Saturday, June 24, 2017

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

 


The Lemonade Stand has spent years bringing you the best the Twilight fandom has to offer, and we are delighted to have the chance  to offer you even MORE. We've enjoyed watching stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE, and now we're excited to share  previews of the stories that will  soon be your new addiction.

This week, we are proud to showcase our very own multi-talented TLS Admin, LayAtHomeMom! If you have never had the pleasure of reading any of her writing, get prepared to be knocked off your feet. She’s written hits like In Your Room, Felt (who doesn’t LOVE a dirty talking Edward?!), Girl Code, and Kush. I highly recommend Every.Single.Thing. she has written and couldn’t be more excited about this NEW story she’s been telling me whispers of for quite some time.


banner by LayAtHomeMom

Burning Saints
by LayAtHomeMom

Summary:  As this saint burns, so will burn my soul should I betray the oath of Omertà. 
I enter alive and will have to leave dead. 


Mobward.

I know, I know.

It’s all been done, and it’s been done incredibly well.

But what can I say? 

I’m a sucker for a scotch-sipping, gun-toting, ball-breaking, Edward with a chip on his shoulder, and a fedora tilted just so. Throw in a Chicago accent and a sworn oath to the most ruthless crime syndicate of the era, and hot damn … you know I’m about that life.

Sweeten the deal by adding a young Bella with a backbone, a little ambition, and just enough of her daddy’s political clout in the Windy City to elevate a certain made man and his Outfit from wise guys to legitimate power players among the Gold Coast’s elite … you know I’m down for all of that too.

So, if Mobward is your jam, this might be a fic for you. Fair warning, though - this story is rated M for pearl-clutch-inducing situations such as violence, corruption, ball-busting, and gratuitous use of the word ‘fuck’ in all of its variations. 

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Excerpt from Chapter 2

“Can I get you boys anything?” A tall blonde wearing tassels and a smile asks, bending down so her cans are level with Em’s eyes.

“Yeah, sweetheart. How about you run and fetch us a bottle of scotch?”

She makes a show of pressing her tits together. “Anything else, Mr. Cullen?”

He hands her a bill and waves her off, briefly watching her ass sway before turning back to me. “So how was Havana, huh?”

“Eh, it was okay. I didn’t mind bein’ out there.” I light a smoke and lean back in my seat. “Why? You lookin’ to get into the game down there?”

Shaking his head, he mimics my position. “Nah, just curious how the past five years were for you.”

I take a deep pull. “It was fine, I guess. I laid low for a while, then your dad sent me to see Momo.”

“How was that?”

“I learned a lot. Momo had me doin’ collections and running a few floating craps and some high limit poker games. Met a few associates here and there. All in all, I can’t complain.”

Tassels brings the scotch and makes herself scarce again when Em stands abruptly. “Follow me.”

“Where we headed?”

“Somewhere without ears.”

He leads me to a roof access door and we climb the stairs until we’re four stories above Rush Street, looking out at the city.  Em unscrews the cap and tosses it over the side of the building before taking a huge swig. “There are big changes comin’ for us, Eddie.”

“Yeah?”

He points to the skyline. “All this is gonna be ours.” 

I say nothing, letting him go on with the crazy talk. 

“And it’s all because of you.” He comes towards me and grabs the back of my neck. “You ballsy motherfucker, you.” Pulling me close, he lowers his voice, “I know what you did.”

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

LayAtHomeMom is a breath of fresh air around this fandom. She is hilarious, beautiful inside and out, irreverent in all the best ways, and someone you know you will have a great time with. Whether it’s reading her amazing words or selling girl scout cookies with her or scaling parking garages in Chicago ;) Pop her on alert if you haven’t already, and join us in reading her next “drop everything” story, Burning Saints. You won’t regret it. 

 ♥ Nic 


Monday, June 19, 2017

What we're reading in TLS this week:

It’s hot outside and this rec list we are bringing you this week is about to make things even hotter! There are a variety of genres to choose from and an Edward for every single taste. Check out these stories and be sure to leave the writer some love, in the form of a review, and let them know where you saw them recommended. Enjoy!

