Monday, May 25, 2015

What we're reading in TLS this week:

TLS wishes all our American readers a happy Memorial Day and to our out of country readers, well...it's just happy Monday to you! We have a list of some of our new favorite finds to entice you. If you aren't reading some of these, you are missing out. Jump start your week with a great find and let the writers know where you saw them featured, by leaving them some love.

♥ Nic & Six



A Letter to My Husband by VioAlexandru-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5396410/1/A-Letter-to-My-Husband
Well, they're married. So why isn't it everything wonderful? Rated M

Angel Wings by MsSailorman-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10773953/1/Angel-Wings
"'Jesus, Bella' Alice shouted at me. I blinked repeatedly. I couldn't help myself. He'd been leaning over the dishwasher to put his coffee mug away and my eyes just . . . slipped. It wasn't my fault. His ass was just so . . . so . . . perfect. Round, taut, wrapped in denim. Yummy." Bella is infatuated with her best friend's father and his extraordinary rear. Rated M

Baby Whisperer by Compass54-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11041772/1/Baby-Whisperer
She manipulated me so easily. Twenty-one, beautiful and curious is a perilous mix. Host's Choice and Judge's Choice in the May to December Romance Contest. Rated M

Beautiful Stranger by NYNJTwiGals-rec'd by Jenn G
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5535491/1/Beautiful-Stranger
Newly divorced and single mom Bella decides it's time to let loose and have some fun at her friend's Halloween party. After an encounter with an alluring stranger, Bella's life turns upside down. Rated M

Belward by Footprints358-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11259139/1/Belward
Access Hollywood thinks he's gay. Extra thinks he's secretly married. In reality, Hollywood Hot Shot Edward Cullen is just busy. The literary world recognizes M. Dwyer as one of the most prolific writers of this generation. The business world knows Isabella Swan as a philanthropic real estate mogul. What happens when all of this comes crashing together? Rated M

Crazy Like That by planetblue-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11233370/1/Crazy-Like-That
Cause she is fire. The hottest, deadliest kind of fire. Rated M

Dissonance by Mortissues-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10736556/1/Dissonance
I haven't so much made a success of myself as simply fallen through the cracks in my life and somehow landed buttered side up. I am toast. The fifty percent lucky slice that you rescue from your kitchen counter and shove in your mouth as you run out the door, breathless and late, to start your new day. Rated M

If This, Then by Bled Dry-rec'd by MariahajilE/Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11239974/1/If-This-Then
If you have chemistry, you only need one other thing: timing. But timing is a bitch. Rated M

In the Pines by Soleil2-rec'd by Sparrownotes24
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11139132/1/
They all loved her. One of them killed her. Rated M

Lover Of The Light by vampiregirl93-rec'd by Rochelle Allison
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11245905/1/Lover-Of-The-Light
"There's this new girl in town. I call her Brightside. Emmett likes her, but he says she smells like trees. I think she smells good, like lavender... anyway, I think she's going to have my baby." A story about a boy who made a mistake. Or two. Rated M

Man Behind the Mask by drotuno-rec'd by Nic/Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11066141/1/Man-Behind-the-Mask
What you see isn't always what you get. By all appearances, Masen lives the life of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. He's living the dream that has turned into a nightmare because his life - and his reputation - is not his own. There must be more to life than tour buses, groupies, paparazzi, and slimy record producers. Rated M

More Than Salt by shouldbecleaning-rec'd by MariahajilE
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11248022/1/
Princess Isabella must find a way to teach her father, King Charles, a lesson. Oh, and win the heart of a Prince at the same time. A fairy tale. Rated M

Something Beautiful Remains by Bethesda Gray-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
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. Rated M

The Harvest Table by Edward's Eternal-rec'd by Jenn G
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11238756/1/The-Harvest-Table
Isabella Swan, an executive under a great deal of stress, has the sudden need to get out of the office. Driving aimlessly, she finds her way to a country market and meets the charismatic stock boy, Edward. But is there more to Edward than meets the eye? Can he help Bella figure out there is more to life than money and business? Rated M

Welcome to What-A-Burger Number Unknown by jane-with-a-y-rec'd by Mssl Masen
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11007954/1
Follow Professor Swan as she flees her academic life in Massachusetts and goes on the lam. But when her truck breaks down in a small North Carolina town, will the love of a simple man and the friendship from a couple of bat-shit crazy waitresses be enough to save her? "We ain't Flo and Alice, Hun, but we're all you got." Rated M


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Special Feature Edition ~ Teaser Tuesday



Planetblue recently surprised her readers with a new story called Crazy Like That. TLS had a head's up on the post and our excitement was bubbling, because once you've read a Planetblue story, you KNOW it's going to be one EVERYONE is talking about!! Crazy Like That is no exception and I, for one, read it in my work bathroom, because I was dying to know what top secret story she had been writing for her fans. It was everything and MORE that I'd hoped for, just in chapter one! If you haven't started it yet, dive in with us:
I sat down with Planetblue and she graciously answered some questions for us for this Special Feature Edition of Teaser Tuesday with TLS.  Plus, there is an Exclusive Teaser at the bottom you won't want to miss!

