What we're reading in TLS this week:

Don't you love it when a fic comes out of nowhere and steals your heart?! We do too and we have a few for you to check out and fall in love with. There are quite a few new favorites we have been flailing about and falling hard for this week. We also added a few oldies for good measure and the end result is fantastic!! Go find your favorite summary in this list and leave the author some love, and let them know where you saw them recommended.

♥ Nic & Six

Bliss by samekraemer-rec'd by LayAtHomeMom
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11188471/1/Bliss
A special dog at a no-kill shelter brought together two people who might never have met. There were circumstances which made things difficult, but at the end of the day,Bliss was there to lick away the pain. Rated M

Casual Observer of a Secret Admirer by shouldbecleaning-rec'd by MariahajilE
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11022412/1/Casual-Observer-of-a-Secret-Admirer
Isabella Swan thought she was invisible at school. At least she had been since the accident with Tyler's van. But now someone is leaving notes in her locker, signed Your Secret Admirer. Rated M

Come as You Are by tiffanyanne3-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11189591/1/Come-as-You-Are
"It's just a piece of plain notebook paper, college ruled, folded into a neat square, but it's so much more than that. You're right. I was oblivious to your existence. But then you sent me this letter." It's 1996 in Seattle, and Edward cares about blending in, not fitting in. Until Bella takes the time to really see him. Rated M

Confessions After Dark by 2DrunkUnicorns-rec'd by drotuno
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9613993/1/Confessions-After-Dark
"Everyone has something they'd like to confess…" Every Friday night, he calls. And every time he calls, I listen. A story about what happens when fantasy blends into reality – when the secrets we share are just as important as the secrets we keep. Rated M

Down to Earth by Powered by 23 Kicks-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11132146/1/Down-to-Earth#
Twilight meets Xanadu when Bella falls hard for a sexy Greek Muse sent to Earth to help keep her dreams from dying. Rated M

Invisible Swan by RMacaroni-rec'd by MariahajilE
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11150133/1/Invisible-Swan
"Music is for the ears, not the eyes." Rated M

My Laird by StillDreaming85-rec'd by MariahajilE
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11114273/1/My-Laird
Isabella is an English woman, trying to escape a marriage she doesn't want. Edward is a Scottish Laird, with a soft spot for a damsel in distress and a hate for the English Redcoats that pursue her, but what does he do with her now that he has saved her? He has no choice, other than to bring her home, but he wasn't counting on falling for the lass on the journey to Castle Menzies. Rated M

Out of the Corner of My Eye by FluffyLiz-rec'd by CarrieZM
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11175430/1/Out-of-the-Corner-of-My-Eye
For nearly 100 years the house has waited, defying time as it slowly crumbles, until it can finally draw in the one person it needs to save the lost soul within. But why has it chosen Bella, and will she understand the dangers before it's too late? Rated M

Rental Exchange by FoxxyJ-rec'd by Nic/MariahajilE
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11074472/1/Rental-Exchange
A May To December Romance Contest entry: "Professional architect seeks senior culinary student for rental exchange." Edward Cullen had no idea of the trouble he was in for the day he placed a simple advertisement to make his hectic life easier. Winner of The Temptress Award for Best Young Bella. Rated M

She tames the beast within by deJean Smith-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11166253/1/She-tames-the-beast-within
She only knows of a day-to-day existence. He only knows of life on a silver platter. She only knows contentment with what she has. He only knows the lust for more, and he has her in his sights. Rated M

SoCal by Krazyk85-rec'd by Maplestyle
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10810837/1/SoCal
Being with them wasn't the problem. Losing me was. A life filled with sandy beaches and sunshine, I felt safe. Nothing bad happens here in SoCal except bad mexican food. Or so I thought. This is not your everyday love story. Rated M

Stolen Secrets and Shattered Dreams by FoxxyJ-rec'd by Everyfreakingbody
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

The Affair by johnnyboy7-rec'd by Nic
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8343731/1/The_Affair
After the death of her father, Isabella Swan moves to the East coast where she meets dentist Edward Cullen. He's older, a father, and married. Sometimes, you can't tell your heart who to love.Twilight - Rated: M

The Fall by Miss Winkles-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10935954/1/The-Fall
She's got a bulletproof heart but he's got a hollow point smile. He's a gathering storm. A spark in the darkness. A bruised heart just waiting to happen. At rock bottom, Bella Swan has nowhere to fall but everything to lose. Rated M

The Shift by RachelFish-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11188972/1/The-Shift
The start of Bella's senior year finds her at a new school missing old friends. Grades and graduation are her only priorities...until she meets Mase. 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 AlliZ shares a little detail on her upcoming story (and very first WIP - way to go, Alli!) Back to Life with us.

