REVIEW: Watch and See by JiffyKate

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

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

Banner made by Jenny Kate

Watch and See by JiffyKate

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11331150/4/Watch-and-See

Her sexual experience is limited, at best. She's never found pleasure in it, so what's the point? Now, though, she wants what he's giving. Seeing the women fall apart against his window has her yearning and wanting to the point she almost combusts sitting on the ledge, merely an observer. What would it be like if she were one of them? Rated M

VampiresHaveLaws ~
Do you love a bit of stalking?

Do you love some exhibitionism?

Do you love ice cream?

If you answered “yes” to all the above (especially the last one), you don’t need to go home, you’re not drunk, and you’re going to love Watch and See by JiffyKate.

When the girls kindly shared a sneak peek with us a few months back, I knew I was going to be all-in with this one. What hit me instantly, was how much fun the story was. There was something harmless about Bella’s voyeurism, despite the context. I mean, yes, she’s spying on her neighbour as he does the naughty with his conquests, which isn’t everyone’s day-to-day life, but this Bella is relatable. She has mother issues, and confidence issues, and comes across incredibly lonely sometimes. She takes her needs into her own hands—quite literally.

And that, right there, really stood out for me.

It’s unusual for Bella to be taking the more dominant role like that. But this story isn’t just about hot neighbours and finding release. It’s smart, and incredibly well-written. There are a lot of layers here. Bella has deep-rooted pain. Edward’s exhibitionism seems to be more of an addiction. Like he needs that physical release to mask whatever else he’s hiding. It’s almost like a therapy session for them both. They’re both gaining from Edward’s conquests. And this Edward … there’s more to him than meets the eye, and a twist I definitely wasn’t expecting.

If you haven’t cracked open this story from this gorgeous duo yet, pull up a chair, find a quiet moment, and come watch and see.  Kim xx


JennaRay ~
For me, it all started in a Dallas hotel room. I sat across from both incredible parts of JiffyKate, hanging out and talking fic. It was then that the pearly gates of epic fic opened up and JiffyKate gave me the inside scoop as they began telling me about their next fic. Something out of the box. Something I hadn’t read before. Something that took a creative mind and admittedly, probably a brave soul, too.

In our community, we take a lot of creative liberty in playing with Edward’s. It’s difficult for him to do wrong by us, and we’ll pretty much take him any way he’s served up. But as Jenny Kate lounged across her bed and characterized their new Bella to me, I began to wonder if we would be so accepting of an out-of-the-box Bella. A Bella with a hobby so far removed from our standard issue heroin.

A voyeuristic Bella.

As unsure as I was of how my peers would react to her, I was immediately teeming with excitement to get inside her head. Coming off a fic slump where nothing seemed to be holding my attention, I was hoping this one would be the gem that would suck me in. And I was right.

More blessings rained down on me from the Fic Gods, and I was asked to pre-read the new story titled Watch and See. For weeks following our trip to Dallas, my anticipation of this fic grew and grew. I tried to be patient, but I can’t say that Jiff and Jenny Kate didn’t get their fair share of “So, that story…” nudges from me. Admittedly, I had high expectations of Watch and See going into it. And in true JiffyKate form, they managed to exceed them.

Having read Jiff and Jenny Kate’s work before, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. But perhaps I wasn’t quite prepared for this one to shoot so quickly so high up on this picky reader’s all-time-favorites list. Watch and See is full of everything I’d hoped for and delivers so much more at the same time. Did I expect to be entertained by the inner monologue of a voyeuristic Bella with stalker tendencies? Of course. Did I expect to lose myself in the skillfully crafted words of two of this fandom’s most talented writers? Duh. But did I expect to find this Bella so relatable? To empathize with her so greatly? Hell no!

Admittedly, I probably have more in common with this Bella than most because of similar family issues. However, regardless, I should probably be concerned with what it says about me that I identify so much with this Bella. And I would, if it weren’t for the rest of this fandom losing their shit over this story just like me! Watch and See is something special – something different in a vast sea of stories that can inevitably become pretty repetitive. Yet, in its uniqueness, JiffyKate manages to still deliver themes that we all know and love. With a mysterious Edward that we’re all dying to figure out and an alternate love-interest vying for Bella’s attention, this story is so much more than raunchy smut for the sake of raunchy smut.

It is unlikely that anyone reading this isn’t already reading Watch and See, but if you’re not, you need to be. I know you’ve seen people flailing over this one on Facebook and Twitter, and let me tell you, this is not the story to toss on your TBR list and forget about. This is the story to hit pause on your list for and read right now. The first chapter will suck you in and in a way that may surprise you, compel you to stick by Bella’s side on this journey.

