In The End, Ch. 1

I like the start of this. It's an interesting configuration of the players. The fact that Bella is alone in the world, but so close to being of age holds a lot of possibilities for her once she leaves the hospital. Also, the fact that she is so much younger than Edward will add a nice bit of tension.

I'm curious to see what you do with this.

Hair of the Dog, Ch. 10

After reading a chapter like this, I need to go back in time 2 months, so I can turn to my right, crawl into your lap, order you a drink, and hope your awesome rubs off on me. That's not creepy, right? LOL!

Seriously, though. This story has been raw and true from the start. It's so refreshing to take a look at two people where love isn't enough. There is so much hurt and so much baggage, that the sea of shit is too vast to swim through to get to the other, and I LOVE you for that.

Addiction is hard, whether it be in a glass or in a person. You know it is bad for you, but you keep on taking another drink, or in this case, staying another day.

Yet, they both let go. They did what they needed to do to get healthy. Him physically/mentally. Her emotionally/mentally. They aren't there yet, but they are taking risks and trying. They are both started on their path to happiness.

Illegal Contact, all

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I was in the mood for something football-y since 'tis the season!

Your Bella presented a real person just trying to do the best she can do with the situation presented to her. She never resented having to raise her brother. The way you wrote her pain from the loss of her parents, well, if you have ever lost someone that close, you know how it takes years before it even begins to dull. She hurt. She craved their advice and approval.

I think the timing of the reveal on her OD was perfect. It was at a point in which you had us invested in her and Seth's relationship and how much they mean to each other. How close they are now. It made his words acute.

I loved that you allowed Bella and Edward to become friends first. It made the progression of their romantic relationship make sense. I love their faith in each other, but at the same time, I adored that you let him have it after the sonogram SNAFU. She was just the right amount of angry, and her vindictiveness w/ the condoms is something I would TOTALLY do! LOL!

Thank-you for writing this story. I read it non-stop this past weekend. I got the rec from TwiFicRecs Tweet about Athleticwards. :)

Let's Get Physical, Ch. 14

This chapter feels like the first step in the climb they are making towards acknowledging feelings. They were both a little flirty. There was some physical touching that goes beyond friend or professional levels. Finally, we see Bella being less critical of herself. She still has her complaints, but the self-loathing is recessing.

Impossible Situations, o/s

My heart hurts. This is like the "Midnight Sun" I yearned for. I think you captured Gale perfectly in this view of him watching the games, realizing his love for Katniss, and then the pain of losing her before he ever had the chance to make her his. The line about how "his Katniss" died in the aren was poignant.

Just...wow.

Game, Set, Love, Ch. 1-10

Chapter 1
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What a great start to a story. I am a former tennis player, so this Edward is right up my alley. So to speak. :)

I like that you have him young. That will give a nice contrast as his accomplishment professionally and his naivety of youth collide.

I love how you have had Edward and Bella meet, and I can't wait to read how this unfolds!

Chapter 3
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They meet again! I love your mix of the technicality of reining and matches with your plot. The reason I am reading a tennis story is because I want to read some tennis too! So, thanks for that!

I am itching for the next chapter now, so moving on!

Chapter 4
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Now I can see why you were anxious about my reaction. Well, played. So, now is he going to turn tail, or sac up. Moving forward!

Chapter 5
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Hmmm...what detained Edward? I am guessing that was Emmett and Rosalie at the bar. I like the playfulness of their texts and look forward to seeing how this unfolds.

Chapter 10
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I am not sure what happened. I have to say Chapters 6 through Chapter 10 confused me. Your writing style changed so much it was like reading a different story.

I am hoping that it is deliberate way to show that now that as they become more attracted to each other, these two mature professionals are regressing into their teenage selves. I don't know. The vernacular you have adopted is just awkward for me.

I do love the story you have set-up here. I hope to find my love again, and not love = 0.

The Cullen Campaign, Ch. 19

All the drama that exists for these two are from external sources. Here they are, both hurting from keeping themselves locked up emotionally, when if they would just let go, they could start building their foundation of their relationship, and gradually let the outside world in. They are suffering from someone else's preconceived notions and ideals.

I hope one of them lets go. Takes the chance on this affair that really is perfect. Parentage aside.

The Fallout, Ch. 30

One of my favorite things about this story is that you wrote it in such a way that I have felt the despondence and pain all through the beginning. I questioned my own ability to hold onto hope. Neither side of the coin held onto much hope after a decade.

But then you started giving us rays of sunshine through the clouds. The wall. Jasper finding Bella. The Cullens finding the Forks settlement. The people in this story were gradually given some hope. It was like you were giving up permission to be happy again.

Now, we are experiencing pure joy. The football game and all it's playfulness. Laughter, unbound. Playful sexuality while Edward washed up. Finally, their trip to the meadow, which seemed to be as untouched as the moment was. It was just them in the place where it all started. Where love seemed to be frozen in time waiting for them. It was beautifully written.

Tips for Better Living, Ch. 14

I know too well the awkwardness of a love affair where the relationship makes no sense to the outside world, but is nothing but right within the bubble. Their greatest hurdle to overcome will not be each other and how they feel. It will be the outside world and their judgment.

I'm happy they are making progress behind closed doors, but my heart hurt a bit at the moment Edward saw Bella with outside eyes. I think it is good that he did. He needs to take off the rose colored glasses to realize what others see, so he can better face the criticism in the future.

Some Little Girls, Ch. 1-4

This portion of Bella and Edward's tale really hit home for me. I fear every day that I am going to turn out like my mom, or in other words, my kids have more negative memories of my parenting than good. I didn't have that feeling when pregnant, but just about every day since oldest turned 3.

I love Edward's need to have things just so. That he has a plan, and he needs it to happen how he envisioned it. :)

Also, I like the fact that Esme is dating. Girlfriend deserves to have her parts seen to. Edward is going to lose his shit when he finds out.

Finally, the "Excalibur" internal ultrasound wand is NO JOKE.

Edward Wallbanger, Ch. 19

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott: He's on third, we're not talking about him.

Costello: Now how did I get on third base?

-------------------------------------------
As, always my beautiful teakettle, I love your plays on words, your witty banter, and in the end, two people finally letting go and letting love take over.

**gives the signs for Banger to steal home**

University of Edward Masen, Ch. 42

I'm so happy you gave them the gift of time. Bella needed to experience life on her own. I think it was healthy for her to have her own space and to settle into her life at Harvard. She was wise and true to herself when she admitted some wounds cannot be cured over-night. It takes time to rid oneself of the fear of abandonment. Hell, it took me 20.

Now that she has acquiesced to his request, it feels right. It is the right time. I can't wait to see how this leg of their lifetime journey together concludes.

Raw and Rosy, Ch. 12

After reading this chapter, I realize that does Jasper not only dominate Edward, but he allows him to be something that he doesn't get to be with anyone else. 100% unguarded.

You see in his interactions with his parents, that their relationship is all very superficial. People who had children, because it is what you did, and are not meant to raise another human. They treat him as a commodity or some sort of sociological experimentation. How freeing Jasper must feel to him? No wonder he trusts him so. He is free to be himself, and goes un-judged...and possibly now something else.

That was not pure fucking we witnessed this chapter. There was tenderness. There was care.

Last Tango in Forks, Ch. 17

The two worlds have collided. Now what happens. Not only are they faced with each other unexpectedly, but it is very publicly. Not only that, but they are both "meeting" each other at last. The names are out there. There is no going back to anonymity. Their truth is known.

As for the car scene, JFC that was some hot stuff. Your wording and descriptors had me in the passenger seat of that car being the pinnacle of voyeuristic. Just wow.

Then her drunken, mumbled "Love you" followed by his solo post-orgasmic "I love you, too". This is either about to be great or heartbreaking. Jury's still out.

Hydraulic Level 5, Ch. 35

It's easy to walk away. The easiest thing in the world is to look at a situation, know it is fucked up beyond belief, and walk away. What so many people don't do, is stay. To wade through the river of shit, not knowing if you'll come out clean on the other side.

Bella is taking that chance. She is putting her faith in love. She will be completely exhausted when this is done, but hopefully, with the truth out there, they will both be set free. Free to settle into some quiet, new reality when the dust settles.

There is nothing easy about the near future, that is for sure.

Our Lives Unbound, Ch. 11

It hurts to see Edward still struggling so, but you can't change a lifetime of self-effacement over night. Or even in the course of weeks. Bella is slowly stripping him bare emotionally while simultaneously building him up. She is pushing him to accept who he is while reassuring him that it is okay.

Still, he barricades. I look forward to that moment when he lets the walls fall down. I don't think it will be an avalanche, but a brick-by-brick release.

As always, I am enraptured.

Guide to Losing a Player in One Date, Ch. 1-5

This Esme and Carlisle are one of my favorites in the fandom. I'm so happy you decided to tell their story. I love Carlisle's insistence and cockiness. The problem I am having is that I am not seeing the essence of what I love about Esme. Granted, she is 20 years or so younger than the mature woman I have come to love in AA5/Counterpoint. I was, admittedly, not the person I am today when I was that age. So, because of this, I am giving her some leeway. My problem is that she often comes off as being a bitch and not just evasive or leery. Where I would expect clever banter, I just find snark.