I’ve loved to write since I was an angsty teen needing an outlet for my emotions. When I stumbled upon fanfic in 2010, the idea of writing my own just didn't compute. I've loved everyone else's words for so long that I never fed any of the plot bunnies my mind created. The idea for this fic comes from my real life, and this bunny wouldn't run away like the others. It demanded to be fleshed out, so I put fingers to keys and a story evolved. I grew up and live in the town it takes place, and these characters are built from my family and friends. Everything I love and hate most, I’ve incorporated into this fic.

I’m the biggest fangirl, and I’m pretty sure Nic and I bonded over a shared love of The Give Away Girl by MrsSpaceCowboy. I’d had most of the first chapter written when I saw a post on Facebook from Nic. She’d had a bad day, and I thought maybe I could cheer her up with words. At the very least, she’d laugh at how bad it was. After sending it to her, she messaged me and said she liked it and would pre-read for me! Pre-read. For me. I’m pretty sure there was some ugly dancing that commenced afterward. I was beyond shocked she thought it was worth her time, but I couldn’t be more grateful. From there, it snowballed. Iris agreed to beta, Ceci made a banner, and MrsSpaceCowboy volunteered to pre-read, as well! Little fangirl me has two freaking pre-readers, a beta, and a banner! These ridiculously talented women think my words are worth their time. Every time I sit down at my laptop to bang out some words, I can’t help but smile. It's still a little surreal!