Enjoy~

Nic



1. You seem to enjoy writing fics that make your readers question their moral compass, Crazy Like That is no exception. When you generate story ideas, does the genre you want to write determine the story or do you go with a theme you want to explore?
First, I’d just like to say thank you so much for wanting to speak with me about my new story. I’m honored that TLS has always been so supportive of me.

Usually when I’m ready to write a new story I know what kind of theme I want to explore: fun, sexy, moody… whatever. Then try to see how I can twist it, what sort of spin I can give it. I’m not interested in writing something that’s been done (and done well), so I take my idea and make it unique in some way.

Pushing boundaries of what people are comfortable with is a scary thing, but it’s also a thrilling way to do exactly that. Can I make killers garner your sympathy? Can I make a thief a dashing hero? Crazy Like That is no different. I hate to use the words “cheater fic” or “olderward” because to me, this story is just a bit more than that. It explores something beyond those two descriptors. People aren’t solely ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Everyone has both in them, and that’s what I like to bring out and play with. I’m not so good with “safe”.

2. The writing style for this fic is a bit different than your previous stories, was that intentional?
Well, yes and no. If I’m honest, I wrote the first chapter with some liquor in me and that’s what happened. Did I continue it that way? Yeah, then it was absolutely intentional. My previous fics have all been very meticulous, mapped out in endless research and detail of specific locations, names of streets or stores, even exact travel time for a road trip and crystal meth prices by state. This time I wanted to just write feeling and emotion without having to worry about getting bogged down in details.

I think of it as “stream of consciousness” writing as opposed to picking every word carefully. I just wrote what came to my head and kept it. It’s one person’s thoughts of what is going on around him, and as we know thoughts don’t always make sense, don’t always go in a correct order. I wanted it simple and I think you’ll see a progressive change in Edward’s thinking as we move forward and the story amps up. It was a great experience to take a step away from myself and what I’ve done before.

3. Is there any possibility for a CLT BPOV chapter?
As you know, I write all my stories ahead of time, so I do know the answer to this. But I’ll never tell. I think revealing too many details about a story – how many chapters or confirmation on what the characters have alluded to – tends to give the reader a roadmap of what’s to come, and I really like to use the element of keeping the reader in the dark. Evil Planetblue. I know.

4. I notice a bit of "fade to black" with the CLT E/B relationship. Is that based on the theme or will that change?
I write what feels right for the story. Sometimes a big ass lemon is warranted. Sometimes it’s not. I would never force a sex scene into a story where it didn’t fit, just to have one. That being said, I think you’ll get a bit more of a view into that aspect of their relationship.

5. Will we ever find out how the CLT E/B relationship came to be, like through some history or background?
Oooh another question I shouldn’t answer. But I will say that I think it’s important to see how people have come to be at the place they find themselves.

6. What was CarrieZM's reaction when she read your first chapter? Did she know you were headed this direction?
I think she knew I wanted to try my hand at drama, but this in particular? She had NO idea. I’m always writing, and I’ve sent her maybe four beginning chapters of fic that just have never been written. She’s always along for whatever I throw at her, but I knew this kind of story is her kryptonite, and I wanted to give it to her. So when I sent the first chapter to her of this, she was pretty much YES YES YES! That’s the one! I’m just glad that I can still surprise her, cause she also didn’t expect where I ended up taking it.

7. Your writing usually appeals to a wide variety of readers, so far, has the theme of Crazy Like That, proved any different?
I do know that this story feels like a hard limit for some, and they’ve graciously let me know they might have to bow out. I respect that. Not every story is for every person, and that’s the great thing about fic. If this isn’t your jam, there’s another one out there for you. I never want to be stuck in a loop of predictability, and I’m really lucky that my readers let me explore darker themes sometimes. Evolving as a writer, I think, is really important or you end up writing the same story over and over just with different locations or styles of dress, LOL. I’m extremely fortunate to have readers that trust me no matter where I take them. That is huge. It’s the best gift I could be given, that they let me try new things.

Also, I think a lot of people focus on the choices FanFiction allows us in the genre category. It’s very limiting. Nothing is all romance. Nothing is all angst. Nothing is all drama. It’s always a little of everything. How do you take 80,000 words and call them one thing? But maybe with Badlands, if there had been a “psycho” genre then it would’ve been easier to classify, ha ha. If I could choose a one word genre for CLT it would be… nope, not gonna say…

8. Would you rather be like CLT Bella or Tanya? (Bad girl vs good girl)
Bella all the way baby! Bad girls always have more fun. You can’t take fun with you when you die so you might as well have it when you can. Would you rather listen to a ninety year old Bella tell you stories about her life or a ninety year old Tanya? Yeah, I didn’t think so ;)

9. Have you ever thought of writing something more personal?
Some writers will go with a topic they’re familiar with, like a bad breakup or illness. Well I was a meth dealer that killed people, I did steal art from a museum, and I worked as a flight attendant on a private plane for a while! All kidding aside, I think that a small part of me would love to experience a little something from all of my stories. All of us have a desire to be someone else at one point or another, so I use writing as a way to step in those shoes for a while.