But like I said, I was reactionary and at times hurtful in hindsight in my early 20s. Maybe the thing I don't like the most is the mirror you are inadvertently holding up.

Let's Get Physical, Ch. 1-13

It would have been so easy to make Edward and Bella caricatures in the story you have set up. Instead, you have created two human beings. Bella is over-weight, but it is the result of negatively focusing her neglect and emotional abuse. She is not losing weight to get a man, she is doing it because it is the healthy thing to do. Now that her life has been rid of it's toxic element, James, she is working on becoming emotionally and physically healthy...for HER.

Edward as the personal trainer, could have been a brainless body. A mere object of her desire. Instead, we have an average guy who despite some shallow tendencies in the past is learning to question his ideals of beauty. He has some aspirations to do something musically, but really is not overly ambitious. It is refreshing to see an Edward that is not perfect nor broken. He just is.

The way you have built up their relationship, and their burgeoning feelings is well-paced. The mis-communications, or lack there of in some cases, has taken me on a wonderful roller coaster ride of emotion. I have genuinely smiled and achingly hurt for the two of them. Hopefully, the assumptions they are both working under will clear.

I loved this latest chapter, because Bella let herself be the confident woman she should be. She is finding her power.

Osa Bella, Ch. 31

I love the moral dilemma in this story. Sacrifice your own happiness for the safety of others OR have your HEA and see an entire civilization destroyed. Yeah...no easy answers there.

Once again, Bella is our favorite martyr, though I would be hard pressed to find many that would choose differently than she is doing. The problem in the end is that this is all built on the lie that she is Hala. This is either going to come crashing down around them all, or it's going to turn out that she is actually who they think she is. Only you know the answer to that (don't tell me).

Bella's pain is so real in this chapter. Jacob's too. So well written.

The Training, Ch. 30

I think the thing that has resonated with me through this entire series, and made me pause and read a BDSM fic to begin with was your Bella. She is very approachable. She is someone I would be friends with. Someone I am. She just happens to enjoy a little kink behind closed doors and in libraries and in stadiums full of 100K people. I digress.

This real feeling comes through in this chapter when she realizes she has said Edward's name. That "Oh shit!" moment we have all experienced when we have done something without thinking, realizing that split second after it happens that we have fucked up.

Also, to see Domward back large and in charge again. He softened so much for us in The Training. We got to spend time with the man as well as the Dom. You could FEEL the transformation when he changed hats in this one. That was amazing writing to convey that.

Elemental, Ch. 26

I like the juxtaposition of them strengthening as their world is on the brink of falling apart. I love how you have let their relationship progress naturally. That Bella has been questioning, while trying to accept this life she has be thrust into.

She remains strong and confident, and Edwards softening in her hands, and his burgeoning trust in her is almost like reading someone's diary. You write their emotional intimacy in such a way, I'm always left feeling like a bit of a peeping Tom.

Cinna, Ch. 1-2

I love these, Mousy!

I think you have captured perfectly Cinna's stillness. I always loved his quiet observation, and when he did speak, you knew it was something to listen to. I always pictured him as someone who would get lost in deep thoughts, and you played this out perfectly.

His partner seems to be a compliment to him. Especially in this second one, where he knows the man that he loves. He knows what District 12 will mean if Cinna takes them on. Myka knows that he is probably going to lose the love of his life, but at the same time, would never want to change who the man in his arms is.

Double Team, o/s

Such a sweet little story. I can hear the sounds of the crunching leaves, smell the distinct flavors of fall, and who doesn't enjoy a game of backyard football?

::walks away with a smile::

Take the Ice, Ch. 20

I have loved watching Bella's transformation through this story. She went from being a broken commodity at the start to a confident woman who is wrapped in so many arms of love. She now knows unconditional love, familial and romantic. When you have that, you can't help but feel lifted up. Everything is better. You're better.

It's so nice to see these two doing their thing while settling into life together. I love seeing them playful, and I LOVED that Edward had framed the bowling score card. :)

This chapter also had a nice play on the feather scene from the book.

As ever, I am in love with your writing and this story.

Title: Raw and Rosy


Author: tuesdaymidnight

Chapters: 9

Words: 41,870

Reviews: 822

Summary: Jasper Hale hates his high school rival Edward Cullen with a passion. What happens when Jasper discovers Edward's little secret? Spank!Fic. AH/AU/OOC. Rated M. Contains mature content.

Spank!Fic. Gotta tell you, my lovelies, this had Bethie’s doubts up before I even got started. I know people have their fetishes, but I just wasn’t sure that I would find it titillating. Let me tell you...by the time I got done with Chapter 9, I was reading with my toy box.
I love the duality of this Edward and Jasper’s relationship. In public, they are borderline enemies, even coming down to fist fights in school. A chance slap to the ass by Jasper trying to play off one of their fights causes Edward to react to Jasper in a way he never imagined. This sexually explorative Jasper’s interest is peaked.

So, the boys start meeting up after school, at least weekly, for their “sessions”. We quickly find out that Edward has never had a male lover. I love the fact that Jasper makes him stop before the first time they fuck to make sure that Edward is really sure about all of this. It’s his shift from dominant to caring that is so intriguing. He may be a dick head to Edward, but he is not a dick.

He felt so good around my dick. He was so tight, I couldn't get over it. I was nearly getting high off knowing that I was the only one who had ever been inside Edward this way. This part of his body was mine and mine alone. If he wanted to continue whoring himself out to the sluts of Forks High, that was his business, but this, this perfect ass was mine.

As the story moves on, the boys experiment from everything from a handmade wooden paddle to store bought paddles and canes. But, I have to admit my favorite moments are when it is just the two of them, just using hands, mouths, and fucking, that the real magic is. You can see the shift in their personal dynamic. There are softer moments that leak into the before and after of their sex life. Such as after they almost get caught in the act by Edward’s mother, only to finish with her just downstairs, and Edward gagged with Jasper’s underwear.

"You can come with me. If you want to get away from her. I don't know what we'll do, but if you want an excuse to leave."

"Thanks, but it's better if I deal with her tonight. She'll be out of here in a few days anyway. She never stays long."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah," he said with a sigh. He brought his right arm up to rub the back of his neck. "She's still my mom, you know?"

I did know, so I nodded.

In our discussions, we all see someone breaking emotionally soon. By that, I mean that they are both becoming attracted to one another more than just as a way of getting off. I thought Edward was going to crack in the woods, but alas, he didn’t. I think it is coming soon, and I am anxious to see what it will mean for them.

4.5 out of 5 Rosy Hand Prints

Title: Last Tango In Forks


Author: AwesomeSauce76


Chapters: 15

Words: 88,635

Reviews: 3866

Summary: Bella Swan has spent a lifetime putting everyone else's needs before her own. Could a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger begin to change all of that? AU/AH

I have to admit, because of real life, I was late to get started on reading this fic. All the other Pervs were chatting about great smut and how much they loved it. I even saw Jeanne say she didn’t mind that this Jake was being mistreated, and I about fell out of my chair. So, I finally got to sit down and start reading it today. Needless to say, the day is not out, and I am done. This story has so many elements that I love. It is beautiful while being tragic. There is angst, but it never is pushed too far. Everything every character does Just. Makes. Sense.

I could quote something from almost every chapter that had me wound up until I was practically tackling Mr. Bethie when he came in the door, but the true magic of this story, for me, is in it’s leads.

When we first meet Bella, she is leading a predictable and contented life. She may have the inkling of wanting more in the deep recesses of her mind, but she is, for what she knows of the world, happy. She had a job she loves, a dad to take care of, and a fiancee who loves her. All of that changes with a simple sign in the window. “Apartment for Rent”. It is then that we first get a taste of the fact that not all may be perfect. After she finds an apartment that is empty except for a broken man in the bedroom, her world begins to shift on it’s axis.

Everything she has pushed to the back of her consciousness. All those things she has convinced herself over time she can live without. They ALL come crashing into her self-awareness. She realizes she is being used by her father as more than a crutch. She recognizes that she is in a passionless relationship. She acknowledges to herself that she is chained to a life in which she applied the shackles. Alas, she is still afraid. Afraid to tell Edward, who has breathed life, passion, and happiness into her life, that she wants. Wants him. Wants this. Forever.

Then there is Edward. When we first meet him, he is coming back home to bury his wife. His life is an absolute maelstrom. His wife has killed herself, but we learn that their relationship has been dead for years. They lived denying themselves real emotion while indulging in just about everything else. Now, Edward is free, by her design and he is adrift. Pretending to be a grieving husband and afraid to be the man he always wanted to be.

But, unlike Bella, we see his life finding calm as the story progresses. He is reconnecting with his family which he adored, but was forced apart by his wife. She convinced him that they didn’t want him, and he let himself believe the lies. Now, he is realizing that there is forgiveness and love to still be had. That all is not lost.