Summary: After a broken engagement, Bella finds herself back in her hometown working for her sister and brother-in-law. Her past and present come full circle when she realizes her high school boyfriend, Edward, will be working with her. Their ending was explosive, causing Bella to keep a secret from him all these years. Is it better to know you’re alive by living, or to keep yourself closed off and emotionless to avoid the pain life sometimes brings?

~~~~~

He parks a little ways away from me, but I can see his hands clenched around the steering wheel and his eyes closed with his head tilted forward. I watch as his lips move, like he’s in prayer. I feel a little voyeuristic but am enjoying getting this minute to ogle his profile. He’s still the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. More than his looks, though, I miss his friendship and our relationship. Once we were over, it felt like a part of me was missing, one I still haven’t found. I’m lost in him, and startle when his eyes open and he turns to catch me gazing.  His features harden, and I can actually see him steel himself, getting ready to deal with me. Oh, this is going to hurt. He looks like he’s ready for battle. He keeps eye contact with me as he opens his door and steps out.  

I follow his lead, taking a deep breath and trying to mentally prepare myself for whatever happens next. He has to walk past my car to get to the gate, so I wait for him to cross the distance. He doesn’t stop walking once he gets to me, and I practically have to jog to keep pace with him.

“Edward, hey! Wait up!” Nope, he isn’t waiting. He keeps his forward progress until he reaches the locked gate. “Edward, can we talk for a minute?” Ignoring me, he takes his keys out of his pocket, proceeds to unlock the gate, and pushes it open. I know he’s mad, and I understand that. I’m mad, too. Resorting to grade school tactics isn’t going to get us anywhere, though. “Really? This is how it’s going to be?” I growl out.     

That gets his attention. He whips his body around, and his eyes are on fire. I can feel wrath emanating from his every pore. His eyes narrow, and his mouth twists into a snarl. “You fucking made it this way, Bella. You chose this, not me.” He punctuates the end of his sentence with a finger pointed in my face, and it feels like a punch to the chest.

.

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

♥ Kim 

Welcome to TLS Nursery!

Welcome to TLS Nursery!

Here we nurture all of the newborn stories (stories published within the last thirty 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 incredible stories to check out this month.

Remember to leave these lovely ladies some love, and let them know TLS sent you!

♥ Kim 

The Shift by RachelFish

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11188972/1/The-Shift

The start of Bella's senior year finds her at a new school missing old friends. Grades and graduation are her only priorities...until she meets Mase.

Out of the Corner of My Eye by Fluffy Liz 

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11175430/1/Out-of-the-Corner-of-My-Eye

For nearly 100 years the house has waited, defying time as it slowly crumbles, until it can finally draw in the one person it needs to save the lost soul within. But why has it chosen Bella, and will she understand the dangers before it's too late?

Bliss by samekraemer 

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11188471/1/Bliss

A special dog at a no-kill shelter brought together two people who might never have met. There were circumstances which made things difficult, but at the end of the day, Bliss was there to lick away the pain. (Adult content. Canon couples though OOC. They may get a little dirty.) Rated M.

Bright Eyes by JennaRay

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11144449/1/Bright-Eyes

He tells me I should have walked away when I had the chance, but this pretty-eyed stranger doesn't know what he's gotten himself into with me.

Ready for You by Lost In Fanfiction

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11140152/1/Ready-for-You

From the outside Bella's life looked perfect, but looks can be deceiving. When reality comes to her door she is forced to make some life altering decisions. E/B (no E/B cheating), AH, HEA, short chapters updating once a week or more.

Down to Earth by Powered by 23 Kicks

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11132146/1/Down-to-Earth

For centuries, a muse has been tantalizing others, dancing in and out of lives with no real feelings or repercussions - until he meets the painter girl who challenges him. What happens when history's sexiest muse becomes inspired by the human he's sent to inspire? Xanadu meets Mt. Olympus at Twilight as the heavens and earth move for both of them, with a little divine intervention.

The Girl in the Meadow by Simaril

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11029458/1/The-Girl-In-The-Meadow

Bella arrives in Forks with a lifetime of memories of Edward and their time together. The only problem is that Edward hasn't met her yet. Time travel, love and forever share in a story of longing and waiting for the right moment to start their forever. Twilight/New Moon AU.

Summer Love by WeeKittyandTAT

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11180462/1/Summer-Love

Bella Swan's last summer before starting college is here. Charlie Swan encourages his daughter to let loose and live. What happens when the town's notorious bad boy comes back? Will he sweep her off her feet?

Something Beautiful Remains by Bethesday Gray

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11092949/1/Something-Beautiful-Remains

After terrible loss, Bella returns to Forks to tie up loose ends. What she finds, though, is a new beginning she never could have imagined. Vampire AU, Edward/Bella.

The Infinity Axiom by miss.eli

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11127465/1/The-Infinity-Axiom

Axiom - a premise so obvious as to be accepted as true without controversy. Edward and Bella were best friends until a perfect storm of circumstances, insecurities, and misunderstandings separated them. But some things are just meant to be, even if they take a slight detour.

Anyone Else But You by iambeagle 

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11098254/1/Anyone-Else-But-You

Bella's clueless when it comes to men, especially her friend's boyfriend.

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 talented coldplaywhore, author of the addictive stories American Girl and Heart of Stone, shares a little detail on her upcoming story Company Men with us.

Bella has had a rough couple of months. She lost her job and has zero hope of a finding a new one, her savings has run out and she’s days away from eviction. To top it all off, she’s also lost her wallet and can’t afford her coffee. What’s a girl to do? She would be crazy not to at least look into the job offer from the handsome stranger who covered her coffee bill, wouldn’t she? How far is she willing to go to change her life for the better?

***

“Miss Swan,” Edward says coolly as he reaches out his hand to me and I grasp it after standing up. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. Would you please follow me?”

I remain quiet as I follow closely behind Edward down the narrow hallway to a windowless boardroom at the end of their office. I can feel the glares of the men behind me, making me wonder if my panty lines are visible or something, but I refuse to smooth my hands across my ass and call further attention to it.  Edward holds the door open and ushers me in, as the men all gather around and Edward motions for me to sit at the front of the table.

“Thank you so much for considering me for this opportunity,” I say sweetly, trying to encourage conversation as everyone takes a seat. “Perhaps you could tell me a little bit more about what this job would entail?”