10. Anything you’d like to tell your Crazy Like That readers? Advice? A little reassurance perhaps?
I think it’s important to remember that a story needs to feel organic. It needs to flow and go on the path it’s meant to be on. You can’t force sunshine and rainbows just to keep people happy, nor should you make it horribly tragic, just for the sake of doing so. My awesome pre-reader, LayAtHomeMom, and my beloved beta, Carrie ZM, would never let me put out something that they themselves did not love and want to stand behind. They’re both proud to have their names on this. But as for your last question about a little reassurance? All I have to say is: HA! Never.


Reaction from the Beta:

CarrieZM:  “When Planetblue Fic sends you her version of a ‘hot mess’ and your heart skips a beat. #omg #getwritingnowplease”

That was my Facebook status the day Aimee (Planetblue) sent me the first chapter of Crazy Like That. She had nonchalantly mentioned earlier in the day that she had written something a little different while being slightly tipsy and was debating on whether to send it to me, that ‘it was a rough draft, a hot mess’ totally downplaying it. I, of course, begged her to send me what she had and immediately began gobbling up her words not knowing where she was leading me until I reached the very bottom of the page. I let out a gasp and in my excitement nearly fell off my bed. Some of you might not know, but Olderwards are my weakness, my own personal brand of heroin ;), throw in a strong Bella, and I’m on cloud nine. I quickly pm’d her with quite a few OMGs and YES! YES! YES!, and the rest is history.

I’ve had such an awesome time watching Aimee work her magic with these characters, and I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to see your reactions and thoughts with each update! Happy reading!


Reaction from the Pre-reader:

Layathomemom:  Bad decisions make great stories.

And given Edward’s last two words in the first chapter of Crazy Like That, I knew this story would be one of the best.

“Hello, Bella.”

With those two words, legitimate goose bumps erupted on my skin and it was clear that once again, Planetblue was going to set this fandom on fire. Initially, PB sent me the first six chapters of the fic and asked that I give her a general impression before I did my typical pre-reader thing. I must admit my reaction was less than eloquent. It may or may not have started with ‘HO-LY SHIT’ and ended with me shamelessly begging for more.

From start to finish, Crazy Like That is one of those stories that had me salivating for the scandal, titillated by the taboo and side-eying myself for how right the wrong feels.  I don’t want to spoil the fic for readers; I’ll just leave you with this… Buckle up, fandom - Planetblue is going to take you for a ride.


Reaction from the Readers:

RoseArcadia:  You have to love a story that starts out with a feel of utter Pleasantville vibes, and then goes straight into a forbidden naughty place that you desperately don't want to be turned on by...but you most definitely are. A man trying to escape the mundane reality he's stuck in, a sweet naive woman by his side, and then a girl who embraces her sexuality and makes no excuses for it. The title really does say it all!


Wonderwallthefirst:  The lovely Kennedy asked me to write a few words on Planetblue's new fic Crazy Like That. I've been itching to start this one because we all know if Planetblue is writing, we're going to want to be reading. As it starts off, you're sent into a world a little like "Friday Night Lights", but you soon realize Edward is no upstanding and moral Coach Taylor and Bella isn't his Tami Taylor. Not by a long shot. We've read stories of forbidden lust before and in this Twilight world we're in, many of us want our canon couples to pull through, no matter what.  I'm curious to see where we get taken on this ride and who we'll be rooting for. What will the HEA be here? Will there be one? I'm betting Planetblue has a few tricks up her sleeve and I for one will be glued to my seat.


Maplestyle:  I had heard smatterings of talk about a new story from Planetblue being in the works. When I opened my email on May 7 and saw a new story alert from her, I did a little jig in my chair, even though I was at work. I may have even squealed… but if anyone asks, I saw a mouse. The summary doesn’t give away much, so intrigued (and also because I have zero self-control when my favorite authors update) I opened it up, despite being at work. To say that I was shocked when I saw the subject matter, would be an understatement. The topic is scandalous, made more so by the fact that Edward is in a position of authority, and I find myself asking “how can a fic about a topic that is so bad, be so good?” The answer is Planetblue! Planetblue, it seems, has given us another gem. I find myself rooting for Edward and Bella, even though I probably shouldn’t, given what they are doing. Only three chapters in, I’m already in love with this story, and begging for Edward and Bella to just run away with each other!!


AlliZ:  Crazy Like That showed up in my inbox on a Thursday morning, between work emails and patient account adjustments. I ceased all work related activity until I had gobbled up all the words. It’s got a Friday Night Lights feel, with a deeply flawed Edward making some very bad choices. At only three chapters in, this story isn’t anywhere near unfolded and I’m already hooked. I’m constantly waiting for the next update to hit my inbox so I can get a little more insight into how Edward started down the path he’s chosen and what’s going to happen when people find out. It’s a going to be a trainwreck of epic proportions and I cannot wait to see the carnage!


