's the trickiest part. As for scenes, I see those clearly and wrap the rest of the story around it. Artful came from one scene I had in my head, the rest came after.

CZM: I remember you describing that scene to me *goosebumps* How about giving everyone a little peek at these new characters?

PB: Eeek okay I’ll try. How's this:

“Excuse me,” his deep voice startles me, as I hadn’t realized he’d turned my way. He walks towards me slowly, almost lazily, and I can’t help but skim his appearance as he approaches, taking in the burgundy-striped tie that matches the silk square in his breast pocket perfectly. My eyes finally lift to his face, and I inhale silently. 

His stare holds a hint of impatience as he concentrates on me, waiting for me to answer, but I can’t help but hesitate when I take in the striking, unusual nature of his eyes. The art lover in me quickly equates the color in the left with the blue of the sky in Monet’s Garden at Sainte-Adresse, while the right is the exact shade of green in Monet’s Water Lilies.

“I’m sorry, I was…” Ogling. I realize I’m still moving my fingers up and down my throat, so I just trail off and quickly clasp my hands together in front of me, his eyes following the path they make. “Welcome to the Hale Gallery. What can I help you with, sir?” 

CZM: oh damn the eyes! That’s a good tease.

PB: It is beta'd beautifully!

CZM: oh geez lol - I’m all red-cheeked

PB: I can picture your face right now lol

CZM: hot mess - I'm eating honey nut Cheerios and drinking a diet Pepsi ;)

PB: I haven't showered yet and I’m watching Bachelor in Paradise.

CZM: girl - you've fallen down the rabbit hole

PB: I still have standards. I won't watch the actual Bachelor shows. Okay okay, let's end this before we give these poor readers TMI

CZM: I think we're already there. So Artful Maneuvers - it's hot and fun... come join us! 

PB: Yay!! 

CZM: ftr - Katie Couric I am not ;) *blows a kiss*

PB: Awww ILY

CZM: ily2. Oh Aim - is this sneak peek any good?

PB: we suck :)

Thanks so much to the lovely girls at TLS for giving us the chance to embarrass ourselves and I hope to see you all with chapter 1!!  xoxo PB

.

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

♥ Kim

REVIEW: Goodbye Peter Pan by Bled Dry

Some stories have such a big following that it’s hard to remember where you first heard about them because every-freaking-body you know is reading them.  They're the stories that are recognized by initials or stand-apart details and are immediately connected to an author's name. They get you talking, screaming, and swooning about fic, and often become the standard by which other stories are compared. These are those stories.

We've invited three guest reviewers to share their thoughts on some of our recent ‘we can’t stop talking about them’ favorites.

banner by Jaime Arkins

Goodbye Peter Pan by Bled Dry

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10212570/1/Goodbye-Peter-Pan

Prompted by a feeling, Alice leads the Cullens back to Forks, but ten years is a long time in a brief human life. Edward's wish for Bella to have a nice human life seems to have been fulfilled. Bella believes that once she loved a remarkable boy, but in the end he didn't love her. Can Edward convince her she is wrong?

JoFicFreak~

Edward tried to stay away. He really did.

That’s the first line of Bled’s story.  It’s also the line that made me keep reading.

It’s been a while since I’ve read any fanfiction (other than some of my favorite authors whom I try to keep up with).  It seems the past year has proven quite crazy in more ways than one. However, on one fated day, when I was lurking on FB, I happened to see a post by the lovely edmazin (Mel), alerting everyone that this little story, Goodbye Peter Pan, had updated.

I thought to myself, okay, that sounds kinda cool. I like Peter Pan. And hell, if Mel likes it . . . so I open it up, and like I said, I read the first line, and kept reading.  I liked it from the very start.

Now, let me tell you why I still like it.

This is a post New Moon story.  But with a grown Bella, who has, not only matured and “moved on” (I won’t go in to details) and an Edward who is, as Bella put it, different.  I don’t get the weeping girl who is falling apart or the vampire who forgets his manners when he sees other men around her. Instead I see a guarded heart, and a lesson learned. The hard way.

Edward has a lot of hurdles to jump over before he can even attempt to woo the woman he’s made the horrendous mistake of leaving but also, I love love love watching this Edward grow as an individual too.

When the story started getting some attention, I won’t lie, I thought to myself, rut roh. For reasons. But when more and more people started to read Peter Pan, and Bled started getting more reviews per chapter, and she began to see how anxious people are for Edward and Bella to “get together”, she could have very easily turned this into a sex fest. 

To her credit, she didn’t.

She’s simply writing her story the way she believes it needs to be told. In the time it takes to tell it.