If you haven’t started this one, you’re in for a treat! Turn down the lights, grab a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, and dive into Watch and See to be swept away with the rest of us! (Alone. Because the steam-factor in this one isn’t advisable for public reading!)


Driving Edward~
Drop everything ladies!! I sure did!! When JiffyKate asked me to pre-read their latest story, "Watch and See", I pounced! After their last amazing story "The Other One", I couldn't wait to see what this incredible duo had written. What I didn't realize is that, as I read this story, I would be craving ... wait for it ... ice cream! A great way to cool down when one is feeling "hot" from the summer heat and a fantastic plot point. This story starts out with a bang. Literally. The prologue introduces us to a lonely Bella sitting in her apartment with a pair of binoculars watching hot steamy window sex out her window. Bella has been watching this man out her window every night. And, it's not just about watching him have sex. It's simply ... him.

"Sometimes, I like watching what he does after the women leave almost as much I enjoy watching what he does while they're there. Almost."

Why does this man have a revolving door of sexual conquests? Are they lovers? Is he an escort? She is drawn into his world, without knowing the what, the whos, or whys. As the story begins to unfold, we find Bella is a librarian, with her coworkers Alice and Rosalie. She lives in the city to be close to her mother, Renee, who is in rehab. Renee is a despicable excuse for a mother. When Bella attends a family counseling session, she is shocked to discover that Renee's counselor is the man from the window ... Edward Cullen. Flabbergasted, Bella begins to navigate a professional and somewhat personal relationship with Edward. Each chapter reveals Bella's self-discovery of herself, her relationship with her mother, and her newfound feelings for Edward, the man behind the window. What she is now seeking, beyond her fantasies, is what makes this Edward tick, and how, if ever, can she fulfill her own fantasy with him. But what she begins to realize is that she wants more than the fantasy.

This story is as hot as an egg frying on the sidewalk in the Georgia heat! Yet, beyond the heatfilled moments, one can't help but want to delve deeper. JiffyKate masterfully pulls the reader in, wanting and hoping that each new chapter will give us more insight into both of their worlds. To find out, we will have to "Watch and See".


MoniNP~
Let's admit it... we all have a little voyeur in us.

Watch and See, by JiffyKate, has become my summer naughty pleasure.

We have our little voyeur, the inexperienced, "almost" innocent Bella, living across the street from a gorgeous, sexy Edward, who is an exhibitionist himself, so we start off with a very naughty prologue, a voyeur's dream complete with binoculars and "flavor of the night" ice-cream binge.  But there is so much more to this story, we quickly learn of Bella's history dealing with Renee's addiction, the reasons why Bella seems so alone, and become emotionally connected to her. I always love a character that can accomplish that.

The way our dear duo JiffyKate write this story, is perfect, I love the descriptions of her emotions, her strengths, her weaknesses, her explorations into her sexy side, courtesy of her sexy unaware neighbor, her struggles to do the right thing, with a perfect balance of serious, naughty and funny. We are learning a little bit more about Edward with each chapter, and I am looking forward to that, we know of Bella's addiction, looking forward to learn Edward's.

I would invite you to give it a go, embrace your inner voyeur with a little ice-cream in hand.. what is your favorite flavor?  Bella's selection for chapter one is Red Velvet Cake...