Midnight Cougar:  I was asked to give my reaction to Planetblue’s newest fic Crazy Like That and well, frankly, I can’t get enough! As Nic said on fb, it’s so my ‘thing’—it’s naughty and forbidden and Olderward and complicated and one of those stories, where, even after a few chapters, I need more! I am truly captivated by this unconventional Teacher/Student relationship between Bella and Edward—Mr. Cullen is taking his teaching skills to a whole new level... after school hours, on the blanketed flatbed of his truck, while sharing a “joint” with his student-lover—yeah, it’s so naughty! *grins* He's a “seething tiger,” he said, and I’m in love with that description—there’s something about it that makes me even more intrigued by him. I think this Edward, who claims to love his sweet fiancée, Tanya, is in one hell of a messed up situation... and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out—and who gets burned. I suspect there is much more to this young, flirty, small town Bella than we’re seeing on her sexy, short-skirted surface. I can’t help but wonder what lessons are going to be taught by the end of this story—and not just the ones imparted in the classroom or on the football field by Mr./Coach Cullen... but the ones of the life-lesson persuasion. The anticipation of what’s going to happen next is great, because these characters are playing a fiery hot and secretive “deadliest” game. Makes me very thankful it updates twice a week!


Compass54:  With a Planetblue story, you have to pay attention. There are things hidden in and between the words, the specific words chosen and the hesitancy or force with which they’re spoken. Crazy Like That is no exception and it already has my imagination spinning. Without raving about the beginning with its rich description of the football game, let’s look at what’s happening with our key players. Edward is the coach but it’s like he’s living vicariously through the boys on the team, as if he’s not ready to give up that life yet. He can’t stay away from a young cheerleader, Bella. He knows it’s wrong but he’s sleeping with his fiancée covered in Bella’s smell, and allowing her to call his cell. She’s playing with him in public at school, having sex with him in the back of his truck, so why aren’t they trying to hide it more? Bella seems to have the upper hand and yet there’s more than just sex going on here. “Edward, what am I going to do with you?” Is he the one taking the big risk if they’re found out? Is he looking for an excuse, a way out of a life everyone expects him to lead or is it just this particular girl who’s turned his world upside down? I cannot wait to find out…


Jayhawkbb:  She’s baaaaaaaaaack.  Planetblue, that is.  And her new story, Crazy Like That, is off to a fantastic start.  She has a knack for crafting plots and characters that draw readers in, make us put aside preconceptions, and keep us running back for every update – even when we know it’s going to be a bumpy ride.  And this fic is no exception.  Already, it’s clear that Edward’s choices have thrust him into a situation which may quickly spiral out of control, causing pain and heartbreak to flow like scalding lava over not only himself but also people he cares for.  Why is he willing to risk so much?  I have a feeling that Planetblue’s Edward will not have a lustful, stereotypical manswer.  With each chapter, we get a little more insight into his psyche, and I greedily search through the carefully-chosen words for new pieces to the Edward puzzle. 

As for Bella, her motives are a mystery, too.  She seems to enjoy toying with Edward, but I can’t help but wonder if she fully recognizes the power she has over him… and how dangerous that power could be if she loses her grip on it.  Is she falling for him?  Using him to amuse herself?  Hoping to get caught just for the excitement and scandal it would bring?  I don’t know.  I don’t know if Bella even knows or if she’s caught up in that age we all lived through; that age where the pleasures of adulthood are as alluring as a Siren Song – and sometimes as destructive. 

We’ve been here before with Planetblue.  She’s written incredible characters, described them so well that we thought we’d figured them out, and then peeled back another, surprising layer of their personalities.  She’s tackled tough subjects from a new angle and given us something to think about.  She’s taken tales to the edge of there’s-no-happy-way-out-of-this-ville, and then given us a horse and a sunset.  

Whether we’ll ride off into the orange-tinted horizon or go down in flames this time is yet to be seen.  But I am one of many who can’t wait for the reveal! 