We’re on chapter thirty two now (as of the time of this review) and there has been no Bella / Edward sex yet.

Random reader: Um, Jo. What?

That’s right. I said it. No sex.

That’s not to say there haven’t been any tender moments, some stolen somethings.  And it’s certainly not to say Bled hasn’t caught some shit for it either. (Yes, I trolled your reviews Bled. Sorry not sorry and SMH. We should talk.).

She’s not writing for the readers, though.  Which, okay, we all like our readers to like what we put out there but at the root of that, we like our readers to like what WE LIKE TO WRITE.

There are issues to be solved. Relationships to be mended. Hearts that need healing. That doesn’t happen over night ya’ll.  Not in a well thought out story.

So why am I still reading?

It’s not just for the story that I’m kinda sorta really adoring now. Although that’s half of it.  But the other half is Bled.  Because I respect this woman. And I’m sticking it out to see where all these people she’s gotten me invested in wind up at the end.  I’ll probably even read her next one.

I hope you do too.

Dolly Reader~

I’ll admit it, I have an absolute soft-spot for vamp fic. There’s something about the otherworldliness that is like a siren song to me and I always become ridiculously excited when I find a quality vamp story.

Goodbye Peter Pan by Bled Dry is quality. It has a complicated situation with no easy answers and a slow delicious, tension filled burn that leaves you at the edge of your seat, waiting for more.

As the story opens, we find Bella in Forks, 10 years after Edward left her behind. Bella has done her best to live her life, she’s gone to college, has a career, and a husband.

“It just seemed pointless to keep trying. I loved an immortal boy vampire. I tried to love an immortal boy werewolf. After a while it became ridiculous. I had to say goodbye to my Peter Pan fetish and grow up. I couldn't spend my life pining after seventeen year old boys."

And though Bella and Mike are the town’s perfect couple on the outside, we learn that they are not without their own troubles. When an unexpected request from Mike stuns Bella, she finds herself beginning to question whether or not she has made the right choice in her life. Facing pressure not just from Mike, but from her best friend Angela, Bella must come to terms with whether her conviction is worth the ramifications.

"What are you saying?" Bella broke first. "If I don't agree to this, we're done?"

"No. Is that what you're saying, though? If I don't agree to give up on this, then we're over?"

"No! But I'm not the one who's changed their mind here!" Bella raised her voice again.

But the brain and the heart don’t always want the same things and with Edward returning to her life when the Cullens donate a children’s library to the town, the two of them begin a delicate balancing act of repairing old wounds and establishing a friendship.  A friendship that leaves Bella carefully navigating through a current of want and Edward struggling with his need to finally claim his mate.

"Why are you still here?"

"You." He didn't hesitate.

"But why? To have sex with me and leave?" She thought about her fears, that his innocent virgin act had been just a rouse to get girls into his bed.

"Do you really think I'd leave?" He stepped toward her. "It's the only lie I've told you since I've been back. Why do you keep believing the lie?"

"I don't know what to believe when you keep lying." She turned and walked away from him.

He nearly let her get to the car before he went after her. He leaned his hip against her door, blocking her until he'd said what he needed to. "Look, I'm a fucking idiot. I know this. What I don't know is what I'm doing here with you. I don't know how to act, what to say. I'm probably going to keep fucking this up. But I'm not going anywhere." He tilted her chin up to look her in the eyes. "Unless you tell me to."

She thought of her dream.

She nearly told him she couldn't. Instead, she whispered, "I won't."

Edward dropped his hand and walked away. "Just so you know," he called out as she opened her car door. "The only reason I'm heading into that house right now is to stop myself from kissing you."

Goodbye Peter Pan has 34 chapters waiting for you to dive into. Take a chance. Delve into the complicated life of Bella and we’ll all find out together if Edward was worth the wait. I’m betting that he is.

Mariahajile~

I’m not a reader of vamp fics. There. I said it. I used to be, but once AH Edward rested those baby green eyes on me, I never looked back. I blame @roglows, by the way. So when Nic, my very own fic (read: crack) dealer came to me and asked if I was reading Goodbye Peter Pan by Bled Dry, I gave her the resting bitch face. But because it was Nic, someone who doesn’t read many vamp fics herself, I trusted the rec.  And GREAT ODIN’S RAVEN, I’m so thankful I did!

Goodbye Peter Pan takes place ten years after Edward and the Cullens left Forks. Our beloved Bella is now married… to Mike Newton. She helps run Newton’s and works at the library, is best friends with Angela, and leads a normal life ‒ the normal life Edward wanted for her. While her marriage isn’t full of passion, it’s easy, stable, and full of sex in the back office. But all of that goes out the window when the library receives a large donation one day, which she’s told is from the Cullens. What’s the donation about? Why are they suddenly back in Forks? Will Alice ever stop cheating the stock market?