Enjoy with us, this sexy summer fic! xo - M

PS - I got to meet Jiff & Jenny (JiffyKate) last May, in Dallas. They are every bit as sweet and nice in person as I imagined!

~~~♥~~~

We’d like to thank VampiresHaveLaws, JennaRay, Driving Edward, and MoniNP for sharing their thoughts on this amazing fic.

REVIEW: Love Hurts by Maplestyle

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

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

Banner made by Cullens TwiMistress

Love Hurts by Maplestyle

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11347807/1/

I met Edward Cullen on my first day at my new high school. From that moment on we were practically joined at the hip. We dated for the rest of Junior year and all of Senior. Though we didn't take that ultimate step in our relationship, we were very much in love… or so I thought. Rated M

Midnight Cougar~

Maple is one special lady, an author I adore and respect, and it’s an honour to be her beta. She is so creative and always brings her readers something unique when she writes a story—I never know what to expect, and I love that about her.  Love Hurts is no exception to this.

When Maple asked if I’d have time to beta a one shot for her, an idea that had hit her from the song Love Hurts by Nazareth, and she just had to write, I said, yes, I’d make time—and I’m sure glad I did. I devoured those 6000 words quickly… and then I had an idea. I told Maple I thought she had a gem there, that it was too good to give it all at once, and that she should consider presenting it to her readers as a full story… in drabble form. She already had it sort of separated, so we tweaked and played and edited, and you all got Maple’s mind-blowing drabble story Love Hurts.

Maple ‘got me,’ as I’m sure she got many of you, right till the end. I won’t say anymore, in case you haven’t had the pleasure to read it yet, but believe me… it’s very well-crafted and well-narrated by… well, that unknown is part of Maple’s ingenious writing of this story. Its presentation will make you believe that love really and truly does hurt, and you’ll be aching and feeling and so emotionally invested in the story, that you won’t even know what hit you, until the perfect ending.

I met Edward Cullen on my first day at my new high school. From that moment on we were practically joined at the hip. We dated for the rest of Junior year and all of Senior. Though we didn’t take that ultimate step in our relationship, we were very much in love… or so I thought.

As one reader said, that summary alone gave her “a twinge,” but that’s only the beginning, dear readers.

This story generated a lot of discussion and high anxiety from its readers—as one said after reading, “I was stretched, pulled, and wrung out over this story. I loved it!” and another summed it up, “If you like angst, heartbreak, and a little mystery thrown in, but want a quick read, this is a great story!”

And there you have it; it might be short—each drabble chapter’s word length and completion of the story at only 17 chapters—but Maple packed it with a powerful punch. And that, to me, is the makings of a well-written, memorable read. Well done, my friend.  xox

CullensTwiMistress~

When Maple invited me to read Love Hurts, I had no idea what I was getting into. She hadn’t told me she was writing anything, so colour me surprised as hell when I started reading this little gem.

Love Hurts, chapter 2“Social media can be a very glorious thing. It can keep people who have no choice but to be apart connected, it can reunite old loves and family, it can be used to share photos and to keep in touch with friends, old and new.

Social media can also be very hurtful. It can be a way bullies torment their prey after the school day is over, it can be used to lure people into unsafe relationships, and it can even be used as a tool for stalking people.

In my case, Social Media, namely Facebook, was the place I watched the love of my life fall in love… with someone else.”

I had the honour of reading Love Hurts all at once. I was captivated by this character and I could totally relate to her story. Watching someone you love (or once loved) fall for someone else isn’t easy when you haven’t quite moved on and Maple captured it perfectly. When Maple started posting the story in short drabble-like chapters, I knew she was getting to something. It felt like torture as I read each increment. Even though I knew the ending, reading each little morsel made my gut twist. I won’t ruin the ending, but let’s just say it ended the way a story like this should. If you haven’t read it, go… Now… It’s a short read and won’t leave you disappointed.

Annie Butts~

Love Hurts is the perfect way to describe this fic. You feel the pain that she is feeling as she is seeing Edward's new relationship start to develop. Every picture, every status update is like another pinprick to the heart. This is a fic you can't stop clicking the next button on. I was lucky enough to be a pre-reader. Seeing everyone's reactions as it was unfolding was a lot of fun :) If you haven't read this yet, do it now. You won't be disappointed. Then help me beg for an EPOV. Love ya May, my sister in Rage.

MrsSpaceCowboy~

Recently, I was in the mood for some serious angst, so I spent an afternoon lurking on Facebook. There was a lot of buzz about the story Love Hurts by Maplestyle. It was complete (and I love the author), so I decided to check it out. 

This story perfectly captures the pain of young love. The melancholy tone is present from the first chapter to the last. I knew from the beginning that my heart was going to hurt. It was the end of chapter two that hooked me, though.

In my case, Social Media, namely Facebook, was the place I watched the love of my life fall in love… with someone else.What follows is a story about coming to terms with the end of a relationship. Breaking up is hard. Watching the person you love move on is even harder.

What I love most about Love Hurts is the realism. We’ve all been there – caring too much for someone who doesn’t feel the same anymore. The stages of grief are woven organically into the narrative and made my chest ache when I read certain chapters. And when I reached the end of the story, I sent Maplestyle a review to thank her for making me cry.

~~~♥~~~

Thank you to our guest reviewers Midnight Cougar, CullensTwiMistress, Annie Butts, and MrsSpaceCowboy for sharing their thoughts on this amazing fic.  

REVIEW: Out of the Corner of My Eye by FluffyLiz

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

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

Banner Made by Cared Cullen

Out of the Corner of My Eye by FluffyLiz

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

MereCullen~

I write for work all the time. I can make my case for what needs to happen with all the boring manufacturing work stuff with no problem.  But ask me to write a blurb about a story that I’ve been reading and loving and I clam up.  While I feel I could best express myself with a series of gifs and sound clips from the Swedish Chef and various fangirl screams, I will do my best to put forth a coherent sentence or two.