Jandco:  I am not reading Planetblue's Crazy Like That for a good character redemption. I'm not reading it while waiting for some twist that will make the characters into misunderstood, good people. I am not reading it to be appeased, I'm not reading it for a perfect tale about perfect people who always make the perfect choices or even have the conscience to try to do better. I'm reading for the unapologetic situation written boldly and without excuse (I do believe it's the only way to tell this story) by a brave author who dares to write not how things should be, but rather how they should not. (Remember how she pulled off serial murder in Badlands?) I'm reading it to take a peek into the dark underbelly of immorality, I'm here for a story that leaves me feeling scandalized and for the actions I find unfathomable. I'm here to get a glimpse to see how other minds work, to glean perspective outside of my own and even if I find the actions deplorable, the behavior despicable, and the situations immoral, I'm enthralled--and that is how I gauge a great story with great writing. Planetblue audaciously created a fanfic that busts past the boundaries and she's doing it without apology--just like her characters. Edward cheats. Not only does he cheat on Tanya-who is actually a likeable character-he cheats with a student whom he has authority over. It's sick. It's wrong. It happens. And it's told in this story so, so well. Just because some topics are uncomfortable and some characters are shameless, do we not read about them? Do we never tell the darkest tales? Someone should, and I'm so glad Planetblue is the one to do this because she completely nails it, she goes right for it without hesitation and the result is sharp and stunning. So, I'm reading Planetblue's Crazy Like That because it's a great story with great writing, but I'm reading particularly because it is exactly what I believe is so fantastic about fiction in general. You don't have to agree with the actions, you don't have to understand the decisions, but oh man, you should feel them. Sometimes I like to read fluff and perfection, but how boring would fiction and our fanfiction fandom be if all was pristine and never morally messy? Thank you, Planetblue, for muddying things up around here. I'm loving every word of it.


***************************************************

Chapter 5 teaser (that will post the Thursday after the interview)

It's too chilly to go to our spot, but we make it one more time before we truly can't.

Bella rubs her hands together and I pull one up to my mouth, sucking on the tips of her fingers as she giggles. "God, I can't wait to get where it's warm!"

My stomach knots, it's not the ulcer but that other ache. "You've got a bit of a wait there; August is a long time away."

Silence and the removal of fingers from my lips. "I'm not waiting until August. I’m leaving around Easter."

"What do you mean? What about formal? And Bella, you have to graduate." Panic of shortening time rises in me, making me act parental.

"My aunt, the one I told you about. She got me into that workshop. It starts late spring. I'll go to Beverly Hills High. 90210 and all that." She fist pumps the air a bit.

I'm horrified. "You can't."

Eyebrows rise. "Pardon me?"

"There's stuff here you'll want to do. It’s senior year. You can't just pick up and go. What about your friends, your parents..." Me.

What about me.

"I can't pass up this opportunity. Besides, you know I'm not much for sentimentality. I'll go to the homecoming dance with Mike, but that's it. That'll be enough for me."

"What about me?" I say aloud, before I can stop it.

Now her eyes narrow. "What about you?"

*************************************************

Special thanks to Planetblue for sitting down with TLS for the Exclusive Teaser!



Saturday, May 16, 2015

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 lovely Fyrebyrd89, one half of the writing duo Fyremasen, shares a little detail on her upcoming story Sharp Left Turn with us.

Banner made by Christag_Banners


Hello everyone, I’m fyrebyrd89, currently one half of the writing duo Fyremasen.

Following a discussion with my 19 yr old daughter, Autumn, the idea for this fic evolved and I decided to write this one on my own. Thanks, Autumn (bc I know you're reading this!). She gave me an amazing, hopefully unique plot to build on and I couldn’t stop my mind from spinning with ideas. So here it is, and I hope I can do this topic justice.

I want to make a disclaimer now. I did research some facts in this story, but I also took liberties as it was very hard to find specifics on some events. I think you’ll understand why as the story progresses. One final warning and I’ll get to the sneak peek, there will be cliffies within this story—evil cliffies—but that’s just the way it unfolded.

Summary: In an instant your life can take a sharp left turn. Can you find the strength to lose it all and gain the unknown? Lives will be shattered, including your own.

Meet Bella:

“Bella,” she says finally. “It’s Jake.”

My heart starts to race and my breathing picks up. “Now, don’t get worked up, dear. We just have a little problem,” she soothes.

That doesn’t sound so bad. I start to count down from ten in my head, taking slow, deep breaths. When I’m able to speak calmly, I ask the most important question. “Is he hurt?”

She sighs into the phone. “Not really hurt, Bella, but his nose spontaneously started bleeding today.”

Relief sweeps through me and I sag into my seat. “That’s all? You nearly gave me a heart attack!”

The line is silent once again. “Esme?”

“He’s okay, Bella. I did call Carlisle, though, and he wants to see him … today.”

I sit back in my chair. “Okay, did you make him an appointment?”

“Nonsense. Any time you can get him there is absolutely fine.”

I mentally click through the rest of my day and decide nothing’s important enough that I can’t put off. I start shutting down my computer. “Let me finish up here and I’ll be right over. Say, forty-five minutes?”

“Sounds perfect. I’ll see you then.”

I buzz Tanya and let her know I’m leaving the office. Then I grab a few files I was supposed to look through and stuff them in my briefcase. I also stop by Jasper’s office

and let him know that I’m gone for the day. On the way back through the reception, I head towards Tanya’s desk.

“Hey, so what’s up?” she asks.

“I need to pick Jake up and get him over to see Carlisle.”

Her brows furrow. “Is everything okay?”

I sigh. “I think so. His nose has been bleeding so he wants me to bring him in.”

“Okay, that doesn’t sound so bad. Keep me informed?”