Then, there is Bella. She is his resurrection. Edward was a dead man walking. He had been sucked of his life by years of drug abuse and a loveless marriage. Now that he has someone real and right, and it scares the shit out of him. He doesn’t know how to do love. He doesn’t recognize it as he is feeling it, but he is starting to. He knows he wants her. That he needs her, but he has put so many rules in place that don’t allow them the final step into bringing them into the real world.

They are so close now. They have confessed things in the throws of passion and even screamed over a thunderstorm everything but that final word that will make it real. Love.

The last few chapters have edged their real lives closer and closer to colliding. I am anxious to see what happens when it does.

5 out of 5 sticks of butter (apparently for more than popcorn)

Title: Our Lives Unbound

Author: theladyingrey42

Chapters: 9

Words: 34,713

Reviews: 1,068

Summary: 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. AU/AH, D/s, male sub.

Every so often, you come across a story, that is not only intriguing, but is also like being wrapped in a poet’s tongue. That is Our Lives Unbound for me. theladyingrey42 serves up an extremely awkWard who is doing his best to find the cure to his isolated life. With his brother’s help, he has gone on a series of blind dates which blur together in a sea of eye color and intellectual stagnation. Soon he is broken from the monotony by a pair of brown eyes, and unusual answers to the same questions.

Bella not only frees Edward from the dating doldrums, but liberates him from the trappings of his mind about his sexuality. Edward is shackled by the fact that he is a virile man who need sexual release, that has been unfortunately mostly in his hands these days. She is the aggression and the assurance he needs. As she binds him physically, she releases the locks on his self-doubt.

The sex itself is presented in a light BDSM light, but with the two of them, you never feel there is a lopsidedness to their equality. Bella’s dominance forces Edward to admit to his wants and needs.

Her mouth is a smirking, lilting line, radiating with that mischief I saw in her even back at her curb, and it makes me so fucking hard to see her play with me. "You think you can do better? You think you know my pussy better than I do, even though I touch it every day?"

"Lllet me," I insist, and it's all I can say, my eyes holding to hers as steadily as I can mange to with her hovering over me this way. "Let me lllearn."

"I don't know," she says slowly, wet noises still resonating from her hand at her sex. "Have you earned it?"

"I wwwill," I promise, straining at the silk of my tie and at the wooden slats she has secured me between. "Please."

"Just a taste," she offers, and I murmur my thanks, watching the lusty expression on her face, the plush surface of her lip as it disappears under ivory teeth. Her thighs squeeze my naked chest, her body inching closer until she has to shift to place her knees to either side of my head. Slowly, so slowly, she swipes her sex over my chin, making it wet, and I push up to try to circle the point of it at her clit as she moans, soft and low. "I love your skin," she whispers. "Your lips."

She's over me then, finally, lowering steaming flesh and girl to my mouth, the hot scent of her filling my lungs and making my eyes roll back in my head. Desperate for her pleasure now, I part my lips, my neck shifting awkwardly to try to reach as I graze her with my teeth and she sighs.

The flip side to the heat is the soft moments. When Bella is vulnerable above a plate of pancakes. When Edward is alone with his self-doubt. Bella is afraid it is all going to be too much and Edward is afraid he is not enough. I love how Bella cares for and understands Edward. She doesn’t let him feel ashamed. She lets him know it is OK, and for once he is emotionally free.

And it's too much.

Too much happiness and pleasure and connection, so many years of feeling wrong and of suddenly feeling right. I can't even understand the words tumbling out of me, and I keep her face to my neck so she won't see the soft lines of tears I can't explain running down my face.

*sigh* I can’t wait to see these two continue to wrap each other up physically and emotionally.

5 out of 5 handcuffs

Title: Ethan Church

Author: dryler

Chapters: 13

Words: 37,395

Reviews: 2,102

Summary: When Bella accepts an offer to write the biography of a severely reclusive author, the old, dying man she's presented with and the young, too perfect man she meets while there convince her she's missing some very important parts of the story. E/B, AU.

The underlying love story in Ethan Church is something that latched onto me, and is something I can absolutely empathize with: the love of books. The “spine” of this story, so to speak, are the books. We see from the very first chapter that Bella’s first love affair is with the written word. She surrounds herself with it for pleasure, and is dedicated to them in her work, which is why Ethan seeks her out to write his biography. He knows she is faithful to the writer’s story.

As a fellow bibliophilia, this is one of the first Bellas that I have felt an instant connection with. I love the smell of bookstores and libraries. I have been lost time and again in books and felt their continuing resonance long after I read the last word. I love the twist of this story where the lingering feeling is actually a manifestation of their destiny. that these two were meant to find each other, and be together. That it was their words that lit the fuse that led to their coming together.

This story is cleverly twisted around it’s players. You are constantly wondering who everyone really is. As the mystery reveals itself, it leaves me smiling at a gradual, yet intense courtship, and colorful supporting characters. You will not regret reading through this short story that will long stay with you.

4 out of 5 lemons in the garden

A Rough Start, Ch. 29

My favorite thing about this story is that these are people I know. They are people who I grew up with. They work hard. Real life is not easy. It is complicated by poor decisions early in life, or no desire to move any further than the neighborhood in which they were born. Life is simple to the eyes of some, but complicated in it's own way.

Most of all, they are fiercely loyal. They will literally fight fore you. Each chapter of this story is a bit like a visit home.

Southern Charm, Ch. 34

Here is the part where I effuse in nausium how much I have enjoyed this story. You have written a tale of trial, one of your characters damaged physically and the other emotionally. I have been caught up as both of the push and struggle to heal.

My favorite thing, and the thing that I think makes this story unique when damaged characters are involved, is that their love never falters. It is the constant in this story. Eight year absence, physical trials, emotional damage,...nothing fractures their love. It is what gives them strength and has made this story one of my favorites.

Thank-you so much for writing!

Today, Tomorrow, Next Year, o/s

Though I, myself, was left on a plateau of meh at the end of Mockingjay, you once again come into my brain with soft words and significance and make things better. You have artfully crafted the desire for happiness. You with subtle

movements and honest words conveyed healing.

It was them coming into the light. It was real.

Voting starts tomorrow for the Slash/Backslash 2.0 contest. Vote for me!

My story is "Impossible" by EJ Santry

Title: Freezer Aisle Head Trauma

Author: Krugness

Words: 7,968

Reviews: 25

Summary: Bella's a bit saucy, not a blush to be found...Edward's a tired resident with hidden treasures...A chance meeting in the freezer aisle...Is it fate? A Tattward & Inkella One Shot Entry

Every once in a while I go back and revisit old contests to check out the entries that didn't get much notice, to see if there is a gem that was over-looked. It is in the archives of the Tattward & Inkella contest that I stumbled across "Freezer Aisle Head Trauma". How I ever missed this the first time around, I have no idea. First, it has an intriguing title. Next, the summary (which we all know sucks to write), a saucy Bella and a Dr.Ward, yes and fuck yes.

This all kicks off, as the title suggests, in a grocery store. Both Edward and Bella are picking up a few things for dinner on their way home from work, when Edward finds Bella trying to retrieve her favorite ice cream.

Edward had spotted her in the freezer aisle as she bent over to reach the bottom shelf. She was wearing a pale yellow skirt that hugged her shape until just above her knees where it flared out showing off her legs. The shape of her hips made his palms itch grab a hold of them and learn their shape by heart.

Visions of those same hips sans the skirt began to affect the fit of his scrubs as his cock began to swell. As he stepped closer to her she leaned just a little further into the freezer causing her thin silky blue shirt to slip and show a narrow strip of skin on her back.

He barely held back a groan at the sight of the ink on her back. It looked like flames but there was not enough skin showing to tell for sure. His fingers then began to twitch with the urge to reach out and slide her shirt further up her back so he could indulge himself with the sight of her tattoo. He was so involved in his fantasy of tracing the ink on her back to find out how far it extended that he didn't realize that he had moved to stand almost directly behind her. The woman suddenly sighed and took a step back from the freezer. Before Edward could move away she backed into him and stopped.

Startled, Bella stands up too fast knocking her head into the shelf. A domino affect occurs where he drops his basket to catch her, they slip in the mess his shattered basket causes, and end up in a heap on the floor. After some debate, Edward insists that Bella let him take her to the hospital, call a friend, or take her home with him, so her head injury can be monitored.

"I'll make you a deal" He said. "I'll drive you to my house, it's not far from here, you can use my shower and I'll loan you some clothes while yours get washed. I'll even order dinner since we aren't presentable for a night out. I'll even promise to be a gentleman." The crooked grin he flashed at her made up her mind. A chance to get into his house and shower may just provide an opportunity to scratch the itch that had tormented her all day.

"I accept your offer," She grinned with a twinkle in her eye, "as long I get to chose dinner and you take back your offer to be a gentleman."

After she almost slips again getting up, Edward swoops Bella up into his arms, and they start out to his car. On the way, she sees his piercings in his ears, which starts a conversation about them. As they flirt and tease their way to his car, a conversation about their tattoos also begins.

