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. :)

Fault, Ch. 28-31

I have to say that I was initially shocked when Bella ran away from home after having Edward break up with her. They both knew that the relationship between them had to take a break before she could begin to heal. Was not expecting her to break from everyone. I like being surprised.

It is good that she worked on her healing, of a sort, on her own. That Edward had so portion of his life without her, but as we see by the epilogue, she was always with him. Not only in his thoughts, but in his academic pursuits.

Their ending was perfect for them. Together at their own pace. In their own way.

I loved the start of this chapter. To see Edward, not as the cool I'm-confident-in-this-relationship personality we know, but jealous, unsure, and tortured that the man across from him is filling the roll he should be in. Then to shift into a cocky man knowing that he had this woman mere hours ago. I like this Edward. I like the fact that he has to work for her. A.Lot.

The conversation between Carlisle and Edward in which Carlisle points out that Edward has had Bella's version of their story at his fingertips this whole time, but has remained impervious to it.

Finally, "my soul". What I am anxious for now, is despite his grand epiphany, it doesn't mean that anything has changed for Bella. Will it? Can she forgive him? Will she?

Hiding in Plain Sight, Ch. 22

Now the final pieces are falling into place. Aro is Uncle Aro. Bella was working for the family business. Unfortunately, it was a dirty business. We know everything now.

I liked how you tied Jenks into your story. That he worked for the bad guys, but was actually a good guy. It makes sense the clues, etc. that he left for her. For Edward.

Finally, you played the laundromat scene well. I thought Bella's story was over too. Edward knows everything now. The curtain is gone. Now, they run together.

Expectations and Other Moving Pieces, Ch. 25-30

This story is proof that sometimes there are no magic words. There are no grand gestures. That sometimes, not even time heals. When two people have hurt each other so much. When a whole relationship was built on indifference which led to emotional abuse, that is a long road to come back from.

I think they are making small strides. I think they need to decide if they can get along as acquaintances, which I think is the level where they are. Then they can try friendship. Finally, maybe they will work their way back to the lovers they never really were.

The Misapprehension of Bella Swan, Ch. 3-12

You know what I love most about your Edward? It's the fact that he is so damn DESPERATE! It is such a change that he is so persistent, yet so rejected. I love that Bella is completely ignoring his barrage of gifts, emails, and calls. That none of this is registering to her as the efforts of a man that is looking for just another roll in the sack. Though, Edward wants that too. ;)

I loved this latest chapter. It was a chance for them to relax a bit and be themselves. I liked the playfulness and banter of the air hockey game followed by the delicious air hockey makin' out. Though, I racked my brain trying to remember where Bella wacked her beaver! Must do some re-reading.

At The Deep End, Ch. 25-26

Poor Jasper's emotional world is in emotional upheaval. Edward is a constant, but when those who are supposed to love you unconditionally until the end toss you aside, you begin to doubt everything. Edward is being wonderful and supportive, but I am glad he stood his ground in the pool. Jasper needed a kick in his ass. Yet, Edward tempered that with his gentle words at home. Hopefully, Jasper does seek out therapy, and relishes the love that is all around him.

Edward Wallbanger, Ch. 14-16

This is for chapters 14-16.

I have to admit that Tahoe was rough and the subsequent drive home. Sometimes we hurt people with our best intentions. There is so much not being said. Bella is caught up by her pre-conceived, or pre-banged notions of Edward. That he is someone who romantically is not interested in exclusivity. Edward is over-whelmed by the emotions of maybe wanting monogamy for the first time.

They are both hinting, but I think they are waiting for the other to make the first move. I think this trip to Spain is that move in the right direction.

As always, the laughs abound. You have a gift for the comedy.

Subject: Edward Cullen, aka The Womanizer, Ch. 35-36

These two have been going 90 MPH since the moment they met. I am curious when they are going to allow themselves to slow down a bit. I hope they still find they have things to talk about when they do. Hopefully they take some time when the babies are born to relax, settle a bit together, and enjoy this new life together.