“Of course. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

I never imagined those words could be so far off base.

That doctor’s visit was the beginning of something no one could’ve ever imagined. It shattered me; left me in so many pieces that I wasn’t sure they could be put back together.

Meet Edward:

When Ms. Hale’s door opens again, a blond woman who’s probably in her late thirties or early forties appears. Her eyes widen imperceptibly. “Mr. Masen?” She walks my way with her hand extended. I rise and take hers. “I’m Rosalie Hale, thank you for coming out in person.”

I snort. “Did I have a choice?”

She chuckles lightly, but it’s laced with something else. Something I can’t quite put my finger on. “No, Mr. Masen, you didn’t have a choice. I would’ve gotten you here one way or another.”

I withdraw my hand. “You keep saying that, but I can’t imagine any reason you could come up with to have a court order me here.”

Her face turns somber. “I assure you, Mr. Masen, after we talk you’ll understand.” She turns and retreats into her office leaving the door open behind her.

I take the cue, and follow her. “Well let’s get to it then, I’m tired of all the cloak and dagger bullshit.”

She sighs. “I understand that, Mr. Masen, as is evidenced by you coming here. Just please, have a seat and we’ll get down to business. Trust me; this is going to be almost as hard for me as it is for you.”

“See there it is again.” I point to her. “All of those little remarks you keep making! What in the fuck could you possibly have to say to me that is going to be ‘hard’?” I make quotations. “I didn’t lose anything in Seattle when I left and I damn sure never planned on coming back.” I cross my arms. “Now you have me here, Ms. Hale, I suggest you start talking before I walk right out that fucking door!”

“Sit,” she demands, pointing to the chair on my left.

I obey, but only because I want some goddamn answers. I’m so sick of this fucking bullshit. All she seems to do is piss me off more. Wringing her neck is becoming more likely by the second.

.

Don't forget to pop Fyrebyrd89 on alert so you don't miss out!

♥ Kim 




Monday, May 11, 2015

What we're reading in TLS this week:

Happy Monday Lemonade lovers! We have the Fabulous Fifteen recs for you this week and we're sure you're going to love them as much as we do. We have a variety of Edwards, from YoungerWard to OlderWard, and we are starry eyed over them all. Take a peek at all this sweet talk, or dirty talk if you'd rather, and let the writers know where you saw their story recommended.

♥ Nic & Six



A Measure of Grace by Saritadreaming-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10251763/1/A-Measure-of-Grace
A virus sweeps over the earth, killing man and man's best friend. For the few survivors, the nightmare is just beginning. Who set the virus free, and how far will the remains of the government go to find a cure? An innocent girl, a fiercely loyal dog, a jaded man with a past. Can they survive this new world and its secrets? Rated M

As One Does by Purelyamuse-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11227598/1/As-One-Does
"You keep giving me excuses and lashing out at me, but you know what? Not once have you said, 'Edward, this could never work because I don't even like you.' Which means," he leans in conspiratorially, "that you do. Like me." As One Does one-shot won 5th Place Public Vote in the May to December Contest as well as a the Romeo and Planetbluefic's Judge's Choice. Now it's expanded! Rated M

Come Back Tomorrow by Shadow Masen-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10949827/1/Come-Back-Tomorrow
Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly in the path of the best things that will ever happen to us. Rated M

Down Home by MrsSpaceCowboy-rec'd by Everyfreakingbody!
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9070588/1/Down-Home
Sometimes, everything you're looking for ends up being right where you left it. *Entry for The Heart of Country Contest. 1st Place Silver Spur Award Public Vote, 2nd Place Silver Spur Award Judges Choice, 1st Place Gentlemen Wear White Award (Swooniest Fella) Public Vote and Judges Choice, 2nd Place Hay Ride Award Judges Choice.* Now expanded and complete! Rated M

Omens by MissJanuary-rec'd by SixDlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10276854/1/Omens
One hundred years of swirling, living ink. Layers of words, history unravelling on skin. Tattward and Inkella. Not a fairytale. Rated M

Sea Salt by Sparrownotes24-rec'd by VampiresHaveLaws
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

Shadow Mission by Maxigrumpling-rec'd by Suebee Betafairy
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10937150/1/Shadow-Mission
Actor Edward Cullen is rich, famous & sexy as ere's just one fly in the ointment.He can't keep the other personalities in his head straight.Emmett, his bodyguard, needs help sorting his charge out.Enter his 'crew', Alice the hacker, Jasper his second, Rose the shrink...and Bella, the girl who's father gave his life to protect Edward's. If only he remembered why. Rated M

She's Not the Same Girl Any More by 2brown-eyes-rec'd by Midnight Cougar
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11142130/1/She-s-Not-the-Same-Girl-Any-More
When Edward left Bella to have a normal, safe, human life, everything changed in the blink of an eye. When he finds her again, she's not the same girl he once knew. In his opinion, she's living — recklessly; putting her life at risk and hiding something. Will Bella let him back into her life, and allow him to help her before it's too late? NM Alternative. Rated M