This story drives me bananas. B-a-n-a-n-a-s, Gwen Stefani. My emotions are rocked from one end of the spectrum to the other, before I even have time to fully process them. I want Bella with Edward, but I also don’t. I want Edward to sweep her off her feet, but then I want him to take his lying, abandoning tushy elsewhere. He says and does all the rights things once he’s back in Bella’s life, but they turn out to be the wrong ones, as well, because Bella’s married, an important plot point the both of them sometimes forget. Not only do they fall back into their comfort zone, they also have this crazy chemistry they can’t help but act on.

Making matters worse is the fact that Mike is now infected with baby fever. Despite knowing that Bella doesn’t want children, he thinks he can simply change her mind and even goes behind her back to enlist the help of Angela and Ben. What Mike doesn’t know, though, is that Bella’s “encounter” with James in the ballet studio, left her unable to have tiny humans. Not only that – because what fun would that be – but her inability to have kids may be part of a bigger picture regarding her human-to-vamp capabilities.

At the heart of this story is Bella’s conflict, and Bled Dry’s ability to portray it in such a realistic manner is what makes me want to punch a wall. I get it. I feel it in my chest as I read. My head and my heart hate each other whenever a new chapter arrives in my inbox. Bled Dry has weaved this spectacular plot and infused it with a kick in the emotional ass. I’m absolutely invested in Bella’s decisions. It’s not just about wanting Bella and Edward together; it’s about Bella doing what’s right for her and whether it’s what she really wants.

“You left, your family left, your brother left. You all left me alone with this huge secret and an even bigger heartbreak. You all left me to deal with it on my own. And I did. It took me a long time, but I put you all behind me. I moved forward, and I created a new life. I was as happy as I could get. And then he came back. I let him into my life. I started to let him in here.” – Chapter 33