Their rush to Edward's house is briefly way laid when they both receive phones calls. Turns out they had both promised to meet up with friends and/or family tonight, who were trying to hook them up. The friends/family are all one in the same little be known to Edward and Bella. Alas, they both blow off their commitment to continue their night together. Only their friends are the wiser that they are completing the evening how they had hoped.

Once back at Edward's apartment, they waste no time:

"Do you want a tour?"

"Edward," she said "the only room I'm interested in right now is your bedroom."

The rest of the story plays out as they explore piercings with tongues and tattoos with touches.

"I hope you left the gentleman outside the bedroom, Edward" growled Bella.

Edward leaned over piercing her with his burning eyes.

"You can fucking bet on it" he growled back and with that he moved up and thrust into her.

I'll leave you to discover the rest of the delicious lemon on your own. In the end, she leaves us with them cluing into their friends' secret, as they head to a post-coital shower. This story left me smiling, and knowing these two had lots of good times in and out of the bedroom ahead of them.

Final talley
---------------
Edward: four tattoos, 3 ear & 2 nipple piercings
Bella: 3 tattoos, numerous ear & 1 belly button piercing
Bethie: fanning herself

Title: Deceptive Little Flower

Author: LoreliD

Summary: Jane satisfies a long harbored carnal curiosity as only Jane would. Canon Jane lemon O/S

I have to admit, since seeing Eclipse, I have a new fascination with Jane. I was glued to the screen whenever she was on it. She felt like the only character with depth, and the contrast they did with her eyes and skin tone with her black coat. Glorious. I digress. So, it is not surprising that I pimped this Jane one-shot to my fellow Anything Goes h00rs.

In this story, we don’t find Jane as a prepubescent doll, but as a young woman exploring her sexuality. It is hinted at that she shares Aro’s bed, but with Heidi’s encouragement, she seeks a new kind of pleasure.

"The scent of his arousal, the thrill of fear when he realizes his coming death, it will only add to your satisfaction," she coaxed suggestively.

LoreliD does an amazing job at her descriptions of the surroundings, Jane, and the human boy she is pursuing. I found myself absolutely in the moment from being able to picture, and almost feel, the “crumbling green entombed stone benches” to the smell of the “damp brick wall”. My senses were completely absorbed by her writing.

I loved watching Jane in this story “give in”. She lets the human “dominate her”.

I gasped in excited shock, no one within the Volturi ever dared to display any dominance over me, and this weak human's ignorant control was beyond exhilarating.

The lemon isn’t the longest one ever written, but you feel in the moment as Jane shifts from enjoying this role play and the feeling of the warm human consuming her to her baser needs taking over.

I could feel my urge growing. As he swelled inside of me, his cock throbing in time with his pulsating artery, I brought my lips to his and kissed him once more.

I love how she finishes the moment. It is beautiful, but I will leave it for you to experience on your own.

Title: The Education of Professor Cullen

Author: sheviking

Chapters: 17

Word Count: 103,946

Reviews: 3,651

Summary: College professor Edward Cullen is thoroughly annoyed by his student Ms. Swan. Everything about her bothers him, and he longs for the semester to be over. But what happens when he meets her one night when they aren't in school? Lemons and naughty language

It is no secret that I love a nerdy awkward Edward. This one has it in spades, but as I was chatting with my fellow Pervs about this story, I couldn’t help but point out that this Edward was socially awkward, but not socially retarded. He is just a guy who has lived a somewhat sheltered life. He has done what he has needed to do. I think he has enjoyed his solitude and study up to this point in his life. Edward has slept with a few women, but never was secure enough in himself for the experiences to be anything more than average. What he needed was liberating, and that is where Bella comes in.

I love the Bella in this story. She is sexually secure and seems to have a confidence about her. She is in your face from the first chapter. She doesn’t ease Edward out of his shell, she cracks that fucker open with a sledge hammer. The ironic thing in the end is that her shell cracks too, and as the story goes on, we see the abandoned girl behind the tough facade. We know a lot of her story of losing her parents, and eventually her grandfather caretaker, but there still seems to be a part of her vulnerability that we haven’t seen.

In a twist, as she softens, Edward gains his footing. It reaches it’s zenith in the latest chapter as our emotionally stunted Bella tries to flee:

Relief flooded through me. She didn't mean what she was saying. Isabella was a horrible liar or maybe I just knew her face so well that I could see it clearly. I walked over to her and made her look up at me.

"Tell me that you don't feel anything for me. Look me in the eye and tell me that this has just been sex to you and nothing more," I challenged her.

From the outside it might seem like I was taking a huge risk in putting Isabella on the spot like this but it didn't feel that way to me. I knew that she had feelings for me. She couldn't have faked everything that had happened in the last few days.

"I-"

She took a ragged breath and avoided my eyes. I lifted her chin and she met my gaze.

"I…don't f-feel anything f-for y-you," she stammered and her eyes overflowed with tears.

"Liar," I whispered and cupped her face in my hands.

"This w-was j-just…sex," she gasped as the tears ran down her face.

"Liar," I murmured and bent down to kiss her.

Her lips trembled against mine and she was completely rigid. I looked at her when I pulled back. All her actions this morning gave off the impression that she wanted to leave but I knew her now. She was sad and most of all scared. All she knew was being alone so she was trying to push me away again. I had no idea what had happened during the night to cause this dramatic shift in her, but I knew that she didn't mean what she was saying at the moment.

I had spent my entire life being afraid of the unknown, always sticking to my routine to avoid disorder and chaos. I knew fear when it stared me in the face and right now it was painted all over Isabella's beautiful features.

"Don't be scared," I whispered.

This story has taken a beautiful arch from pure physical pleasure to two people who should have never worked falling in love. As much as the lemons leaving me fanning myself, the rainbows and kittens are done with such a tender touch. Soft moments like the first time the shift occurred from sex to making love (see Nina's quote below).

In one final note, my favorite small detail that has my dirty bird brain on over-drive: Bi-sexual Jasper. He is a minor character. Just a friend/co-owner with brother Emmett in this story, but the one conversation about his sexuality is enough to make the girly bits applaud. (was HOPING for some Jasper sandwich at the club...just sayin')

"I'm not gay," he said casually. "I'm…versatile. It's all about the person for me. It transcends gender."

Emmett stared at his friend completely bug-eyed. This was obviously news to him.

"You're not into me, are you?" he blurted out.

Jasper threw his head back and roared with laughter.

"No!" he gasped and wiped his eyes. "No, I'm not into you, Em."

"Well, it's not that funny, is it?" Emmett said with a pout and crossed his arms.

"No, I'm sorry, buddy," Jasper said and gave him a pat on the back. "You're a very attractive man but you're really not my type."

"I tend to go for guys more like Edward actually," he added and smiled at me.

Yes, please and thank you. ;)

5 out of 5 Naughty Professor Ruler Spanks

Guide to Losing a Player in One Date, Ch. 1-4

If anyone has read and loved Art After 5 and/or Counterpoint, which I do, this is going to be their next MUST read.

Your Carlisle and Esme are up there in my top ten versions of their characters. They are both smart and funny, and devoted to each other & Edward. To get to see them and their relationship from it's roots has me all kinds of excited.

I love that Esme is sassy and her bullshit meter is strong, despite Carlisle's looks and charm. At the same time, I love Carlisle's softness with her. He is not trying to just get in her pants, and I hurt for him that she thinks he is so shallow. I look forward to seeing how this plays out. I so love these characters.

For the Summer, Ch. 1-16

I have been greedily devouring your fic without reviewing along the way, so here it is. :)

I love a great coming of age fic, and the beginning of this story has that in spades. We see two children on the verge of the great shift in life. That shift from being a kid to an almost adult. We watch them awkwardly change through awkward bodies and voice changes, new bodies, maturity of mind and desires. Three months out of the year, Edward and Bella grow and learn together. Most of all, they bond.

As Bella and Edward get older, we find them becoming more aware of their situation. Bella is always keeping Edward at a distance knowing he is going to leave. She doesn't allow herself to love him how she wants. How she feels. She is a bit of a pessimist in that she only sees how it will fail, but at the same time, she wants and needs his return. She IS affected by him.

I feel the most empathy for Edward who does put himself out there year after year. Even when he brings a girlfriend, it is Bella he yearns for. He wants to be wanted so badly. He finds superficial relationships back home, but Bella is the river that he reaches his roots towards. He is not living until he finds her.

Both of these characters, as adults, feel shackled by lives their parents chose for them. Neither want these lives, but both are afraid to let down the fathers that kept them going when their mothers left in their own ways. It breaks my heart that they are almost 30 before they try life on their own terms.

Now, that they both know a bit better who they are. I hope that they will both finally allow themselves to have the love that Bella, and in a way Edward, have been denying one another.

Hydraulic Level 5, Ch. 29-33

I just feel like I am falling deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole with this fic. The name of this fic is perfect at this point in the game. Just when I feel like I find my footing, you sweep in with an under toe knocking the breath from my lungs with the confusion and drama surrounding these characters.