Something's Gotta Give by Ericastwilight-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10402338/1/Something-s-Gotta-Give
Two troubled pasts that took different paths. She takes life by the horns and tries to live it to the fullest. He hides away on the mountaintop, rough all around. What happens when they meet? What happens when their worlds' collide? Ruggeddom Contest Third Place Winner in the Public Vote! Rated M

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

The Gap by Capitalab-rec'd by Monica Nopi
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8595287/18/The-Gap
Their first encounter is brief, minute, insignificant, forgettable. At least it should be. Edward and Bella live very different lives, but a chance encounter forces them to reexamine everything they thought they wanted. Rated M

The Man Next Door by RobzBeanie-rec'd by Nic
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11041506/1/The-Man-Next-Door
When Edward Cullen is released from prison, 18-year-old Bella becomes fascinated by her new next door neighbor. But is this strong young woman strong enough to handle his past? ** MAY TO DECEMBER ROMANCE CONTEST ENTRY ** Rated M

The Philanthropist by Deviant bamboo-rec'd by LayAtHomeMom
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10971889/19/The-Philanthropist
Edward is a lost soul, haunted by the altruistic deeds of a dead man. Taking refuge with a group of reformed degenerates in downtown Los Angeles, he struggles to make sense of his reality. Life is hard, but somehow he and his band of misfits make it work day to day. That is, until he stumbles across Bella one night. She'll change everything. AH, Canon couples.
Rated M

The Pie Equation by TheQueenWriter-rec'd by Sixdlb5
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10398001/1/The-Pie-Equation
Don't allow your past to dictate your future. Edward is a single dad. Bella comes home to help her dad after an accident. Will Edward allow their old friendship to blossom? Rated M

The Pull by Janiedoe12-rec'd by Evilnat
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8578100/1/The-Pull
Bella left Edward and everything she knew in Forks ten years ago. She knew he would never leave the MC, but circumstances drew her far away to accomplish her dreams. When Bella returns under somewhat mysterious circumstances, Forks will never be the same. AH. Tattward/Bikerward. Think Twilight meets Sons of Anarchy. Rated M

Saturday, May 9, 2015

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 Bled Dry, author of the standout story Goodbye Peter Pan, shares a little detail on her upcoming story If This... Then with us.


Summary: If you have chemistry, you only need one other thing: timing. But timing is a bitch.

A few years ago, I found the only diary I ever kept, which consists of three months’ worth of entries from January to March 1993. All of the entries detail my interactions with a certain boy. All of them are of me trying to figure out if he like likes me.

Fast forward twenty years, and that same boy is now one of my dearest friends. We've married other people, and we like each other's spouse. We were never meant to be anything more than friends.

This is not that story.

This is a different story. This is a “What if?” It's inspired by the diary, but this is an Edward and Bella story through and through.

It's about meeting the love of your life at an age you’re not ready for. It's about getting the timing right. It's about finding and fixing yourself before you can get lost in someone else. This is a story about love, friendship, and patience in three parts. Part One finds us in 1993. There's some jumping through time to 2007 in the second. The third and final act will bring us to the present day.

I feel I should leave you with a few warnings. First, as mentioned above, there’s some jumping around in time. Second, I like things that take a long time to come together. I'm a huge fan of The Office, especially the first three years of the Jim and Pam plot. I won't make you wait four years to see them together, but it's not going to happen instantly. This is a story about getting the timing right; not everything will be clear right away. We're starting in the mind of a seventeen-year-old girl, after all. You'll have to infer and be confused right along with her.

...

Christmas Day, 1992

My phone’s been ringing all day. Getting my own line was my first clue things were better money-wise.  It was also when they started teasing me at lunch for being a rich girl.   

I'm not. I'm so not, and they know it. Some of them. If they've been around long enough, they've watched the roller coaster. But we've merged groups somewhere along the way, the boys that wear kilts and the smart kids.  I'm not sure when or how, but that's how it is now.

And it's those boys who make fun of me, which is bullshit. It's extra bullshit, because they date the West End girls, who live in almost-mansions and drive their own cars. Sure, I drive to school every day, but that's only because the 'rents are working together now and I get Renee's old car. And I can't tell if they're really making fun of me, 'cause they sure do seem to like their girls.

I don't know boys.

They used to make my skin crawl. But something's happening lately. I wouldn't say I'm over it. It's been two years, though, and things are better.

Edward Cullen touched my knee the other day. This thing's been going on lately with our group at lunch; we bunch our fingertips together so they're touching and put them on someone's knee. Then we slowly spread them out and see who gets the willies.

It didn't work on me until Edward did it.

I didn't get the willies. I don't know what that was, but I want more of that feeling. It was nice to have a guy touch me and not want to throw up.

But he has a girlfriend. She's a West. He's Jake's best friend, and they're dating best friends. It's kind of weird, though. None of us has ever met them. Like ever. They go on double dates, but they never bring them to just hang out with us. I'm guessing it's 'cause we're not the kind of friends you bring your girlfriends around.