The Cocky and The Cougar, Ch. 20-24

Somebody get me off this ride!

That is what Bella should be saying at this point. The poor woman has gone through so much drama in the last seven chapters. A relationship she is unsure of. A mystery stalker that is messing with her mind, her truck, and her home. She now has the relationship returning to a plateau, but this stalker thing needs resolved. In the course of less than a year, this woman's orderly life has been upheaved.

I am anxious to see how all of this resolves.

Daedalus In Exile, Ch. 21

I really enjoyed this journey of discovery and redemption completed almost entirely in the bubble of Edward's cabin. Just the two of them discovering each other and themselves. Edward has learned that he can be deserving of love despite his imperfect past. He took so many, but in the end he used his "curse" to save Bella.

This was a great tale of what happens when you deny fate.

The Training, Ch. 18-23

This is a compilation of reviews from Chapter 18-23.

The thing that I have loved most about the last few chapters is how they are both changing, for the better, I think.

Bella is starting to get the nuances of her roll as a submissive. I think she is garnering more pleasure as she gains understanding, and in turn, is gaining more confidence in herself. She is starting to see that this is a partnership, despite the dominant/submissive rolls.

Edward is such a different man than the one we met two stories ago. Outside of the collar, we see a gentle teacher, a tender lover, and a man who is absolutely in love. The attic scene was one of my favorites you have written. Also, we see Edward the all powerful business man wanting nothing more than to be home.

Lovely progression of both characters.

A Rough Start, Ch. 20-23

I absolutely loved this part:

"As Edward descended the stairs, back toward the living room, pieces of his heart were resurrected by the realization of who and what he was to Anthony. Images and scenarios ran through his mind: saving Anthony from a bully; I am a protector. Cheering on the winning goal from the sidelines. I am an encourager. Teaching Anthony how to fix a car. I am an instructor. Buying Anthony his first car. I am a provider. Telling Anthony about girls. I am a mentor."

I felt this was a moment when I felt a true shift in Edward's character. Where his foundation shifted into place.

Edward's history is heart breaking, and as you unfold the different perspectives of what happened, the story becomes even more sad. So many misconceptions. So many truths unknown. Part of me is ready for this whole history, complete history to get out in the open, so everyone can finally put the past behind them, and let them focus on the future. Also, we need to get Renee the hell out of Dodge. She is unneeded stress on Bella.

"When" is my new favorite fic word.

Only You Can Save Me, Ch. 2-4

I can't tell you how much I love that you have stretched this story beyond the original one-shot, which I absolutely ADORED! I have loved watching the journey of an emotionally lost widow find his way back to love through his eyes. One of my favorite things about Edward in this story is the fact that he is still so, so in love with his dead wife, even though it has been a decade since she died. It makes his falling in love and wanting to marry Bella all the more emotionally impacting.

I love the banter you write between Ellie and Edward. She is mature for her age due to her life experiences, but at the same time she is still such a teenage girl.

I can't wait for more! More being the keyword. Anytime now. I'll sit here and wait. ::looks at watch and then looks up at you smiling and waving:: Waiting quietly.

Deep Dish, Ch. 9-16

This is a compilation of reactions to chapters 9-16.

I loved watching the arc of Jack's character while Jacey was in Chicago. You could see the walls of his very compartmentalized life gradually begin to blur, and by the end, I am not sure they really existed anymore. Jack bottoming for Jacey was the apex of how much of himself Jack has given over to Jacey, though I am not completely sure Jacey got what that act meant for Jack emotionally. I think Jacey was very wrapped up in his own head by the time he left. Wanting to stay. Wanting Jack to WANT him to stay, but to afraid of losing the little bit he had to tell Jack what it was he wanted. What he needed.

Jacey's late nights and awkwardness only shows that he is doing what Jack has encouraged to do all along. I believe he is not being exclusive. He is out there experimenting just as Jack said he should. Ironically, he is doing this just as Jack realizes and vocalizes what has been building all along. That he loves Jacey. I am afraid Jack must now reap what he has sown.