The way you write Bella's experience, I FEEL them. I constantly battle with fight or flight when it comes to Edward. There is NOTHING easy about him at all, except maybe the fact that there is love under all of this, a familiarity. But as you even say, they are living in the past still focusing so much on what has happened, that the now is being neglected or at the very least not discussed.

I think Bella is at a real turning point. She is going to have to ute up and be the rock. The one Edward needs to force him to doctors and to get to a stable place. To protect him while he is in this health limbo. Hopefully, he sees her for what she is doing, and she ends up not being the rock he breaks himself against.

Thank-you for writing this brave story about what love really means. The real fight so many people face when love is not easy...sometimes not enough. What would you choose to do? I love that you challenge us in this way.

Deep Dish, Ch. 17-28

I have all the luck of being the preview lobster for this story. I have been glimpsing it first, and have seen behind the curtain (aka, the outline), so at times it is hard to view the story as it unfolds knowing what is coming. In the end, it is starfishy's writing that keeps me in the moment.

I love this adventure she has taken us on with Jack and Jacey and co. I have loved Jack morph from an emotionally distant man to one that puts himself out there. To admit that he is in love with this sweet boy that is so far away. Alas, we know that bit him in the ass a bit, but I am one who believes in going all in with your heart. You do risk great hurt, but you also have no regrets. No love is ever wasted. It is a gift. One, that I think Jacey will be haunted by.

I find it so interesting that Jack is remaining celibate. I think once you have experienced reciprocated love, it is near impossible to go back to casual fucks. I think he sees the emptiness of them now. Once you have made love, scratching an itch has less appeal.

One thing that starfish writes so well is people. Real people with real emotions. She makes you fall in love with her characters from the mains down to the supporting cast, and it is why I read her fics over and over again.

Late Night Encounters, Ch. 15-18

These chapters see a shift for Edward and Bella. They are more secure in their relationship, and begin to experiment more on the virtual side. They also have the reassurance that they will meet up again. You played Edward's business obligation that threatened their face-to-face perfectly. I was so distraught for them as I read it. But then they have their sweet reunion in Vegas. Though, I have a feeling that their distance is going to get harder to bear. I have a feeling a serious conversation about someone relocating sooner than later is coming soon.

As for Rose and Emmett, I loved this last chapter with the two of them. It is how I pictured them in canon when they are alone. Rose all harsh and bitter, and Emmett unyielding and simply telling her that he is going to love her always until she believes him. Lovely.

Title: Scintillating Pattern, o/s

Author: Whitlock-Masen

This was a great story of a person taking their first steps into sexuality. This is not only a teen coming to the final realization that he is gay, but making his way through first experiences with someone he has long admired. Someone he thought was inaccessible to him.

I love the responsibility you have Garrett take in the mis-communication. Edward's fault is naivete, but I love how Garrett takes it on him as the more experienced partner and realizes that Edward has no point of reference for any of this.

Finally, their first experience was sweet and them. It's nice to leave them knowing they are going on their first actualized date.

Very sweet tale.

Title: The Art of Worship

Author: Green Puma

Chapters: 5

Words: 14,421

Reviews: 248

Summery: “As a Cullen you were born with certain—endowments—that dispose you to success with women. But, there is a beauty in sex which, if you grew to appreciate it—an art which, if you commited to learning it—would bring you such pleasure as mortals never know"

To start, let me state that this review is coming from someone who was never given a "sex talk". In fact, I think my dad still likes to believe I am a virgin (been married 13 yrs and have 2 kids). I can only imagine the level of mortification a kid can feel going into such a talk, but I felt as I read this, that Carlisle was very tactful, and very...descriptive. I love the cut to the chase attitude dulled by a glass of scotch.

Part of me, while reading wondered if all of our sex lives would be better with such a candid conversation between parents. Not the "abstinence is the only way" or a simple lecture on birth control to keep yourself and your partner healthy and baby free, but a conversation about the act. To be taught that when you go into a sexual relationship with selflessness on the forefront, everybody wins. That it is important to care for your partner. That gentle gradual beginnings teach you not only the secrets of yours and the other person's pleasure, but is a trust building exercise as well.

Granted most of the sexy times are between Carlisle and Esme, which are smokin' hot. Sorry, Nina, they are. I like how she is balancing the story as we watch two seasoned lovers and the pleasure you experience when you know your partner like you know yourself to the two young lovers just starting to figure things out.

Also, the latest chapter...

"Dad, I think I'm in love."

His expression was still dreamy, and I could only chuckle.

"I thought we'd already established that."

"Not just with Bella, dad. I've been reading that book you gave me. I've been practicing what it says."

"And?"

He didn't even find it in him to blush.

"And, I can't stop licking her pussy."

*falls out of chair*

4 out of 5

Title: Elemental

Authors: TallulahBelle

Chapters: 21

Words: 141,301

Reviews: 4,278

Summary: AU/AH: When the Swans return to their birthplace, Bella learns she is no ordinary teenager, and Forks is no ordinary town. Can she fulfill her destiny with the powerful Edward Cullen, or will the dark forces that threaten their families destroy them all?

feathers_mmmm rec'd this fic to me a while back. I read the first chapter (prologue), and was very "this is interesting", but didn't get a chance to read past that at the time. This time around, as I read more and more of it, I fell in love with this world. It's complicated and fascinating seeing Bella thrown into and trying to adjust to a world of autocratic rules. She has been given no information and no choice, but most of all, any other path she tries to take will cause physical harm to thousands of people and an entire ecosystem. She also, days before her eighteenth birthday, learns that their coven inherited imprinting from the Quileutes. The icing on her cakes is that the total tool bag in her community turns out to be her soul mate. This all happens over a fairy short amount of time. So, in a matter of a month, she has to adjust to the fact that she is a witch, she has to use her power to help her community and the world around her, AND that she is suddenly "mated".

I am enjoying how she is writing Bella and Edward adjusting to each other. It is not easy, and she initially loathes him. For once, Bella and Edward are not love at first site, yet they are still thrown together "romantically". It is for all intensive purposes an arranged marriage. Problem is that he, and 98% of the community, have had their whole lives to adjust to the idea of imprinting. Bella had a week. So, there is lots of fighting, but I love that this Bella is trying to accept her situation. It may not always be easy, but she is trying.

This story presents a fresh universe for me. It makes me think, and I love that. I am looking forward to seeing the B/E relationship grow and to see the community prepare for a looming threat.

4 out of 4 Elements (5/5)

Title: So Be It

Author: SophiaAnne

Chapters: 5

Words: 21,293

Reviews: 341

Summary: Happy Harry is here again, live and streaming right into where you live. Are you ready for me?” Will Bella Swan find out who's behind the sexy voice that has her all hot and bothered? BxE - AU/AH, OOC, Lemons and Language. Now revised and expanded.

My first reaction when I saw this was a Twilight/Pump Up The Volume crossover fic was if it would stand on it's own without having PUTV fresh in my brain. The last time I saw it was when it came out in 1990 (dating myself!). I was happy to see that it did. Even if you don't remember the details of Christian Slater's Happy Harry, you will quickly become enthralled with Edward's.

I love stories where the characters aren't always what they appear to be. In this one, a shy Edward and Bella find liberation under the anonymity of a microphone and a journal respectively. In Bella's private world, she spells out her boredom with her life and her desire for connection. Edward his thoughts and orgasms through the airwaves.

It is a sweet dance watching these two dance their ways towards each other both virtually and in person. Eventually their worlds collide into a sexual explosion and letting go. They figure out that they are both accepting of all sides of their personalities in this game, and baby do I enjoy watching them play!

4 out of 5 Hard-Ons

Title: A World Without Sound

Author: The Romanticidal Edwardian

Chapters: 22

Words: 106,384

Reviews: 6448

Summary: AU, BxE. My name is Bella Swan; good at sign language and karate. My best friend is deaf, and you know what? It doesn't matter.

SPECIAL PERV NOTE: In honor of this week's Edward, you can follow this link to learn how to sign this week's rating, flashback. http://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/FLASHBACK/7047/1

I had never read A World Without Sound until it came on deck here at The Shack. I have read various fics over the years exploring the facets of people who have both physical and emotional, sometimes even mental, disabilities. This is only the second story where deafness is addressed. In A World Without Sound, Edward was born deaf. In the very first flashback, a devise that The Romanticidal Edwardian uses brilliantly to add an emotional richness and a connection to these two characters, you can already "see" these characters in your mind's eye:

Slowly, he put his hand up to his ear, and shook his head.

The girls brow wrinkled in confusion this time. "What?"

He pointed to his ear again, and shook his head. The girl copied him, and asked, "What, you can't hear?"

He didn't answer, not positive whether she'd gotten it right or not, and just continued to look up at her.

She shrugged. "Well oh well. Let's go play with the tetherball! C'mon!"

This time, she reached down and grabbed his hands, yanking him up and dragging him after her.

I didn't know then that that moment was the seal for our everlasting friendship.