“Well Miss Swan… or can I call you Isabella?” Edward asks as I nod slightly, wondering how he knew that was my first name, after all I only told him my name was Bella. I suppose he could have just assumed correctly, right?  “First I’d like to introduce you to my associates.  The man directly to my right is Carlisle Cullen, Founder and CEO of our firm Cullen Worldwide. Across from him is Emmett McCarty, our CFO, and to your left is Jasper Whitlock, our President.”

“And what is it that you do, Edward?” I asked, genuinely intrigued now. If this were simply just an assistant position, surely there would be no need for the three biggest directors of the company to be sitting in the room.

“I’m the Chief Operating Officer, and also the head of our mergers and acquisitions department.”

“Sounds a little over my head, but not altogether boring,” I said with a laugh, hoping to break the tension in the room. I notice Emmett give a little smile and lean over to whisper something in Edward’s ear, but I can’t make it out.  “Well… how do you think I can be of service?”

“I’m going to be blunt with you Isabella. I’ve done some research into you since I first saw you last week at the coffee shop,” Edward admits, his hands now perched on the table in front of him as I try to process the fact that he has been looking into my background. “Though I really do need a new and trustworthy assistant, I can’t help but think that you have greater needs.”

“Such as?”

“Well, I do know that you are in the process of being evicted from your apartment, have not paid your student loan debts in several months and have had to sell quite a few of your possessions in order to feebly attempt to make ends meet.” I watched as Edward’s stoic face suddenly became a little more devious. “I think that we, being my associates and I, can assist you immensely.”

I straightened myself in the chair and looked straight at Edward, trying to hide the fact that I was thoroughly embarrassed to have my financial secrets known to the men in the room. “And how do you plan to do that?”

“In addition to hiring you part-time as my assistant, my associates and I would like to retain your services for the next year - to perform sexual favors for us – all of us.”

.

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

♥ Kim 

What we're reading in TLS this week:

We have so many good things for you on this Lemonade Monday! We have some new fics that have all of our mouths dropping, our hearts stopping, and our tongues wagging. We also have some old favorites we can't let go of that you may have missed out on the first time around. There's even a sprinkle of ones we would love to see revived and renewed again. Dive in with us and let us know which became your top choices! Let the writer know where you saw them recommended, when you leave them some love.

♥ Nic & Six

Bright Eyes by JennaRay-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11144449/1/
He tells me I should have walked away when I had the chance, but this pretty-eyed stranger doesn't know what he's gotten himself into with me. Rated M

Conditions may apply by Matthison-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10626692/1/Conditions-may-apply
Bella ends a long term relationship after finding out that she will never meet his, "conditions". Edward is a heavy weight hopeful, fighting his way to the top. But when events get between the two, an unsuspecting person trys to make things right. "Bella, haven't you heard that the best way to get over one man is to get under another one." Rated M

Edward in the Afternoon by Cosmogirl7481-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7251244/1/Edward-in-the-Afternoon
My birthday present for Marvar: A boy meets girl story with sweltering heat, iced coffee and lots of sex. Rated M

Fame by BlueIsSoul-rec'd by Nic
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8397459/1/Fame
Childhood sweethearts, Bella and Edward were meant to be forever. That is until he got what he always wanted. Rated M

Getting Blitzed by Nolebucgirl-rec'd by Jenn Granat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10676370/1/Getting-Blitzed
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 R for Rainbow. Sequel to Sideline Collision. Rated M

Heroin Chic by QuinnLark-rec'd by LayAtHomeMom
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11135842/1/Heroin-Chic
I'm a decision-making machine: some stupid and some magical. Leaving the 1990s and Eddie Cullen behind falls in the stupid category. Marrying into millions ... that's somewhere inbetween. Nothing is ever as it seems. Grunge life in Louboutins. Rated M

High Fidelity by IReen H-rec'd by Nic
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7771737/1/High-Fidelity
Damaged Edward, damaged Bella. Two sides of the same scarred coin. When one side is up, the other is down. Language and lots of it. Lemons eventually. It's a slow burn, slow and painful. Rated M

Little Dreamer by LyricalKris-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11151215/1/Little-Dreamer
Our story opens with a frightened seventeen-year-old girl on the run- battered, starved, exhausted and nine months pregnant. How this is going to turn out is anyone's guess. Life never does know how to play fair. Rated M

Maybe One Day by IdPattThat-rec'd by Cappricorn75
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10939112/1/Maybe-One-Day
One drunken New Year's Eve turns into more than what Leah was looking for. Rated M

No Holds Barred by jayhawkbb-rec'd by Nic
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6340870/1/No_Holds_Barred
When Bella opens her dance studio right next to Edward's bar, will Edward hate her...or will he fall for the girl next door? Rated M

Outbound by Aftrnoondlight-rec'd by Nic
http://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

Pocket Change by a WhiteBlankPage-rec'd by Nic
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7122044/1/Pocket-Change
I know of three kinds of change: the kind that jangles around in your pocket, the kind that happens slowly, every moment of every day, and the kind that blows you away in an instant. Rated M

Ready for You by Lost In Fanfiction-rec'd by CarrieZM
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11140152/1/Ready-for-You
From the outside Bella's life looked perfect, but looks can be deceiving. When reality comes to her door she is forced to make some life altering decisions. Rated M

The bitter, the sweet by Rochelle Allison-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10226411/1/the-bitter-the-sweet
Bella's 24. She's got a career she loves, close family & friends, and a little girl she loves more than anything. She doesn't need anything more, but sometimes she sure wants it, and when Edward shows up he'll either upset the balance or make everything sweeter. Rated M

The Drop by Lola-pops-rec'd by Nic
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.
Rated M

There's a Word for it by Eiluned price-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9051652/1/There-s-a-Word-for-It
I hadn't liked 17-year-old boys even when I was 17. So what is it about Edward Cullen that's so compelling? Whatever it is, I can't afford to find out. Rated M

This Buried Life by Emmanuelle Nathan-rec'd by Nic
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5783211/1/This_Buried_Life
Bella Swan is content with her career and her new life in London but feels that there is still something missing. Will a chance encounter with sinister yet intriguing stranger hold the answer to what she truly desires? AU. Rated M for lemony reasons.Twilight - 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

Vinyl by OhGeeFantasy-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11042037/1/Vinyl
He's young, good-looking and just passing through. She's beautiful, kind and someone's mom. Can records and workouts be the key to their happiness? My entry in the May to December Romance Contest. Rated M

You are here by bicyclesarecool-rec'd by LayAtHomeMom
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10783211/1/you-are-here
A cross country road trip with Edward Cullen? Not exactly at the top of Bella's to do list, but she's out of options and he's got a working truck. Can they put the past aside and make it through the week? Rated M