My phone rings again, and I contemplate not answering it. I really just want to get lost with Billy Corgan for a while, and I don't want to talk about what I got anymore. Last year, I got a sweater. I don't know how to talk about this year, yet. Don't get me wrong. I mean, this is totally cool. But I worry about what's going to happen when they have to pay for all this stuff.

It's still ringing, and I decide to get up and see who it is. I have call display and call answer, so if I don't want to talk to them, they can leave a message.

Cullen, C.

Holy shit.

.

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

♥ Kim 

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The Lemon Drops: With Special Guest Host LayatHomeMom!


Spring is here and TLS is makin’ it rain white-hot, one-shot recs for our readers that are guaranteed to bring the sizzle and the swoon. So go get your perve swerve on peeps and remember to leave the author some love…
Cheers,
Lay

Predator by MasenVixen 
Edward only has one thing on his mind after hunting a human. BxE. Rated M for lemons. O/S
Rated: Fiction M - Romance/Drama - Bella, Edward - Words: 4,389

The Best of All My Days by stella luna sky
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6646360/1/The-Best-of-All-My-Days
..."And ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." - Kahlil Gibran. One shot written for littlesecret84 and fandom gives back. AH/M.
Rated: Fiction M - Romance/Drama - Bella, Edward - Words: 4,329

Nothing Else Matters by 22blue
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5891403/1/Nothing-Else-Matters
Entry for the Fun With Your Clothes On O/S Contest. "She warned me if things didn't change she'd leave. Things didn't change. She's leaving... today." AH Rated M Edward/Bella
Rated: Fiction M - Angst/Romance - Edward, Bella - Words: 4,749

Angels Belong In Heaven by Little Miss Emo
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4531389/1/Angels-Belong-In-Heaven
Jayeliwood's Sexy Eddie contest. Angels belong in heaven. Demons belong in hell. What happens when these lines are crossed? A revelation. EXB lemon.
Rated: Fiction M - Romance/Supernatural - Edward, Bella - Words: 4,578

La Vie De Bella by Coldplaywhore:
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7610198/1/La-Vie-De-Bella
Stranded before Thanksgiving with no where to go. She throws caution to the wind and finds what she never knew she was looking for.
Rated: Fiction M - Humor/Romance - Bella, Edward - Words: 8,984

Saturday, May 2, 2015

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 Edward's Eternal, author of the addictive stories The Bull Rider and Volunteer 13, shares a little detail on her upcoming story The Harvest Table with us.


Isabella Swan, an executive under a great deal of stress, has the sudden need to get out of the office. Driving aimlessly, she finds her way to a country market and meets the charismatic stock boy, Edward. But is there more to Edward than meets the eye? Can he help Bella figure out there is more to life than money and business? 

**
He grinned, and realizing my answer came out more like  question, I felt my face flush, and I turned to the pile of peppers I’d been looking at, blindly picking one up.

“Fresh this morning,” he offered as he starting arranging the garlic on a display beside me.

“Oh.”

“Picked them myself.”

“Ah. They look lovely.”

“All organic. Everything we sell here is. All grown without pesticides or fertilizers.”

I placed a couple peppers in my basket and moved over to the cucumbers. I reached out for one when he spoke again.

“Your hand is shaking.”

I froze and looked down—he was right —my hand was trembling.

He moved closer. “Are you all right?”

“I should probably have some lunch.”

“Lunch? It’s past three. You haven’t eaten lunch yet?”

“Oh, um…I forgot.”

On cue, my stomach rumbled. Blushing again, I shook my head. “I didn’t have breakfast either.” I glanced at my watch. “I didn’t realize how late it was.”

“I can get you something.”

“What?”

He stepped forward. “Come to the restaurant. I’ll get you something to eat.”

“Is it open?”

He shook his head. “Doesn’t matter.” He held out his hand. “Come with me.”

I hesitated then let him take my hand. His long fingers closed around my palm, and I felt an instant warmth at his touch.  He reached over, taking my basket from me and pulling me gently up the aisle. “You can finish shopping after.”

I let him pull me through the double doors and lead me to a table in the corner.  I looked around, feeling uneasy. “Are you sure you won’t get into trouble with your boss?”

A crooked grin curled up his full lips. “No, I’m good.”

“I don’t want to take you away from your work.”

“Honest, it’s good.” He pushed me into a chair. “Sit here. I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere, okay?”

Where was I going to go? I didn’t even know where I was.

“I won’t.”

“Okay.”  He turned to go then came back, holding out his hand again. “I’m Edward, by the way.”

“Isabella Swan. Um…Bella.”

He squeezed my hand. “It’s a pleasure, Bella. Stay there. I’m going to feed you.”

My gaze followed his retreating form. 

I’m going to feed you.”

Why did those words sound like so much more?

And why did I like the sound of them so much?

,

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

♥ Kim 


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