See? So if you’re not already reading it, get started on that ASAP. It’s a beautiful read and gives you all the feels… whether you like them or not.

~~~♥~~~

We’d like to thank our nine guest reviewers for sharing their thoughts with us on these three amazing stories.  ShearEnvy, Nat (evilnat), VampiresHaveLaws, Rochelle Allison, Becca/Gothic Temptress, JennyKate, JoFicFreak, Dolly Reader and Mariahajile.   Also a special thanks to banner makers Time Lights, Lolypop82, and Jaime Arkin for the awesome banners!

REVIEW: Girl Code by LayAtHomeMom

Some stories have such a big following that it’s hard to remember where you first heard about them because every-freaking-body you know is reading them.  They're the stories that are recognized by initials or stand-apart details and are immediately connected to an author's name. They get you talking, screaming, and swooning about fic, and often become the standard by which other stories are compared. These are those stories.

We've invited three guest reviewers to share their thoughts on some of our recent ‘we can’t stop talking about them’ favorites.

Banner by Lolypop82

Girl Code by LayAtHomeMom

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10486974/1/Girl-Code

Friends are forever, boys are whatever - unless it's Edward Cullen. Then the gloves come off. 

Rochelle Allison~

So, I’d been hearing about Girl Code for a while before I actually read it. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it, based on comments I heard - I think I assumed it was more angsty than I was in the mood for. I mean, I love angst, but I have to be in the right mindset. Finally, though, after hearing my friends go on and on (and on) I felt left out and thought dammit I need to read this.

Well. Was I ever wrong. There is some angst...but it’s more like (for real, not contrived) teen drama. And more than drama, it’s FUNNY. There are moments that sting, but they’re almost always soothed by snark. Like, I sit here cackling in malicious glee at the antics and comments of the main characters. The writing is cuttingly clever, the dialog snappy and genuine.

Alec especially - I could be here all day quoting his gems. Last chapter alone had me in hysterics:

“Aww. That turn the other cheek bullshit is really adorable, Hannah Montana.”

“Get up girl, shit just got real,” he says, plopping down on my bed.Panicked, I sit up quickly. “Huh? Where?”His eyes get big, and he puts a finger under his nose. “Ugh, in your mouth. Go brush.”

Lol. I die.

Anyway, a friend of mine thinks that there are a lot of Alices in life/the fandom, and while that might be true to an extent, I think there’s a lot of *all* the characters. Every single one of us has been the gossiper, or the gossiped about - the perp, the victim, the bitch, the saint. We all get it, because we’ve been there. There was no social media when I was in high school (MySpace became a thing when I was in my twenties), but the dynamics were the same - and still are. I mean, the story even starts with moms gossiping in the beauty shop. Classic.

And that’s why this fic hits home. It is so spot on.

I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, because I want so very badly for you to read this. It’s not that long, and honestly, the plot moves so swiftly. Suffice to say our girl Bella falls for her BFF’s new step brother...who also happens to be another friend’s crush. What should she do?
Hence, “(the) Girl Code”.


Becca/GothicTemptress~

High school. Those two words often send shivers down the spines of many as memories of teenhood come flooding back. And while I have many happy memories of my teen years, there are a multitude of situations that I can do without remembering ever again. Those painful recollections are left submerged beneath the surface, drowned completely in the perfect world. Unfortunately for most of us, the imperfectness of buoyant reminders, lingering psychological turmoil, and fake-friend inspired disappointments trump our desires to forget, so they float to the surface when we read, see, hear, or feel something that we can relate to from those trying situations in our personal history.

That's why I'm so grateful that Girl Code, written by LayAtHomeMom, offers more depth than many teen stories I've read in the past. Lay so thoroughly builds up each developing situation with expressive fleshing out and a true attention to detail, her “teens” are entertaining, authentic, and relatable. Despite my previous hesitations to read All Human/Alternate Universe adolescent fics, Girl Code is written with capable maturity. Lay's snarky style lends an authentic tone to each chapter, making the reading experience free from the recollective influence of the bite of my own teenhood memories, and because she consistently uses her “stage direction” so thoroughly, it makes a huge difference in the reader's experience.

In chapter one, the descriptions of body language and non-verbal glances and movements in the beauty salon form the emotional flesh for the readers to establish what the characters are like, how they act, and the depth of their relationships. Then in chapter nine, when the readers find themselves back in the salon, it becomes apparent how brilliantly Lay has developed her skill of subtle guidance. The non-verbal cues revealed at the beginning of the story heighten the underlining drama and deeper layers of Bella's developing convictions as she tries to continue navigating the gray area of possible social suicide while still trying to abide by the unspoken girl code that many readers will no doubt remember from their own experiences. How Bella evaluates her mother's glances and fitful silences, the looks the characters exchange in the mirrors, the sighs, the avoidance of words and body movements so succinctly express what's unfolding – every scene and motivation are clear based on the stage set, with no annoying ambiguity to taint my enjoyment of what's happening in every chapter. That evolution of tricky, suffocating, and blossoming relationships forming and breaking as the chapters progress in Girl Code make it a fabulous read.