As we watch the formation of their friendship through the flashbacks, we watch high school seniors, Edward and Bella, struggle to find their moment to confess their love for each other. You can see it in every gesture and even in words spoken. Edward is always very sweet with Bella, and Bella secretly uses her martial arts training to kick the ass of anyone who even thinks of hurting Edward, emotionally or physically. One such occasion, leads us to the first of two of my favorite "I love you" moments in fic. You wonder how you can pull off two, but The Romanticidal Edwardian does. I would love to quote them, but I won't spoil.

One of my favorite side stories of A World Without Sound is the fact that Bella, from the time she is five, has a HUGE crush on Carlisle before her affection is transferred to his son as they get older. This is a running joke throughout the story and adds some great comedic moments between the Swans and Cullens. The best of which is five year old Bella's proposal.

When Renee told her it was time to finally go, Bella marched right on past her to Carlisle with a determined air. All the adults watched her curiously, while Edward glared in a corner, already knowing how she was about to proceed.

Bella stopped in front of the doctor and took a deep breath. She knew how to do what needed to be done. She'd seen it on movies. Sliding down on one knee, she looked up at Carlisle.

"I don't have a ring, but I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?"

In the end, The Romanticidal Edwardian has created a friendship that I think we all envy. One that you can pinpoint it's start at a time before you could tie your own shoes. The kind that survives awkward ages and stages. One that is fierce, loyal, and protective. One, that in the end, gives you the love of a lifetime.

3.75 out of 5 Flashbacks

Title: Public Relations

Author: snshyne

Chapters: 7

Words: 38,131

Reviews: 338

Summary: Bella Swan, the President of Black-Swan, Inc, WANTS Edward Cullen Owner and Creative Director of ECSquared. What is she going to do about it? A fun fic mini-series. M, AH, OOC, E/B, canon pairings.

Public Relations is one of those stories that crossed my radar a while ago, but I didn't get a chance to read it at the time. I'm sorry I didn't before now. I loves some Nerdward, and this story has it in spades. Edward is punctual, precise, and completely awkward socially. Scratch that, I don't believe is inept, more inexperienced. He was also burned hard by a former love leading him to believe he is not enough for anyone romantically. This makes me want to hug this Edward and make him cookies.

He is brought face to face with his inexperience in the very first chapter when he is called to the office of the office of one Ms. Swan after pitching Swan-Black Inc. a pitch for one of their clients. Perfectionist Edward is thrown off guard at the suggestion that his presentation is anything but perfect. Turns out that it wasn't the presentation that Bella has a problem with. Her problem is that she is not full of Edward's dick.

This is the first time we watch poor Edward stumble through a situation he is completely ill prepared for. He has been asked for a command performance in the one area of his life that he is unsure of himself. Luckily, Bella has no problem giving direction, and his apparent inexperience seems to turn her on. That doesn't stop the fantastic internal dialog, and sometimes external dialog of an Edward that has trouble with talking dirty, or even saying the names of anatomy out-loud. He even stumbles when just thinking about it!

My favorite part of the story, though is when Edward does find his confidence. An ex of Bella's catches up with them at a party at Jasper's restaurant:

Instinctively, I stepped between them and pushed his hand off of her.

"I don't think the lady likes you touching her."

"The lady?" he said mockingly. "Who is this douche, Bella? This is none of your business, pal!"

"She is my business. Don't touch her or come anywhere near her again."

He made a move to get past me and Bella pressed herself against the wall as I grabbed the collar of his shirt and hurled him back in the other direction.

"I said, don't touch." I was surprised by my own force and tone. All I knew was he was not going to touch her.

Bella ran off and I turned to call her name, but the ass in front of me started talking.

"I can touch what's mine," he said. "Bella is mine."

I could feel the anger rising in my body at his words and actions, but in all fairness, I didn't technically have a claim to her. However, I knew for a fact that she didn't want him touching her.

"Apparently, she disagrees. Come near her again and we have a problem." The sinister tone and machismo in my own voice startled me and I had to wonder where that came from.

This display of masculinity results in a more confident Edward and a turned on Bella having fantastic adrenalin sex in the coat room.

Her small hands had pushed my suit jacket off and were now alternating between clutching at the back of my shirt or finding purchase in my hair. The way she was clawing at me was like she was trying to get as close as possible, but couldn't get close enough.

My hands came across the hem of her dress and she hitched one leg over mine as I gently moved up her thigh. She sighed into my mouth and flinched as I traced her delicate skin.

Suddenly, I stopped. I stopped everything and gazed at her with hooded eyes.

"No panties?" I barely recognized my own voice, laden with lust. Bella just smiled seductively and shook her head. A low growl reverberated in my chest as I crashed my lips to hers once more.

No panties. No fucking panties. I had no idea why that was so hot, but every piece of me was on fire with this knowledge and my cock just got impossibly harder in my slacks.

I refused to let my brain wonder why she wasn't wearing any and decided it was all for me. All for me, because my Bella was a naughty girl like that.

Bella is naughty like that, and she is just what this Edward needs. After some initial flight tendencies of Bella (that are completely heartbreaking from Edward's POV), the girl who always put her emotions in second place to work, has been disarmed and it completely in love with this Awkward.

4 out of 5 Bubbles

Title: The Gentleman From Washington State

Author: Betty Smith

Chapters: 29

Words: 139,696

Reviews: 4477

Summary: Senator Edward Cullen is the handsome scion of the Cullen family. A playboy's playboy, he is taken with an intern in his office, Bella Swan. She is untouchable for many reasons, and he's in a tough re-election battle with Jacob Black. AH,M Adult Content

The Gentleman From Washington State is the first story where I have come across a politico Edward, and I love it! DC is one of my favorite towns, and I enjoy politics. To top it off, this manwhore Edward is also former Navy SEALward. If he road a motorcycle, it would be the perfect storm of Wards for me.

Edward is a Senator and is introduced to new intern, Bella, at the start of the story. What I love about the interest Edward shows in her from the start is her mind. She is intelligent and a quick wit, and that is Edward's initial interest. That he wants to sit and talk to her. Find out what she thinks of what she is reading and discuss with her his similar interests. That is sexy.

Given their positions, they both know each other are forbidden fruit. So, they both quietly admire the other. They both drift to fantasy when they happen to see one another. After admiring Bella lounging by a fountain one afternoon is one of my favorite, and sweetest moments, in the story.

It was during Edward's fantasy that Bella sensed that someone was looking at her. She looked at the people on the sidewalk around her, and they were all occupied with their own lives. She was about to shut her eyes again and enjoy the sun when she spotted Senator Cullen in the trees across the street. Bella didn't think that she was imagining that he was staring at her. She stared back at him curiously and wondered why he was looking at her. After 15 seconds of them staring at one another, Senator Cullen waived to her – just a small movement of his hand from left to right. Bella smiled as she hesitantly waived back, and a small smile appeared on Edward's face.

The little left to right wave. *melts* I pictured him leaning his shoulder against a tree in it's shade, arms and ankles crossed. Suit jacket hanging open, and then the smile! *shakes head to clear it* Back to the story!

Bella couldn't believe it. The whole silent exchange seemed odd, but also exciting. Edward's smile encouraged her. With a hand movement, she pointed to her chest and then pointed to him, asking him if he wanted her to come to him. As she did it, Bella was happy.

We must remember that this relationship is a big Monica Lewinsky no-no. They both know this, and Edward pulls himself from the moment.

But when Edward saw Bella ask if he wanted her to come over, he froze and panicked. He wanted so badly to nod his head yes and go on a walk with her. Edward wanted to start a relationship with Bella that would take them to that meadow by the lake.

But Edward's whole life had been about duty and honor and responsibility. He thought of everything at stake – a Democratic Senate seat, his family's legacy, and his career – also her career for that matter. It was too much. Instead of saying yes to Bella, Edward shook his head no and started walking back to his office with an anguished heart.

*heart aches*

But no worries. They both, especially a jealous Edward (of THE hottest Mike Newton ever written), don't want to resist any longer. With the aide of his family, Edward begins seeing Bella on the sly. They meet up, always chaperoned by a member of the Cullen family (i.e. they are in the same building, so they have the media excuse of Bella being a "friend of the family" if they are ever busted). They do date and find that they are completely compatible, and we watch as they fall in love.

Bella's V-card is still in tact in this story, and after finally admitted aloud their love for one another, she cashes it in very romantically on a bear skin rug in front of the fireplace in Edward's library. Very nice. Though, after, provides one of my favorite lines in the story:

"We got the rug dirty. And it doesn't matter. We're lying on a bear. He's had worse on him than cum."

Still, there are a lot of things working against them. They have a jealous former lover of Edward's getting suspicious. Edward's political rival, and Bella's former boyfriend, Jacob's people trying to dig up dirt on Edward. Finally, just the taboo nature of their relationship weighing over them. Something is about to give, and I am equally nervous and excited to see how it all plays out.

4.5 out of 5 Bearskin Rugs

Title: Love in My Box

Author: cosmoandmarvar

Chapters: 16

Words: 79,639

Reviews: 4193

Summary: Bella's an intellectual free spirit and Edward is a reserved, slightly geeky med student. They have a brief, but intense encounter on Sp Brk in Miami. Can they find true love through emails? There will be lemons and laughs. Look who's writing this!