♥ Nic & Six





A Big Enough Umbrella by bornonhalloween
Even a superhero has to pull on his tights one leg at a time. An "Old School" sequel as told by Umbrella Man himself. Rated M because they can't keep their hands off each other. Rated M

Anima gemella by Bravery89 
In the near future, productivity increases while crime decreases. Why? The government has developed a technology that determines who our soulmates are. Apparently, happy, bonded people don't break the law. Well, this system has ruined my life. I'm unhappy and fighting this bond with my deemed soulmate, Edward Cullen. Rated M 

Dark Thing Make a Myth of Yourself by bicyclesarecool
"I feel her before I see her, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up in attention. When I shut my locker, she's parting the crowd like the red sea. Bella Swan is looking right at me, a smirk poised on her dark lips and something fierce in her dark eyes. There's something about her, something otherworldly. A storm is coming and I feel like i'm about to be caught in it."  Rated M

Edward’s Isabella by dancer54
Edward Cullen has abstained from human blood for over a century. Present-day Chicago, he uses his gift of telepathy to solve crimes, during an investigation he hears a madman planning to murder an innocent young woman. While intervening on her behalf, Edward loses his superior control, becoming fixated on the song of her sweet blood crying out to him. Will he answer? Rated M

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables by Lyrical Kris
The wake of a tragedy—a school shooting—has far reaching consequences. Edward was living his life as though he had to make up for the four people who died in front of his eyes. Bella's life had been blown apart before it really started. Two strangers who happened to come back to the scene of the crime on the same day. Rated M

Evergreen Loop by Vican
The downside of high school: cafeteria food sucks, and sometimes, you're cast as the weirdo. On the bright side, sometimes Edward Cullen is your best friend. Even if it is a secret. Rated M

Hard to Love by drotuno
I didn't know how to ask him if I was going to lose the one person that  had loved me unconditionally my entire life. Bella Swan had been in  every moment of my life since I was seven years old. Eighteen years. She  was there for it all, and it wasn't supposed to end like this.  Rated M

In the Land of Sweet Water by anna.who.was.mad 
Summer. 1957. Sixteen year old Isabella is unexpectedly thrown into the  unforgiving hive of wealth and excess that is Sweetwater, Virginia. When  she befriends a beautiful boy with shadows of his own, the two uncover a  shocking web of lies that irrevocably tie them together. Rated M    

Kaleidoscope by myotherlife 
Carl Jung once said that the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being. If this is indeed true, what purpose do we serve if everything we are is a lie? Does existence define us, or do we define existence? Boldly, I walk towards my destiny to find out. (Full summary in Chapter One.) Rated M

Quarantine by MandyLeigh87
This could have been your typical high school romance. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. Live happily ever after. But when a deadly illness breaks out in Forks, students at Forks' High have to put the romance aside and do what they can to stay alive. Even if that means losing a few friends along the way. Rated M  

The Protector by hikingurl
In a post-apocalyptic world where civilization barely survives, Edward has spent his whole life training to protect his society, his family, and the girl who has captured his heart. Rated M

Unplugged by Write Sisters
Masen, rock star, had it all—until he didn't. Now, he's trying to rebuild his life, retrace his steps and, hopefully, do it all again, only right this time. Bella Swan had her heart broken, her confidence dashed, and her trust in love destroyed by Edward Cullen. It's taken her years to get over his betrayal, and now, having finally gotten her life together, he's back. Rated M

Unsteady by 2carm2carm2
One night, successful businesswoman, Bella, stumbles upon Edward stitching up his bloodied face in the office. Edward is unfriendly and rude and people at Cullen Consulting Inc don't trust him. Soon, Bella becomes obsessed with figuring out what he is hiding from them all and when she finds out, she gets drawn into a world of danger, in which one wrong move will lead to death. Rated M

Where I Belong by bnpwrites
Bella Swan never expected superstar Edward Cullen to wander into Walgreen's and she never expected him to change her life. Rated M

Saturday, June 17, 2017

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature



The Lemonade Stand has spent many years bringing you the best the Twilight fandom has to offer, and we are very happy to have the chance  to offer you even MORE. We've loved watching stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE, and now we're excited to share  previews of the stories that will  soon be your new addiction.  

This week, TLS has the talented writer, MeteorOnAMoonlessNight, as our guest! She has written an interesting collection of stories like Jack & Crush, Ex Delicto, Perdition and more, that have been featured on the TLS Rec List a number of times. Let’s check out the Sneak Peek into her new story, Seismic Shift, coming very soon!


banner by MeteorOnAMoonlessNight


Seismic Shift
by MeteorOnAMoonlessNight

Summary: Earthquakes  so rarely occur in the Pacific Northwest that the phenomenon causes the members of the Quileute tribe to investigate. They never would have  expected to find her. She is stubborn, wild, and fiercely independent, and she willfully goes against everything they try to teach her. Especially when it comes to staying away from vampires.