Lay's mature approach to the way that the characters relate to each other regardless of the ages, missteps, and decisions of the characters are softened by the inclusion of the adult character's perspectives too. This is something else that I have grown to truly appreciate in Girl Code. The scenes that take place in the salon are among my favorites for that reason. The adults, while gossipy and sometimes cutting, allow the reader to mentally partake in their open and occasional veiled discussions about emotional boundaries, bad choices, and how important friendships are. They also add a mature “voice” to the undercurrent of the plot, showing how challenging relationships can be at any age. It's like the adults are illustrating their own mature version (and sometimes judgment) of the “code,” and the reader senses those nuances so tangibly in this story, adding to the depth of the reading experience.

I love to hate the Alice in Girl Code, and I love to LOVE the Edward in this story. He's ballsy, plants and waters Bella's deep-seeded accession of doubtful friendships, motives, and manipulations. He's the impetus that makes her question why she is following the girl code when it goes against the fluttering-whispers of her heart. Will life-long relationships survive? Or perhaps the better question to ask is should they, given how self-centered and poisonous some of these catty adolescents are?  Teenhood ethics can be sketchy at best, the methods of navigation clumsy and off course. I can't wait to find out what that girl code means to the characters in this story, and how that ambiguous code will be followed...or not!


Jenny Kate~

One thing I have always loved about Lay’s stories is the way she uses pop culture.  She gives you these relatable topics and cultural cues that suck you right into the story.

Girl Code – Don’t gossip.  Just call it like you see it.  #keepitreal

Her stories are always laugh-out-loud funny, with these fantastic lines that stick with you long after the chapter is over.

“Get up girl, shit just got real,” he says, plopping down on my bed.

Panicked, I sit up quickly.  “Huh?  Where?”

His eyes get big, and he puts a finger under his nose.  “Ugh, in your mouth.  Go brush.”

This story is set in high school, where the backhanded compliments and sugar-coated cut-downs flow freely.  Once again, Lay tosses together an interesting cast of characters:  Alice the queen bitch, Victoria the frenemy, Rose the BFF, and Alec the gay BFF.   Quite a bit of the story takes place at a beauty shop that is run by Esme and Renee.  If you know anything about beauty shops, you know that they are gossip central.  So, needless to say, there is never a dull moment.  Add in the drama of high school and finding new love, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for awesomeness.

Girl Code – Never cockblock a friend.  #dontbethatgirl

Edward happens to be the shiny new toy and Bella isn’t the only one who’s attracted to him.  So, how far will she go to get what she wants?  Where does the Girl Code end?

Girl Code – Never EVER flirt with the object of your friend’s affections.  #trifflin’

Bella soon figures out that keeping a secret is harder than she ever imagined.

My back hits the door just as his bag falls to the ground.  With his eyes on my lips, he leans down and palms my face.  We hesitate for only a split-second before our mouths collide.

His lips move over mine, kissing me roughly and groaning into my mouth as he presses his weight against me.  Our eyes lock for a moment when he sucks my tongue hard and drags his teeth over my bottom lip.  He holds it there like a hostage, a subtle reminder that he’s there and waiting in the balance.  I swipe my tongue over my lip, soothing the sting when he kisses down my neck, licking and nipping as he goes, leaving me a panting mess.

Outside the crowd roars and stomps in time with the building drumbeat.  The sound pounds in my ears, and my heart crashes against my ribs as his hands slip lower and lower down my body.  Gripping my leg, he lifts and hooks it around his waist.  He claims my mouth again, the desperation in the kiss making my lips ache.  Pulling away, he buries his face into my neck.

“Touch me,” I beg, reaching for his hand.

“Tell her,” he whispers hotly against my throat.

I open my eyes at his words, only to find him staring back at me.  He traces his thumb over my jaw before kissing me once more, long and slow.

“Tell her,” he repeats more firmly this time.  “Or I will.”

I nod as I watch him grab his bag and head out of the room, knocking twice on the wall before he goes.

Don’t think that just because this is a high school fic there isn’t any heat, because Lay definitely delivers the heat!  The chemistry between Edward and Bella is palpable.  He wants her, and she wants him, so what/who’s standing between them?

Girl Code – Little white lies become the big, ugly truth #friendtervention

In the modern age of social media, word travels fast.  One little press of a button and hundreds of people can know your business . . . and your secrets, whether you want them to or not.

“They’re killing your reputation 140 characters at a time.”

When you realize someone you thought was one of your best friends is a penny – two faced and worthless.

“Fuck that.”

#TeamBella

If you haven’t already, drop everything and start reading Girl Code!  I promise you won’t regret it!

#ImLovinIt

#WhatAreYouWaitingFor

REVIEW: The Drop by Lola-pops

Some stories have such a big following that it’s hard to remember where you first heard about them because every-freaking-body you know is reading them.  They're the stories that are recognized by initials or stand-apart details and are immediately connected to an author's name. They get you talking, screaming, and swooning about fic, and often become the standard by which other stories are compared. These are those stories.

We've invited three guest reviewers to share their thoughts on some of our recent ‘we can’t stop talking about them’ favorites.

banner by Time Lights

The Drop by lola-pops

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10438858/1/The-Drop