Out of the Corner of my Eye was a first FluffyLiz story for me – but it certainly will not be the last! So many of the fanfics I read now are AH, so I was quite ready to dive in to a bit of supernatural for a change. Our first introduction to this Bella is her cursing up a storm at her GPS.  Now, cursing while driving is one of my all-time favorite sports. If it were an Olympic event, I’d have a gold medal and be on the cover of a Wheaties box. Needless to say I was hooked from Bella’s 1st “Goddamn it to hell!”

Bella is drawn to this dilapidated house in Cornwall England. She can’t explain why, but she just has to restore it to its former glory. Even though she is only supposed to be in England for a short while to settle her late grandmother’s estate and then get back home to US … she buys this money pit and sinks her entire inheritance into it.  So while the usual suspects appear throughout this story, there is also an unusual ghostly character that comes to play. But he can’t be all bad if his name is Edward, right?? And then there’s a 2nd Edward *wiggles eyebrows*.

Liz builds so much suspense with this story, I felt like most of it was read with one eye open. Just like watching a horror film, I knew something was going to go horribly wrong. And the sexual tension just building and building, I knew one way or another there would be an explosion.

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room changed. It was subtle at first and, if I hadn't become so attuned to it over these past weeks, I might not have noticed. But I could feel my scalp tingle and the hairs on my arms and the back of my neck stand up as the temperature dropped. The house was now watertight and draft-free, but I could nevertheless feel a cool waft of air against my skin where my hair was pulled up in a high ponytail. I knew it was foolish, but it almost seemed like someone was blowing gently on my neck, and it sent a thrill of both pleasure and fear right through me. As each day had gone by, the pleasure had grown and the fear had receded.

And the absolutely best part about reading a fic by FluffyLiz, is that she posts chapter teasers in her authors group.  But these are not ordinary teasers. Liz records herself reading the teaser in her beautiful British accent.

Compass54~

Well, this is really my kind of tale. Combine the supernatural with suspense and an amazing prologue, and I’m hooked.

The characters in this story are instantly fascinating. The first one we meet is a crumbling mansion near the Cornish coast in England, known as “Chimneys”, an entity in its own right with a frightening past. Then we’re introduced to Bella, an American architect, who is led to the house by a malfunctioning GPS. She doesn’t understand the pull she feels for the property, compelled to buy it and bring it back to life.

As she becomes friends with the charming locals of the seaside town, they try to warn her, but play their part in helping her achieve her dream, endangering themselves in the process.

When the inhabitant of the house, a dark and pained Edward, reveals himself, Bella learns of the ancient connection they share. As the house is beautifully renovated and she moves in, he becomes increasingly aggressive, taking what he wants from her, *cough* repeatedly.

Bella is under a dangerous spell from Edward and, just when I think I know what is going to happen, a new Edward enters the story, and what a bonus he is.

This Edward could not be more down to earth, sweet and mature, sexy and desirable. He’s no mere distraction for Bella, either. He belongs firmly in this story, just as much as she does.

There are plenty of moments where I want to scream NOOOOOOOO! Don’t go in there! Get out now! Just when I could not be more fearful for what is happening to Bella, she involves Edward and I’m even more terrified for him.

FluffyLiz writes this with fabulous detail and rich language. It plays out like a movie as the house becomes its former self and the sense of dread grows, culminating in one of the best-written scenes of chaos I’ve read. As the chapter runs out of paragraphs, I’m holding my breath, desperate for more words, unsure of who will survive the madness.

Nkubie~

I’ve been wracking my brain for something, anything to say about Fluffy Liz’s newest story that isn’t a spoiler, and I can’t seem to come up with anything. That’s the problem with a really well-written suspense story; it seems like EVERYTHING is a spoiler! 

I was captivated by the story from the start, not only because of its geography (I have a bit of a “thing” about England), but also because I love old, restored homes. So initially, I was totally in it for the real estate.  However, I have to say that this strong Bella and a sexy ghost really kept me glued to every update. Bring in the other cast of supportive friends and you have yourself a great story. But add to that the intrigue of whether this apparition is actually a long lost relative of Bella’s, the effects of his presence on Bella (and yes, some of those encounters left me a little…um…flushed), and some other distant, but very important relatives and “Out of the Corner of My Eye” becomes a great thriller/romance.

Liz has weaved a very exciting and sexy tale. I look forward to seeing the new chapters in my inbox and can’t wait to see how this all turns out!