I picked up Love in My Box a while back on a recommendation, and I am so glad I did. First of all, I love letter writing. I like writing them, and I love watching a romance unfurl via them, especially when they are laced with situational comedy. This story starts when Edward tracks down Bella, whom he shared a one-night stand in Miami on Spring Break, by hacking into Berkley's computer system. From the Prologue, you see that these are two normally socially awkward people who were both out of their element with their encounter in Miami. cosmoandmarvar gives us know doubt to who these two are from their first emails exchanged.

Some would consider this Edward an awkward, but I don't think that is the case. I think he is very confident in who he is, just that not many would appreciate that man. He is very intelligent and focused on his studies. Because of that, he is often very literal and lacking in social, or pop culture, reference. He has had a vicious girlfriend in that past that has cut down his confidence in dating. He just needs someone who loves him for all that he is.

Enter Bella. This might be one of my favorite Bella's. She is a bit flighty, more like canon Renee, but is intelligent in her own right. She is filterless and is as enamored by Edward's literal nature as he is by her over-sharing. She doesn't try to change herself and doesn't want Edward to change for her either. She sees past what might turn others off, and in return wins the affection of a loving, caring man.

Though they are across the country from one another, they do end up going to “surprise” one another. The surprise is that their planes have crossed in the night. **cue sad faces** Luckily, Edwards return flight comes back in time to spot Bella from across the airport leading to one of my favorite chapters in fanfiction. Not only was it beautiful and romantic, and had me holding my breath and holding back my tears, it was THEM. Bella's rambling. Edward's verbally walking through his steps of getting Bella off. Yet peppered with those beautiful moments when they just let themselves go. It was perfect.

5 out of 5 email love letters

Title: Cowboys Have Fangs, Too

Author: Pastiche Pen

Chapters: 4

Words: 23,857

Reviews: 170

Summary: When you're a Cullen, you're supposed to be a nice vampire. You're not supposed to want to kill librarians—or drink the drill team—or have a map of scars. And you're certainly not supposed to want to exsanguinate Edward's human. Aw, hell. Canon.

I really find Jasper as one of the more fascinating and complete characters in Canon. He is one of the few who we get a real picture of his past and present. I am so thankful that Pastiche Pen took some time to explore the years between meeting Alice and them finding the Cullens.

One of my favorite parts, right at the beginning was Jasper describing his coming into and understanding his empath ability. Pastiche Pen's description is almost lyrical.

Sometimes those descriptions fit. Sometimes they didn't. He'd skipped around at the time, trying to find different ways of categorizing and explaining his world to others. He'd been all about color when they'd conquered Monterrey. When he almost died at the hands of two newborns, he'd taken to describing emotions as the weather, seasons, and climates as if lightning bolts could match the new mess of crackled scars down his neck. At some point, some friend had slid Mendeleev into his hands, and then Jasper had taken to describing emotions in terms of the Periodic Table. Rage, he thought, was the alkalis, dropped in water and crackling and spitting off pieces until nothing else remained. Gold was confidence, heavy, unwavering, and luminescent. Calm was like noble gases—helium or neon—ready to be interrupted or absorbed by anything.

The other thing I love about this Jasper is his lighter, more playful nature in the present.

Normally, Jasper was the weak one. He was the one interested in all of the various ways to guzzle cheerleaders and exsanguinate chess club boys. He was the one with Edward meddling the most in his mind and with Alice most watching his future. He was the one whose hunting Esme kept calendar charts of.

That was until Edward up and fled off to Alaska—because he wanted to drink the new girl.

Jasper had a good laugh over that one.

Until Alice hit him.

This story gives a nice path of Jasper's empty path, falters along the way, and finally him being the emotional strength the love of his life needs. That his family needs.

3.5 out of 5 Naughty Nurse Hats

The Misapprehension of Bella Swan, Ch. 22

This story is such a dance for me. In general, I can't do crackfic, and at times, this is borderline for me, but you dance just on that side of the line that it is just funny and not ridiculous.

At the same time that you amuse me, you leave me on fire and seeking out MrB. The moments when they are just quiet and enjoying each other are so sexy.

Love my hockeyward fix!

A Rough Start, Ch. 26

Edward really is starting to shift, yet part of him remains intrinsically the same. I love that you aren't having him morph into something he is not, or have some miraculous see the light change. His shifts are subtle, gradual. He is figuring out the job and responsibility of fatherhood gradually. He make mistakes. His judgment is clouded by his own past. He is chalk full of faults, which makes him one of the most approachable Edward's written.

I just always hold my breath waiting for Bella's patience to wear out, but she sees him for who he is. She loves him "warts and all". I think she sees that he still has demons to face, and would be healthier for doing so, but it won't change her love for him.

Their relationship and situation isn't easy. This story isn't easy, and that is what makes it so great.

Let's Get Physical, Ch. 2

I like the journey you have set Bella on. I think it is also an interesting test of your readers. I will be curious to see how they respond. Hopefully they don't see it as judgment on people who are overweight, but as a journey of someone who has lost their self-esteem and self-respect, and may not have been aware of it. For Bella, it takes her husband leaving to realize that she has focused her pain in negative ways. I will enjoy watching her not lose the weight, but gain her confidence back. To find her worth, not in her physical being, but in who she is. Find who she WANTS to be.

Looking forward to more!

Love In My Box, Ch. 16

Alice is married! Oh man. Edward is already mocking Jasper. It will be interesting to see how you choose to portray him in this.

I love the journey of these two figuring out physical intimacy after months and months of emotional and intellectual intimacy. I think your play of a mix of sexy and awkward is perfect for the two of them. My LOL moment for sure was in the car:

Bella is going to make me come in my car. If this wasn't feeling so fantastic, I would be mortified at the thought. Where's the um, emission, going to go?

"Oh, Bella, mmm, yessss!" I cry out as I come all over her hand, and unfortunately, my steering wheel. Well, I got my answer.

I love that his family is so overjoyed with the fact that Edward has a girlfriend, especially Esme. Poor guy. I love this couple. I really, really do.

Southern Charm, Ch. 27

We spent the first part of this story watching Jasper recover physically. Now we are getting into the crux of Edward's emotional healing. I am so happy that he and Carlisle came clean with each other. I don't think anyone outside of an abusive relationship can understand what it is like to wear the shoes. I am just so thankful that you have written such a wonderful support system and partners in Jasper and Esme for these brothers. There is a freedom in knowing you are loved so much. It allows you to strip yourself bare, to show it all, and know you will be protected.

There is so much past pain in this story, but the now and future are radiating with happiness.

Love, love, love it.

Tips for Better Living, Ch. 12

Once again, you have created a story that makes me think. Not to question the social acceptance of this May-October romance, but hoping that I always remain open to where I might find my next friend.

I love Edward's growth in this fic. He goes from careless and carefree to wanting others to have a good opinion of him. He starts looking past the now, and thinking about a future. Bella inspires him to be a better man. In the end, though, he is his own motivating force.

Bella also has her own quieter arc. She is closed and reserved at the start, but by the close, she has allowed herself to open up to another again. To trust. To allow herself the hope of desire.

Thank-you for once again sharing your gift of story telling. It was a lovely short story.

Twilight 25 Summer 2010

Is it wrong that I kept worrying the whole time that they were going to tip the bike? LOL! Little did you know that I have a piece on Bikerward/sper/whomever coming up. I now have another to add to my list!

Thanks for uniting smut and motorcycles. It's my kryptonite.

Counterpoint, Ch. 51

I started this journey with you when I picked up Art After 5. I was curious if I could dance along the edge of the taboo, and enjoy. Luckily for me, the writing was fabulous, and the charters pulled me in. I recognized some of myself in Bella's brazenness. I loved the cerebral conversations that they had about art and sex and life. Your Esme and Carlisle remain two of my favorites.

What I didn't expect to find was a friend. A sister from another mother, who I so look forward to meeting in person. When I think of you I smile, and that is a gift.

This journey with Edward's side of the tale was so fascinating with me, knowing the outcome, but at times desiring something else. You wrote his time with Kate in such a way that I couldn't help but love her myself. I hurt for her as I would a friend when he walked away. That only solidified how great Edward's love is for Bella. It made their relationship, in the end, feel more concrete.

Thank-you so much for ignoring the noise, and continuing to take the time away from your life to create these lives on the page.

Always,

Bethie

Love In My Box, Ch. 15

So nice, I had to read it twice.

This chapter was the perfect culmination of all the build-up from the previous chapters. Not only was it beautiful and romantic, and had me holding my breath and holding back my tears, it was THEM. Bella's rambling. Edward's verbally walking through his steps of getting Bella off. Yet you peppered it with those beautiful moments when they just let themselves go. It was perfect.

Your story has easily become one of my absolute favorites. As always, I patiently wait for the next installment.