Seven Minutes in Heaven, Ch. 15

I really liked your addressing of stereotypes in this chapter. Not only the external forces that think or what who someone is to fit a fictitious version, but also our own insecurities of becoming a stereotype as well. I think in this way, Jasper is stronger in who he is. He is annoyed when people assume to know who he is because of his sexuality, but Edward struggles more with not wanting to be labeled, or worrying that people won't see him as a man.

I like the get away for nothing more than seeing them just be a couple, to be themselves away from the strain of daily life.

Late Night Encounters, Ch. 10-14

This is a compilation of reaction to Chapters 10-14.

Edward and Bella's time in New York was everything I hoped it would be. It was not only the physical connection that we have been dying to see, but to see that they get along outside of the bedroom as well. They compliment each other. It was the fairy tale to their reality. A brief time in Eden where they got a taste of what every day could look like if geography were different. It also opened their eyes, that this is the reality they did want when the time is right.

Now that they are back in the real world, I am happy that the people in their lives are becoming privy to their relationship. I liked the detail of Edward wanting to put a picture of her on his desk at work. No longer will these two be hiding behind their internet cams. It is time for them to be proud of the love they have found. To love each other out in the open.

The University of Edward Masen, Ch. 22-30

This review is actually a compilation of reaction of Chapters 22-30, since I have been remiss on reviewing for a while.

When reading your story, I get images of the classic balance scale in my mind. These two both have pasts that continue to haunt them. Just when they find complacency, they both seem to get slapped in the face with their pasts that won't stay there. Part of me wonders if they will ever be free of them. Edward can cut Tanya off, but she will always be there, because Maia will always be part of him. Bella, no matter how many scars are removed or how much Edward adores her, external forces always seem to find her and throw her perceived inadequacies back at her.

But then, when they are left alone by the world, the imagery shifts to that of two hands and a pair of gloves. Bella is the glove that is empty of experience and emotional stability. Edward is the hand to that is filling her with confidence and a lover who can teacher her that she is not as she was brainwashed to believe. She is not cold. She is warm and encompassing. On the other hand, literally, Edward is the glove. Void of the experience and desire to please anyone but himself. Bella is the hand that is love and light. She brings such light into his dark existence. She is forgiveness. She is happiness. Together, they compliment each other. They are what the other needs in all ways.

These lovers are not out of the woods yet. They will be returning to the real world, and their drama is not behind them. There are those who have been burned, jealous, or covetous. The months ahead will not be easy, but hopefully their love will keep them safe, and their open communication they have created will continue.

Stranger Than Fiction, Ch. 17

I realize I have been quite remiss in my reviewing for a couple chapters now, but this chapter left me contemplative.

I think this chapter demonstrated Edward, despite his years on this earth, is still a bit of a naive boy. So rarely is Edward wrong, or will admit he is. Edward is extremely knowledgeable, but that does not make one wise. When he made the decision to leave all those years ago, it was one based on facts. On what he believed would happen. So sure of himself. So sure what he thought would happen, would. He ignored his emotions, and discounted hers. This chapters shows that he is finally being slapped with the lesson that emotions are tangible. They shape us for good or bad, and not taking them into consideration has consequences.

He is now tasting first hand what bitterness, abandonment, and dejection do to a person. He made a decision for both of them 6 years ago. Now, Bella is making the decisions, and he is going to be the one left dealing with the aftermath.

Brilliant, ladies.

The Misapprehension of Bella Swan, Outtake 1

Skating on the canal! My friends go up to Canada and do that every winter! I am waiting until my girls are old enough. Maybe next year. Beaver tails, here we come!