That was the summer everyone stopped looking at me as Ben's little sister. Bonfires and beer. Sand and sun. We just kept climbing higher. None of us were ready for the drop.

ShearEnvy~

I can remember being a kid and spending my summers reading every night before I went to bed.  As an adult, I get a nostalgic feeling when spring turns to summer and I’m always looking for a good fic I can sink my teeth into.  This summer, I got lucky.  My dear friend, lola-pops, casually mentioned she was writing something new and would love for me to beta it, fully expecting I’d be too busy.  Is she crazy??  Who would turn down the opportunity to be a part of something you just know is going to be special?  Not this girl.  I told her I was all in and she soon found out I wasn’t kidding.

From chapter one of The Drop, I was captivated.  You can’t help but be pulled in by lola’s unique writing style - as I’ve said before, she weaves intricate storylines with her poetic yet concise technique and always gives you characters you find yourself invested in from the get-go.  She’s a pro at leaving you wanting more, and you find yourself feeling so passionate about these characters that you’re happy when they’re happy, sad when they’re sad...and don’t even get me started on how you feel about someone who hurts or crosses them.  Let’s just say it’s pretty much a given that if lola-pops writes it, you’re going to have a hard time pulling yourself away.  

The Drop is no exception to this rule.  Not by a long shot.  

The story starts in present day and transitions seamlessly between the past and present with an engrossing storyline in each time frame so you find yourself immersed in both rather than wanting one over the other.  Bella in the present has been estranged from her friends by something major that happened in the past and while you want to know what it was that got her to where she is today, you also want to know how she’s going to move forward with or without these friends...especially Edward.  And if you know anything about lola-pops, you know she writes an Edward that can make a woman of any age swoon.  

So, seriously, are you reading The Drop yet?  If not...what are you waiting for??  This is not a story to miss - all you have to do is read chapter one and you will be hooked.  And if you’re anything like me, it’ll remind you of the days of summer reading when you were a kid, laying in your bed with the windows open and promising yourself you’d read only “one more chapter” before turning off the light and closing your eyes.  Back then, there was nothing stopping you from allowing “one more chapter” to become the whole damn book and it didn’t matter if you were tired the next day because it was SO worth it.  I bet you’ll be saying that about The Drop tomorrow.

Try it...I dare you.


EvilNat~

There are a few authors that I drop everything when I see them update, one of those authors is lola-pops. She could write pretty much anything and I would read it, no matter what the genre. So, when the first chapter of The Drop landed in my inbox, I pounced on it, and every chapter since (even when I'm up feeding the baby at four in the morning!).

The Drop centres around a grieving Bella, trying to navigate a relatively new life, while trying to deal with aspects of her old life that won't leave her behind, and residual feelings that won't go away as easily as she wishes. As it develops, you find out more details, just small morsels, tiny tidbits as to what has happened and how she got there, sometimes switching to flashbacks to tell the story.

I don't know about anybody else, but with every update, I find myself hoping that it will give us some more information, because you just want to know what Bella's going to do next, and whether things are going to turn out for her in the end as secrets of why things have ended up the way they have are revealed. And most importantly, you find yourself hoping that Bella gets her happy ending, because out of everyone, she truly deserves it after all she's been through.

I could go on about all the characters as they are all so good, but it think it's best to leave it to the reader to discover for themselves. Let's just say, we have another hot Edward on our hands but, like everyone else in this story, he's not perfect.

The Drop is a must-read. Even for all the non-angst readers out there. The way lola-pops tells the story and how she develops the characters without giving too much away is done flawlessly. She truly has a gift and it is easy to see why she is so loved within our fandom.


VampiresHaveLaws~

It's fleeting, but for just a second I feel like this summer is the best I'll ever have.

In the Twi-fic world, when it comes to summer, and teen fic, I instantly think of lola-pops. So when The Drop appeared in my inbox a couple of months back, right in time for summer, I did a little mental jig (because Lord of the Dance I am not).

To say I love this story would be an understatement. When it updates, I literally stop everything I’m doing and flail-text a few friends to let them know it’s updated, like they wouldn’t already know. And then I’m promptly reminded to not say a word because I have this thing I do where I spoil the shit out of chapters without realising I’m doing it. (I will forever apologise for this, Susan.)

The Drop is a story you’ll want to talk about as soon as you’re done reading it. It has everything you could ask for in a fic: romance, angst, sadness, friendship, fun, suspense. It’s like a cocktail of all the best things. And I know the word “perfect” gets thrown around a lot, but if there was ever a fic to use it for, this one would be it.

I’ve mentioned how much I love lola’s writing style before. It’s so incredibly unique and instantly recogniseable, which are two things that always stand out for me. But what appeals the most about this one, are the characters. I love how unafraid lola is to have them make decisions, whether good or bad, and ultimately mess up or fix a situation. There are characters we want to root for, and others that may inspire negativity—which, for me, only makes a story better. We’ve all had that friend like Angela, or we’ve been Angela. We’ve all had first-love butterflies like Bella and made rash decisions we later regret. In a nutshell, there is someone, or something, we can identify with.