Edward Wallbanger, Ch. 17

My dearest tea kettle,

While we all know you have a fantastic way with the humor, the end of this chapter was a reminder that you have the writing goods to make everyone's O applaud. The subtle sexiness was perfection.

"I felt him move across the kitchen until he was standing right behind me. I froze, feeling his hands gently brush my hair away from my shoulders, and then slip down to my hips. His mouth, his ever loving mouth barely touched the shell of my ear, and whispered,"

*hair on my neck stands on end and I can feel that weight of a man pressing into my back*

"One hand snuck around to the small of my back, while the other gripped the back of my neck. "Truth?" he asked one more time, then pulled my hips to the edge of the counter, forcing me to lean back as my legs once more went on auto-pilot, wrapping themselves around his waist. "I want you in Spain," he breathed, then brought his mouth to mine."

Spain? Why do we have to wait for SPAIN? Why won't this chapter scroll any further? jk.

I can't wait for more when you get to it. :)

New story from EJ Santry,

Title: In the Dark of the Midway

Category: Twilight
Character(s): Edward


Words: 2,131
Genre(s): Drama/General
Rating: Rated: M
Summary: Edward lives a life of anonymity amidst the Midway of the Carnival.
He only steps out into the light to find someone to fill his carnal needs.
Follow him through a day in his life.

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6042857/1/

Forever and Always, o/s

That was a lovely one-shot. I like that life wasn't always sunshine and roses for them. It was realistic while being romantic. We all have our shares of trouble, but it is the devotion to working things out that keeps us together in the end.

Thanks for sharing!

The Misapprehension of Bella Swan, Ch. 17

I wish someone had a video camera on me while I was reading this chapter. I was SO paranoid about them getting caught, that I was physically craning my neck like I was going to be able to spot the door for them. BWAHAHAHA!

What a turning point for these two! Bella willingly going to him and this is the first time we have heard no holds barred honesty from her to Edward. I felt before their clothes came off that Bella was laid bare in front of Edward. The emotions were so raw in this one, and I loved it.

Very sexy smexin'. This next chapter does not bode well. *bites nails*

The Naked Guy Upstairs, Ch. 27

I want to seduce this chapter and have it's bastard babies.

Take the Ice, Ch. 1-7

I am a big hockey fan, so when I heard there was a new Hockeyward in town, I jumped right on it. What I didn't expect, but was pleasantly surprised to find, was a new favorite Bella.

Why I love this Bella is that her world has been completely swept out from under her, as a pro-figure skater whose knee has been wrecked, but she is not crying into her Cheerios. She is taking stock, and re-establishing goals. As an Olympic medalled skater, she has spent her whole life having everything done for her while she trains. Faced with this adverse situation, she has decided to strike out on her own, find some independence, and seek the assistance of a renown doctor to see if she can ever get back to where she was.

I have loved watching her as she goes from wallowing to finding her routine again, but most of all, seeing a 24 year old who has friends for the first time in her life. To have people who love and care for her, just for her, and not for who she is. Also, to be on the cusp of love for the first time.

Edward, a pro hockey player, is patient and kind. He is encouraging and supportive, but at the same time, isn't going to let Bella wallow either.

But the best part of this story so far, is chapter 6. Bella has rented a rink, and is anxious about actually doing some real skating since the accident. Turns out Edward has found her there. She does a sexy skate inspired by Edward, and soon he joins her, and one of the sexiest moments with clothes on happens on that ice. LOVED it.

Looking forward to a LOT more from this story.

The Sound of Your Voice, Ch. 1-21

I must start by thanking AngstGodess003 for pointing me in this story's direction.

I love your premise with Edward. Not that he is deaf, but that he is recently so, it seriously impedes the future he had planned out for himself, and that he is not fully adjusted. He is still angry and bitter. He is still trying to function as "normally" as possible, though he still hasn't mastered reading lips or signing.

Carlisle and Esme are for once the sexual epicenter of the story. All the passion and heat are in this married couples bed. Yet, they too are haunted by Esme's sometimes resurfacing past. A past that will lead them both to seek out to take in the abused and abandoned, I think.

Then we have Emmett and Alice with their abusive pasts. They are not so much friends as a support group. United in their coping. Connected by their mutual secrecy.

Rosalie's story has been an intriguing one to watch unfold. On the surface, it seems obvious, but her layers are deeper than anyone's. We are still not certain of the paternity of her child. We see she is a child herself that has been living on her own. I can't wait to see how the rest of her tale unfolds.

In the end, you have laid out all these fascinating characters with their own stories. They are each like a tentacle that seems to be drifting alone in the waves. Though, I can feel lurking the blacky depths that they are all connected to the same body. That their destinies are, in fact, intertwined.

I can't wait to read more!

All I Ever Knew and More, Ch. 4

I think you have a kitchen fetish going on as of late. ;)

What is it about being taken care of, in any way, that is so damn sexy? Whether it is soup when you are sick, or watching a man fix something. It brings out the basic primal instincts.

Plus...this is totally something I would do. If the kids weren't around, of course. :)

Belonging, Ch. 11

Interesting to see some blatant and unveiled animosity towards Bella's presence. The younger crowd has less scruples about making their opinion known. I can see with so many teenagers of their community pushing the boundaries and leaving, that it is a foreign idea that there might be somebody out there that might be a perfect fit to let in.

Library Rendezvous, Ch. 33

I thought this was the perfect ending to this story. It was relaxed and easy, which is how I felt their relationship was from the very beginning. I liked that there was always this underlying ease with them. Even when things were rocky, there was a steady undercurrent continuing to move them forward.

I loved this story, and thank-you so much for sharing it.

*motorboat*

The Training, Ch. 24

I had to laugh at the end of this chapter, because I realized here I was saying "awwww" to a BDSM fic. How my world view has changed over the last two years! ;)

I felt myself breathe a sigh of relief knowing Edward is home. I, like Bella, loved his use of "us" and "our" when talking about home renovations. There are no questions in his mind about the permanence of this relationship.

Then, to see Bella's excitement and confidence at the prospect of being in her submissive role openly "in public". Edward has liberated her mind. They are both so free.

Let's Get Physical, all

So often, Bella and Emmett as a couple is a failed something that is a bridge to get Bella to Edward. This was such a breath of fresh air! I loved these two together. The fact that Edward was her gay best friend, former lover was just icing on the cake.

I love a story that makes me laugh, and yours is quotable & hilarious!

"It figures that the first guy I really fall for after discovering that my boyfriend was gay, would be another gay guy and then my two gay men would run off together, leaving me alone with my Rabbit for all eternity." - Chapter 3

One of my favorite things in this story, though, is Emmett's voice. I think you wrote it very well. I felt more in tune with your characters by the tone you gave them.

Sometimes you want a story that just makes you smile, and yours did that. :)

Review Date: 4/23/2010

Title: Art School Confidential

Author: farkle

Chapters: 17

Words: 98,275

Reviews: 1477

Summary: Bella finds her artistic muse and total embarrassment in person of life model Edward. How can she get him to model for her when he thinks she is a sex-crazed flake? AU-AH, M for nudity, language, lemons. Canon pairings.

Every once in a while a story comes along that tests our ability to accept unconventional ideals of what constitutes a happy relationship. When characters don't fit the mold. Where they don't desire the house and kids. This story is one of those. Both Bella and Edward are free spirits. Bella is an ambitious art student who is striving for greatness in her craft. Is almost married to it. Edward is a man who has lived in a small enclave and is looking for his great adventure.

Their paths cross when Edward comes in to model for one of Bella's art class. Though it is not traditional sexual desire for him that eventually causes Bella to pursue Edward. It is the inspiration that he pulls from her and into her brush. Bella has found her muse, and doesn't want to lose sight of the magic his is eliciting from her work. A deal for private modeling leads these two to realize that they are kindred spirits in their need to explore and be free. Edward physically, Bella creatively.

All the time together brings them together for a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Painting by day and entwined bodies at night. Bella realizes that she has come to love Edward. Not only as her friend, but as a lover. She is not looking to tie him down. She wants to love him as he is. Past experience has Edward confused and limited in his interpretation of what love means.

Will he realize there is more than one way to love? Will these lovers find their own definition of happiness? Only chapters will tell.

4 out of 5

The Cannabean Betrothal, Ch. 17-19

Chapter 17
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This goes into my list of all time favorite chapters. The masking of his words to her within the descriptions of the swans. The toying of each finger with each new proclamation with her realization culminating with the slip of the ring on her finger. It was absolutely perfect.

Chapter 18
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I loved now seeing all the preparation and the drama that went into that perfect moment in the last chapter. It is so great seeing Edward so free, emotionally. The fact that before he reacts to things now, he thinks about Bella and guidance she has given him. He is trusting her, such as the information about the house. He is starting to realize the joy of SHARING his life.

Chapter 19
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I don't like this at all. I can smell what you are cooking, lady. *glares*

I do like the baby steps you continue to make between Edward and Bella. A brush here. A revelation there. Also, Bella is being thrown into the light on what is ahead for her in her marriage. The intimacy she has probably imagined, but not in the graphic detail the quilting bee exposed her to. :)