How did you come up with the story?
I  came up with the idea for this story when I was looking at Twilight pictures on Tumblr that focused on the wolf pack. I came across the  quote that I used on the banner, and the words “some days I am more wolf  than woman” pretty much nailed the concept for the story. Combine that with gorgeous pictures of the Olympic National Forest, and I decided I wanted a Bella that was raised by wolves. While I was kicking around  title ideas with my beta (Sarcastic Bimbo), she came up with Seismic Shift, and I knew I had to tie in earthquakes. Bella has no recollection  of her past or how she came to be a shapeshifter; she doesn’t have Quileute blood, but she still considers them family because they have spent years raising her as their own. Her independence is reflected in  her refusal to toe the line, resulting in extreme tension between the  vampires and the werewolves. We follow her journey as she struggles to find her place in the world off the reservation, with Edward by her side. With or without the tribe’s permission.

The  result is an AU story complete with beautiful imagery, a swoon-worthy Edward, a tenacious Bella that can keep pace with him, and an impending war between vampires and werewolves. Whose side will Bella take?

_____


Excerpt from Chapter 3

"Your laugh carves its signature into my subconscious until I feel you everywhere I am.”

I  stopped; stopped laughing, or thinking, or breathing. I moved the few feet between us and stood vulnerable before him. My hand raised of it's  own volition, hesitantly touching his cheekbone. Ancient warnings  whispered in my ear of the dangers of blood drinkers, but I ignored  them.

“You won't hurt me.”

Edward stared into my eyes as he answered my statement. “I could not, or I would be hurting myself immeasurably.”

The pads of my fingers burned as they met with his skin, matching my internal temperature. I'd never felt connected  to any person before. It was a novel feeling, the way my heart pumped  faster, my senses heightened and seemed to home in on Edward.

“Where did you come up with something so beautiful to say?” I asked softly, staring into warm butterscotch.

“You,” Edward said simply. “The words come when I see you, crowding my brain.”  He caught the fingers that still brushed against his cheek and pressed  my palm to his face.

I would be consumed by the fire, and gladly. This creature made of ice would burn me alive. “Do you feel it?”

“There is a connection,” he agreed. His breath washed across my face, smelling sweetly of mint.

“Why do you think that is? We couldn't be more different if the cosmos had tried to create two opposite beings.”

Edward leaned even closer, his face inches from mine. “Perhaps the cosmos created you for me.”

The thought of that had my body vibrating. I stepped away quickly, horrified at the thought of phasing so close to him. The destruction would be devastating for the both of us.

“Did I say something wrong?” he questioned in confusion.

I held my hands in front of me to ward him off. My arms trembled, the glittering noticeable as I fought to clamp down the urge to become  completely primal. “No. No. Just give me- a minute.”

I focused on Edward as I gritted my teeth and locked my body down. His expression was one of concern, a frown wrinkling his perfect brow. When I had tamed the beast within, the shaking subsided, and I felt drained. I sank to the ground, laying my face on the bent grass, concentrating on breathing steadily as I heard him come over.

“Bella? Are you alright? What was that?” Edward's elegant fingers brushed through my hair as I recovered.

“I almost shifted in front of you,” I whispered. My eyelids slipped closed as he stroked my temple gently.

“And that would have been a tragedy, would it not?” His velvet voice was lulling me to sleep.

“Mmm hmm.” My last conscious thought was that I was a werewolf in a vulnerable position, trusting my well being to a vampire.

I  woke alone, sitting up slowly and glancing around. The clouds hovered near the ground, and it was nearing nightfall. I would be in trouble when I made it home. I stretched before starting to jog in the direction of the reservation. I had to face the music, but I wasn't looking  forward to it.

It was Sam that greeted me at the border, as though he had been watching somehow, or just pacing neurotically in hopes of running into me.

“Bella!” he called my name sharply. Sam was tall, towering over the others easily. His black hair was cut close, and it was as shiny as his coat  was when he phased. “Where have you been?” he demanded.

I walked up to him, my arms crossed in front of me. “I fell asleep in the woods.”

“You ask for danger, Bella. You invite it upon yourself, upon us all. I know you go past the boundary, or I could keep better watch. Why do you do this? Why do you make me lecture you about the dangers out there?” He paced as he spoke, and he was indeed lecturing me.

“I'm no Goldilocks, Sam, and I'm not afraid of bears. Are you?” I lifted my brow in challenge.

He stopped in front of me. “You know the only thing we have to fear is the cold ones. The same that live nearby have lived here before. We have no  proof of the safety of being off the treaty lands!”

“I know you believe it, Sam. But I don't. I've seen no reason to agree, no proof.”

“What is that stench?” he said suddenly. He leaned forward and sniffed at me, then leaped away as though he'd been burned. “You've been around one!”  he accused.

“I haven't!” I lied. “I just ventured near a place where maybe one had been. I smelled it too, so I left.”

“I don't believe you,” he snarled.

“I  don't care.” I turned away from him and headed off to my own house, my heart pounding. It took ages to finally calm down enough to sleep, but  when I did my head was filled with dreams of Edward.