Review Date: 4/16/2010

Title: Naughty Secrets

Author: A Little Distracted

Chapters: 20

Words: 121,087

Reviews: 1345

Summary: Bella is a school librarian leading a naughty secret life. Edward is a history teacher with a naughty obsession. If he could only see what is right in front of his face... AU/AH - Rated M for Hot LEMONS!
Each chapter alternates POV's

I am A Little Distracted indeed after reading this story. I was interested just from the description that these two were both teachers. I like the scenario of responsible citizens by day, fun by night. What I didn't expect was the type of fun these two would be getting into! Mistaken identity and a flaccid sex life leads Edward and Bella, respectively, to the intimate confines of Heidi's Parlor. This establishment is home to classy peep shows where the viewers can look in, but the performers only see their reflection and hear the sound of the voice of their audience. Chance finds them on the opposite sides of the glass in the first hot lemon of the story. The way A Little Distracted writes, you can visualize the moment, from the subtle:

She smiled. She kicked off her shoes and placed her feet up on the glass with her legs spread apart. I moved so I was standing directly in front of her.


To the vivid, pushing your limits descriptions:

I put few drops on my cock and spread it around then a few more in my hand, just in case. "It's wet and slippery." I said as I started sliding my hand up and down my length.

"So am I. See…" She dipped one of her fingers inside and then leaned forward drawing a little heart on the glass with her pussy juices. I took in a ragged breath.

In an effort to get Edward dating, Jasper, who also works at the school, introduces him to the mousy librarian. Edward is reluctant at first, because how could this woman compare to the siren that is possessing him and has him driving 5 hours once a week to see. Eventually, he does start to get to know Bella the librarian, and really starts to enjoy her as a person. Gradually we see his mind shift from his obsession, Miss Izzy, to Bella. This culminates after and evening with Jasper and Alice (who live next door to Edward), Bella's car breaks down late at night as she goes to leave. When she looks up to see that Jasper and Alice already appear to be asleep, she turns to their neighbor. Edward insists that she wait in his house as they wait for a tow truck. They end up falling asleep, and instead of waking Bella when the tow arrives, Edward takes care of it before returning to bed.

I was almost asleep when I felt the bed move. Edward slipped back under the covers and slid up behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled his face in the back of my hair. It felt so good to be in his arms that I was asleep in seconds.


After this night, the teachers are soon embarking on a week long cruise together. Paying for the trip and the vacation itself bring more twists and turns than you can imagine, but I won't give it away. Let's just say that the first half of the story is like going up the first hill of a roller coaster, and then make sure you are buckled because there are dips, turns, loops, and twists that will leave your head spinning, but stepping back onto the platform at the end with a smile on your face.

Review Date: 4/9/2010

Title: Innocence is Dripping Red

Author: EchoesOfTwilight

Chapters: 5

Words: 36,879


Reviews: 517


Summary: Darkward Vampfic Contest Winner: A bored and jaded Edward has his own way of spicing up his lonely existence until a chance meeting makes him question what he thought he knew about his life.

Every once in a while, a story comes along that not only gives you prose, but poetry as well. Sometimes when people get too whimsical with their writing it can leave you rolling your eyes after a while, but EchoesOfTwilight keeps it right at the level where it heightens the emotion of the moment without making it over-dramatic.

I love when we get a new twist on Edward, and we certainly have one here. This is Edward's canon rebellious years as his lifestyle. He is not fighting his vampire nature and adhering to the family way. He is seeking out the dregs of society to satisfy his bloodlust. One thing this Edward does have is lust! We are first introduced to him as he drains a victim while swimming in the thoughts of two nearby lovers.

"With each mouthful I remembered the couple in the bathroom, the pace of my swallows exactly matched to the boy's thrusts and the girl's breathy gasps."

Edward does not shy away from want. Though we come to find that Edward is a virgin, he does not shy away from his sexuality. Then he meets Bella, and is determined to explore this connection with her. When she meets him in the level of her own desire, two bodies come together, as Bri quotes below, and two mates find each other.

The twist on Bella's ability is clever, and I can't wait to see what else will be done with it. If it will change the way these lovers hunt, for the hunt and blood has become foreplay for them. Will they continue to have to harness Bella, or will they go the family way in the end?