If The Drop is sitting on your to-read list somewhere, fall back into summer and become as obsessed as the rest of us. ♥

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 lovely duo JiffyKate, authors of the awesome Under Pressure, share some info on their upcoming story The Other One with us.

Two strangers struggling from day to day. One trying to overcome the past while the other hides behind it. Will they be able to trust one another enough to share their secrets and accept the truth despite what they’ve been through?

             The Other One by JiffyKate

The bell on the front door chimes as the first customer of the day walks in, and I’m thankful for the distraction.

As I walk from the kitchen to the front of the café, movement to my left catches my attention.  I watch as a young woman slides into a booth, all the way inside, as if she’s making room for someone to sit next to her.  Her eyes never leave the window, and I can’t help but stand there and stare at her.

A throat clearing behind me makes me jump, and I don’t know if I should feel relieved or embarrassed to see Jasper standing next to me. 

“She’s a regular,” he tells me, looking over at the same girl.  “She comes in every Thursday and sits in the same booth but never orders anything or says anything.  We just leave her be.”

“Okay.”  It seems like a strange thing for a young lady to do, but I’m sure she has her reasons, and to be honest, I’m happy to know I’ll have at least one easy customer.

I can do this.

As I head for the front door, I give my future customer one more glance.  I’m not prepared for the moment our eyes meet.  My body freezes in shock—not just because she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and we just made eye contact, but also because I don’t think I’ve ever seen eyes as sad as hers. 

It’s a slow burn all in EPOV that will, hopefully, pull at your heartstrings while you try to figure out the mystery between these two characters.

I quickly turn away, averting my eyes to the floor and forcing my feet to walk.  My heart is beating fast, and my palms feel sweaty.  I’ve gotta get out of here before I make a complete fool of myself.

I can’t do this.

The spark for this one came from an image of a sad girl sitting at a table.  From there, we built a story around her, but decided it would best be told by someone else, someone with a past of his own.  This story is very different for us. It’s not our usual light and fluffy type of fic, but we hope readers will give it a try and enjoy it.  It takes place in New Orleans and features a shy, withdrawn Bella and an Edward unlike any we’ve ever written or read before. We’ll be posting every Friday and we hope you’ll come along for the ride!

-JiffyKate

.

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

♥ Kim

What we're reading in TLS this week:

Happy Labor Day to our friends and followers in the USA, and happy Monday to everyone else around the world! Our fic cup runneth over this week, so we're bringing you 25 favorites to check out. We have some oldies that have recently revived, Nic's very favorite fic of all time, and we have some new ones that are driving us MAD for more!!! Take a peek and let the author know where you saw their fic featured. Have a great day!

♥ Nic & Six  

A Cowboy Love Song by SnarkyFanGirl-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7603621/1/a-cowboy-love-song
pure fluff. fun stuff. edward is a cowboy, bella loves cowboys... you do the math. Rated M

A Deep Slow Panic by Myonlyheroin-rec'd by Dolly Reader
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10607918/1/
It has been two years since I left her behind. Two years to the exact date. My chest rises and falls in fast succession as her heart beat thundered against my ears. She's here, I'm here and dark anxiousness sets in. Will this be our final undoing? Rated M

A Horse of a Different Color by Winterhorses-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10141874/1/A-Horse-of-A-Different-Color
Bella is the new arrival in town, and having an infamously lewd mare isn't helping her gain any friends. Maybe a puzzling young horse whisperer can tame the beast and teach the girl how to love herself, even when she doesn't fit in with the herd. Rated M

A Love So Broken by Mafaldac-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8341391/1/A-Love-So-Broken
A story about a love broken by life. By lies and betrayal. By accidents and stupidity. A story about one boy and one girl hitting the bottom and climbing their way back up.
Rated M

American Lit by Poppyandpeony-rec'd by Everyfreakingbody
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10414259/1/American-Lit
Sylvia Plath said "If you expect nothing from anybody, you're never disappointed." Bella Swan would have to agree. Then again, she hasn't met Edward Cullen…yet. Rated M

Angelus Ardens - Burning Angel by Cullenboyz-rec'd by MrsSpaceCowboy
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10404430/1/Angelus-Ardens-Burning-Angel
Born as a Roman slave, Eduardus serves a depraved mistress and learns that he is nothing. Stolen into a world of violence, Eduardus slakes his thirst without remorse, and learns that he is a monster. Fleeing to a world of asceticism, Edward finds relief in oblivion and learns that life is pain. But in rescuing his Singer, Edward learns that he must live. Rated M

Asylum by DarkNnerdy-rec'd by Sixdlb5                              
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9621919/1/Asylum
He is sin personified, wicked and inked, cruelty always at the tip of his tongue. Black wings grace his back, and blood stains his hands. She's the poison he wants to consume, but can she survive? Rated M

Barely Breathing by Chocaholic123-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10241842/1/Barely-Breathing
A tortured professor consumed by a secret. A quiet student who catches his eye. He's barely existing. She's young and innocent. When she enters his hellish world, it shifts…again. Rated M