I’ve been a fan of MeteorOnAMoonlessNight for a while now and continue to enjoy reading her unique story lines. She never fails to surprise me with her interesting spin on our beloved characters. Be sure to put her on alert and join us in reading Seismic Shift!

~ Nic



Monday, June 5, 2017

What we're reading in TLS this week:

There has been a lot of new writing and new writers in the fandom lately, and it’s refreshing to see. We have compiled a fresh list for you to check out and find your new favorites! We have a few we drop everything for and we can’t wait to see if yours are the same. Check these out and leave the writers some love, letting them know where you saw them recommended. If you have a fic you drop everything for, that we aren’t reading yet, feel free to share with one of us, so we can check it out.

♥ Nic & Six


Capo Di Tutti Capi by MeteorOnAMoonlessNight
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12491264/1/Capo-Di-Tutti-Capi
Edward and Isabella Cullen run MC Enterprises and the Cullen mafia, making them Seattle's most important power couple. But what will become of them all when she's sick of the business? Rated M

Cerebral by LyricalKris
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12405359/1/Cerebral
Edward Cullen was just the competition—the only other neurosurgeon possibly as good as she was in three states—until the day Bella's husband landed on his table. She'd never liked Edward, but after he killed her husband, she hated him. Too bad he got in her head the same way he got under her skin. Rated M

Continuance by Punchanella
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5198460/1/Continuance
Edward Cullen is a hot shot associate in the D.A.'s office. Bella Swan is at the top of her game as a defense attorney for the most prestigious firm in Seattle. Will these courtroom rivals give in to their desires or will arrogance keep them apart? Rated M

Denver Paranormal Society by ericastwilight
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6437814/1/Denver-Paranormal-Society
Sequel to She Speaks Fear and Truth. Follow Edward and Bella's paranormal investigation team, as they work frightening cases. With Bella's abilities will it only bring the team to more harm? Their relationship is put to the ultimate test. Rated M

Eight Days by windchymes
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11885557/24/Eight-Days
A lot can happen in eight days... Rated M

Hey There by completerandomness12
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11325651/2/Hey-There
Sequel to Hello Again. Famous power couple Edward and Bella couple juggle a budding empire and 5 rowdy kids. Will things go smoothly or will fame whores and gossip hounds ruin their perfect life? Rated M

I Will Try by StillDreaming85
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12488415/1/I-Will-Try
My ex-boyfriend came crashing back into my life after he got fed-up dealing with my crazy family's issues. Former Marine Cullen, turned P.I. says he is back to protect me, whether I like it or not. I guess that's how we ended up in bed together. Rated M

Just This Side of Crazy by deviant bamboo
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11508650/1/Just-This-Side-of-Crazy
I deal in crazy all day long, but meeting her made me question my own sanity. Maybe she was certifiably insane, but I believed her. So what did that make me? Rated M

Oh Baby! by MyWindowIsOpen
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12504705/1/Oh-Baby
Edward and Bella are best friends, have been for years. They'd do anything for each other, but would Edward asking her to help him and his wife, Tanya have a baby be the breaking point? Can she sacrifice herself to help them? Will their friendship be able to survive?
Rated M

Say Goodbye by MariahajilE
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8800933/1/Say-Goodbye
Sadness, anger, acceptance, love. This is the story of Bella Cullen's goodbye. Rated M

Such a Simple Fool by BringMeYourLove
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4919646/1/Such-a-Simple-Fool
It's like there's two you's; a public you that everyone see's, and a private one, that's stuck, always stuck, forever. Rated M

The Archer by Camilla10
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6669956/1/The-Archer
This is a supernatural love story, telling the tale of a princess in peril and of the mythical creature who saves her. The time? Oh, some 2700 years ago. Rated M

The Devil’s Plan by ruinedbyrob
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12154644/1/
Banned from Heaven for thinking himself above God, Lucifer bides his time searching for a way to gain his reentry into Heaven and taking the throne of God for himself. He has waited centuries for the one he needs to be born. The lives of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen are about to be changed forever, if they are not strong enough for the fight ahead, mankind will pay the price. Rated M

Tomorrow by Samx5453
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5611956/1/Tomorrow
Bella is chosen to pretend to be the billionaire, Edward Cullen's, girlfriend for the holidays. Her vengeful Aunt Lady Hannigan and the situation its self could bring this crashing down on them both. Will either be able to make it through the holidays? Rated M

What Have We Done? by ladylibre
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12499419/6/What-Have-We-Done
Fed up with her family's mourning since leaving Bella behind, Rosalie returns to Forks to prove that the stupid human is just fine without them. But what she finds is not what she expected. And that will not do. **A canon-based, drabblish AU New Moon fic. Rated M
Photobucket