Review Date: 4/2/2010

Title: My Brothers Best Friend

Author: jennylynnfs

Chapters: 25

Words: 263,874


Reviews: 5266


Summary: AU/AH: Seven years have passed since Edward and Bella last saw each other. Now, with Edward's return to Seattle, Bella wonders what drove away her brother's best friend all those years ago.

A couple things grabbed me right from the start as dove into MBBF however long ago. One, there is strong Bella. I love a strong Bella. This one is not only sure of herself, but she has some aggression too (see her hot kickboxing sessions!). She is a good friend and a devoted sister and daughter.

I think this was the first AH fic I read where Emmett and Bella were Swan siblings, and it has come to be one of my favorite non-canon pairings...so to speak. These two work great together, especially in this fic, because Emmett gets to be the brother bear we all know in love, but with Bella's feist in this one, he is kept from going over the top. He is protective while letting her be her own woman. I just worked all the way around. This Charlie was like canon, but he seemed to be written a little softer, maybe because he had a son, and Bella's well being was not his dominion alone.

My other favorite character in this story, written out of the box, was Jacob. He is just a friend. Really, just a friend, and he has his own requited love. Jake always gets the shaft, so I enjoyed seeing him happy in his own life that didn't revolve or pine over Bella.

The love story is one we have seen, where people were pining for each other, and never said anything. Luckily, a wedding throws Edward and Bella back into each others lives. Their paths to each other are awkward and winding, but they get there, and when they do, hold onto your ladywear (you're welcome, Nina), because stuff gets hot. All I have to say is Chapter 19, up against a dresser sex.

She bent her elbows which caused her breasts to touch the top of the dresser. "I can feel so much more of you."

*fans self* Really, though, jennlynnfs masterfully crafts her lemons that leave you panting along with the characters and desirous of more.

I really enjoyed this story start to finish. Sometimes life and silence can throw more road blocks before our happiness than anything else. I was happy to see these two over-come those obstacles and arrive in each others arms in the end.

Review Date: 3/26/2010

Title: Marked http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5465716/1/

Author: Whitlock-Masen http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2034985/

Chapters: 14

Words: 231,038

Reviews: 1094


Summary: Edward Masen is a self-sufficient, independently wealthy man with a PhD in Social Anthropology. When he meets a man named Jasper, he is shaken by the disappointment he feels when Jasper is apparently an impossibility. ExJ, Slash, OOC

Marked is one of those great situations of what happens when to authors who are great on their own (SorceressCirce and Naelany) get together and collaborate. I, too, first fell in love with Marked in its one-shot form for the Tattward and Inkella contest. I would have been happy if it stayed there. I am so, SO glad they didn't leave well enough alone, because now we have fabulous.

Usually in a J/E fic, it seems to be Jasper who is always the one with his heart on his sleeve. In this case, we see Edward being the more tenderhearted of the two. Both of these men have been hurt by their last committed relationship. Edward was the victim of eventual parting of the ways because they both wanted different things from life. Jasper, unfortunately, was the victim of eventual indifference and cruelty. He learned the hard way about losing yourself in a relationship. These former affairs are the root of the problems these two suffer from. Edward not wanting to push a relationship to be more than it is, and Jasper afraid to give any of himself in fear that he will lose all of himself.

The story carries fantastic sexual tension. You find yourself hoping they push past their demons as they slowly round each base. One thing that is nice about the hesitancy, is that we get to linger with them at each turn. Lots of kissing. Eventually some over the close. Then some hands and mouths get involved. Finally, they do make love and it is so worth waiting for. It wasn't rushed. It was kind of nice that they took their time getting there. There is still some feel in manifesting their feelings into words. The L word has not dropped, but I have a feeling something soon is going to trigger that.

One of the things about this story that I think these ladies do most amazingly is their use of the "B" players. In most fics, sometimes the use of Mike, Jessica, Ben, Angela, and in this case, Bella, feels forced. Not so in this story. Bella is Ben and Angela's newborn. Emily is Jasper's sister. A mix of pack, human, and vamp cast are tossed in there as friends and family, and I will tell you that it absolutely works! Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.

These ladies do give us super long chapters every other week, but they are well worth setting aside the time for.