Burn Notice by Ifyouweremine-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10639317/1/
The last days of summer. Two weeks of freedom. One lie. What could possible go wrong? Rated M

Cullen's Roadhouse by TGBMcCray-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9828115/1/Cullen-s-Roadhouse
Bella Swan has a worthless college degree, bills, two friends, a shitty apartment, and too many ex-boyfriends. Swearing off men seems like a good idea, at least until she can figure out how to pour a proper beer and make some cash at Cullen's Roadhouse. It's an apron that sets her off – an apron, some Levi's, and a tall glass of Diet Coke. Rated M

Fridays With You by TheQueenWriter-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10600073/1/Fridays-With-You
Can two people fall in love in the laundromat? Rated M

In Your Room by LayAtHomeMom-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8664104/1/In-Your-Room
After years of bedroom boredom with Missionary Mike, can Bella find the sexual salvation she's seeking in the arms of campus hottie, Edward Cullen? Rated M

Left Behind by 2brown-eyes-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10618457/1/Left-Behind
"My mommy needs a Hero." Edward returned after four years of being in the Marines to find the girl he sill loves but had left behind in trouble and in need of help. Will Bella allow him to help her and her son? What else will he discover that he has left behind after listening to bad advice from over helpful friend? Rated M

Lords of the Gangland by LeeCullen89-rec'd by Alliz
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5214617/1/Lords-of-the-Gangland
Edward Cullen is a hot, bad, gangsta fella who is a new kid in the Chicago underworld. But refusing to pay his respects to the big, ruling Godfather, his arrival is not welcomed. Bella is said Godfather's estranged daughter who becomes Edward's prisoner. Rated M

Madame Bella by Emotion Masen-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10603961/1/Madame-Bella
After Edwards fiancée cheats on him, his friends are determined to get him back into the dating world. As a joke they take him to what he doesn't know is a high-end brothel, where he sets his eyes on Madame Bella, the youngest and most notorious Madame in the business. Despite her being the only one not on the menu he is willing to do anything to win her for himself. Rated M

Masen Boys by Jdifrans1-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10399243/1/Masen-Boys
Is there anything better than watching three hot guys building a block foundation? Bella and Rose don't think so - that is until drinks after work lead them to meet the Masens face to face. Rated M

Metamorphosis by Perpetually-rec'd by LayAtHomeMom
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10621944/1/Metamorphosis
Two worlds clash like the collision of two nebulae in the galaxy. When they see each other, they are transformed. Rated M

Morning Star by Consultant by Day-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3776144/1/Morning-Star
Bella's wish to fully experience her humanity before changing has unexpected consequences for the entire family when she provokes the wrath of the Volturi. Rated M

Ray of Light by Awish0921-rec'd by Nic/Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10611704/1/Ray-of-Light
As a single father of three daughters, Edward thinks everything is fine with his family. New to a small town, Bella is running from her own heartache. Can two strangers help each other face the things they have been too scared to face on their own? Rated M

Sea Salt by SparrowNotes24-rec'd by VampsHaveLaws
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10638075/1/Sea-Salt
Describe yourself in three words. That's how I found myself beside the ocean, with sea salt tangled hair, sun kissed by a boy who showed me the answers. The boy in the shadows. The boy in the shade. Rated M

Tequila Sunrise by 2old4fanfic-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8609638/1/Tequila-Sunrise
It started with a Tequila Sunrise and a drunken text to her ex, Jacob. Then came two pink lines on a plastic stick. Now, she's trapped with her stuck up boss in an elevator. He has an outrageous proposal that will solve her need for cash and his need for human contact. She could have never guessed where this elevator ride would take her. Rated M

The Give Away Girl by MrsSpaceCowboy-rec'd by Everyfreakingbody
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7206314/1/The-Give-Away-Girl
Honor student Bella Swan has mastered the arts...of manipulating her divorced parents, rolling the perfect joint, and faking an orgasm. Who wouldn't want to keep a girl like her? An unconventional coming of age tale for Gen Xer Bella. Rated M

The Waltz by Maxigrumpling-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10622439/1/
He's bored, lonely and longing. She's already made the decision to change her life. He sees her dancing alone, she's unaware. Their first introduction is a disaster. This is the story of how his public image might just lose him a chance to have it all and how he overcomes his personal demons to make her see the real Edward Cullen. Rated M

Twilight on the BLUE LAGOON by Knicnort3-rec'd by Sherry N.
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8309300/1/
Bella was one of the popular sophomores in her high school, but when a class trip goes awry she finds herself marooned on a tropical island with Edward Cullen, the resident school geek. The two must overcome their differences and learn to work together in order to survive. If you're a fan of 'Twilight' and 'Blue Lagoon', this is the story for you! Rated M

When Day Ends and Night Begins by PuppetStrings19-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9469398/1/When-Day-Ends-and-Night-Begins
Bella & Edward were childhood friends before her mother took her away from Charlie right after their divorce. This story takes place when Bella moves back to Forks, is a new student at Forks High School and see's Edward for the first time in over 10 years. There will be some teen angst, sex, drugs and alcohol abuse. Rated M