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