SMusic F. Reader~

Occasionally, I am in the mood for a different type of story.  The beauty of fanfiction is the fact that you can find different genres, and still have the familiarity of your favorite characters.  I decided to check out a fic based on comments I read on Facebook.  The story; Out of the Corner of my Eye, but FluffyLiz, was added to my TBR list.  I did not plan to read the story as a WIP because I knew it would be unlike any story I have read.  Then I read the prologue.  Through the prologue, FluffyLiz gives us the voice of what I like to think of as a main character.  An unexpected main character…a house.

“The house stands alone, empty, neglected yet defiant, as if waiting for something—or someone—to either bring it back to life or, perhaps, give it permission to return to the earth and the elements. Blank-eyed, it watches, year upon year, like a brick and concrete Miss Havisham—its beauty eroded by the vicissitudes and immutability of time.”  “The house stands in dreadful silence, watching, waiting, biding its time. And now, finally, that time has come”

After reading this, I was immediately intrigued and knew that I had to read the story right away. My mind went to the Disney movie, Monster House, thinking it had to be on the same lines of this most loved movie.  However, that assumption would soon go out the window.  When our heroine, Bella comes to the house by what she thought were faulty directions from her GPS, we know that there are other factors at hand.  The house, or some other being, brought her here.  She could not resist the lure of the house any more than we can resist the lure of the brilliant words of FluffyLiz. 

Normally, I am not a fan of horror stories.  I don’t like reading stories of things that go bump in the night, or objects flying, not to mention apparitions forming.  This story goes far beyond that, however.  Not wanting to give too much away, I can say that this story gives us chills, thrills, and then scares the hell out of us.  And those things that go bump in the night…can bring pleasure in the night as well.  At least for a while.  Until you realize you are not reading a Disney story that you would think would come from an author whose name is “FluffyLiz”.  Do not let her name fool you; there are no rainbows, no butterflies.  There is, however, brilliant dialogue, sensual encounters, beautiful scenery, and a spectacular story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, scared out of your wits, but unable to put down.   

~~~♥~~~

Thanks to our guest reviewers MereCullen, Compass54, Nkubie, and SMusic F. Reader for sharing their thoughts on this amazing fic.  

Super Sexy Sunday is back! (#5)

Thanks for joining us again, we've got some heat to spice up this summer Sunday for you!

Nic and Six have spiffed up this fantastic feature to make your hot go-to lemon fic list longer... and we've really enjoyed sharing these last five Sundays of sexiness with you. 

Let's get right to it!

Negative Twenty and Falling by katinki
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7632850/1/Negative-Twenty-and-Falling
COMPLETE O/S. Two weeks, a few cups of cocoa, a mountain of snow, a pair of mittens, and one Mr. Perfect-Gorgeous. I present to you: Skiward. Just a little bit of wintery fluff so that you don't think I'm always so doom and gloom.


Outbound by aftrnoondlight
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.


Love is the End by phoebes.promise
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6445022/1/
If he had only spoken the right words at the right time she would be his forever. Instead, they ache, love and long for each other in silence. A bittersweet love story desperately searching for a happily ever after.


Our Lives Unbound by theladyingrey42
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6046442/1/
My mind is trapped in circles, my loneliness pressing in. Unable to speak, I reach for her spark. In her eyes, I find my partner. In her command, I find my freedom. Together, we open our lives to something more.


Prey for the Wicked by Aleeab4u 
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6785758/1/Prey-for-the-Wicked
A vampire finds the true meaning of temptation, an innocent beauty with a siren's blood. Is she prey for the wicked or the answer to a prayer for salvation? When love knows no bounds and obsession has no reason, where do you draw the line?


Reality Minus Expectations by Mjinaspen/Incog Ninja
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8911907/1/Reality-Minus-Expectations
When it comes to Aspen’s social scene, event planner Bella Swan is a smash success. Her marriage, however, crashed and burned. The town's newest real estate attorney arrives in time to add some heat of his own to take away the sting.

Mergers and Acquisitions by Touchstone67
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5654185/1/Mergers-and-Acquisition
When Edward pays for a night of harmless fun, he didn't expect to get the purchase of a lifetime. Will his nights in Seattle change his whole life in Chicago? Full length story for the second place winner in the Slash/Backslash Contest.

Lips Like Scarlet Sugar by aftrnoondlight
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6795051/1/Lips-Like-Scarlet-Sugar
"I think you liked me touching you in front of your ex, didn't you?" E & B are alone for New Year's ... or not. Written for the Squeeze My Lemon, Lemon writing exercise.

We sure hope you've enjoyed our summer pop-up feature. If this is your first visit to the blog don't forget to check out Super Sexy Sunday issues 1-4 when you get the chance and follow the links under the blog banner for classic award winning recs and reviews from 2010-2014!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your summer,

Love,

PAWsPeaches xoxo