Review Date: 3/19/2010

Title: The Beauty Within

Author: afragilelittlehuman

Chapters: 3

Words: 12,677

Reviews: 125

Summary: Going to his brother Jasper's company Christmas party, Edward hopes to spend time with the employee he's admired from afar for months. Will his blindness keep her away, or will she find it allows him to see her in another way?

When I first started this fic, I was excited to see it was a Blindward, though it is not my first dance with this -ward. What I did find fresh was this Edward wasn't always blind. That he did have sight for ten years. So it is interesting to hear him explain how he can feel the differences in the appearances of his family, but still pictures their younger selves. Also, how he struggles to picture Alice's hair, and how he admits to Bella that she is a version of Sandra Bullock in his mind. It got me thinking of what it would be like to be visually frozen to how the world was perceived by your ten year old self.

I love that he is human though, and at times craves his sight, but in the end is not bitter about it, such as when they are making love for the first time:

"I'd never wanted to see her more than I did at that moment, and I willed the sorrow away, instead focusing on the warmth and wetness of her surrounding me."

My favorite thing about this Edward, is that he is independent, but isn't emasculated by reliance on others. He accepts this as part of his disability. I think it is easier to do when those that surround him don't baby him, but do those little things to aide him without asking. For example, the venue and menu Alice picked out for the Christmas dinner, so Edward wouldn't have to navigate stairs nor have to use a knife to eat. Then, I loved the detail of the 2-6-10 dinner plate arrangement. That is one of those little details, you don't think about, but I am so happy Afragilelittlehuman did.

Finally, I love a girl who knows what she wants. Bella has been admiring Edward as much as he her, but it is she that conspires with Alice to get seated next to Edward at the Christmas party, and is not shy about making her desires known. She also has a past of something that has caused her pain. Charlie mentions on the phone to Edward:

"...he thanked me for making his little girl smile again."

Yet, she isn't letting whatever happened in the past make her bitter or shy away from love. It is refreshing to see her like Edward, and go for it with no guard or hesitation. There is something fantastic in people just going all in, feeling the reward will out weigh any pain.

Finally, there is the whole play of senses that overlays the whole story. You see the sense of sound, taste, smell, and feel play a more important role, and it heightened my senses memories as well. Yet it is Afragilelittlehuman's descriptions that leave me humming in contentment:

"I heard her every breath and could feel the reverberations of her heartbeat."

...and craving more.

Title: No Ordinary Appointment
Author: pange

Words: 3258

Reviews: 33

Summary: Jasper's bad day takes a turn for the better at his evening appointment. My entry for the "For the Love of Jasper" contest. One-shot. Rated 'M' for language and explicit situations.

"I may be Jasper Whitlock, 6'2', almost 200 pounds, and known to make grown men cry for their mamas with just a change of my tone, but that woman scares the shit out of me."

pange sets the tone right away as we watch a frantic Jasper debates whether the greater crime for his Nana Whitlock is his scruffiness or tardiness. He decides to stop for the haircut in the end. Entering what looks like a sexually ambiguous salon, he enters to find himself the sole patron of an obviously feminine establishment. He questions the choice when he spots the beautiful proprietor in the back. After practically begging, who we find out is Bella, to cut his hair, the rest of the hair cut is a magical combination of descriptions both specific,

"...digging into my scalp with her fingertips and massaging."

to lyrical descriptions,

"Hell, she smelled like sin, like temptation in a jazz club with Ella singing on stage."

I could feel the tingle of my scalp as Bella washes and cuts Jasper's hair as if I am the one sitting in the chair, only second to how she builds up Jasper's arousal. By the time the hair cut is complete, and his cape is removed revealing his...enthusiasm. I am reading to crawl onto him myself. Luckily, after a quick lock of the shop door, Bella does that for us, leading Jasper to the massage room. The lemon that ensues is sexy and fun, leaving me sated with the story but in desperate need for my own peen.

My favorite thing of all, is the twist at the end. It made everything in this story even better.