Through the Flames, Ch. 1-37

I began this story on Saturday, and needless to say...there went my weekend. I happy surrendered it to you and this story.

Being an expert or even closely affiliated with any of the professions you touch upon in this story, I can't help but feel, or at least hope, that you are. I love the detail you have given in explaining their lives. Not just the emotions they evoke, but the details of routine and life for the men and women we encounter in the firehouse, hospital, EMTs, and physical therapy. You show each one of these professions such respect...respect they deserve. There are so people who do have a calling deep in their bones. Whether it be to save and protect lives, write, mother, etc. It is just THERE for some people.

I love your Bella. She is steadfast and big hearted. She is not a pushover and isn't afraid to call Edward out while at the same time comforting while pushing him forward. Despite the fact that this man saved her life, she doesn't have the hero worship. She sees him for what he is, a man. A fallible, needing man.

Your Edward is also quickly becoming a favorite. He is confused and lost and angry. I cannot imagine having all that defines you teetering on the edge of disappearing. When someone who has done everything "right", suddenly faces the fact that it isn't enough. You set him up so well as someone who has worked so hard. He is financially secure, and even a little less so by being so generous to his family (to a fault). His life is his job. Once injured, he is now faced that his career/life might be over, and that his financial generosity has left him vulnerable of losing his house, which in this case I think is rather a metaphor for his hopes. Hopes of a future and family.

Things seem to be moving toward the optimistic lately, though. Edward is making strides in recovery. He is financially stable at the moment, though not ideally. And most importantly, he and Bella have admitted to the feelings they have been holding back. I love the pace you have given the two of them. They both have so much more going on, that they needed this time. Time for strangers to become friends, and for friends to realize that they have been lovers all along.

I can't wait to see how you bring this one home!

Dear Mr. Masen, Ch. 7

I am so happy to find that you guys have been able to translate the witty banter and quirky personalities into their "in person" interactions. I love their quick wittedness, and how they both roll with whatever the other dishes out.

I continue to enjoy Bella's creative reasoning for Edward's presence and continued kindness. Also, Edward's sweetness is without bounds. I will enjoy her starting to realize that he is single for the same reasons she is. They are both awkward and intelligent, and that, unfortunately, often makes dating difficult until you find someone just as quirky as you are.

Finally, you have established that dating w/in the company is taboo, and even forbidden. It will be interesting to see how this is worked around and conquered. Will the Boy Scout break the rules?

Stranger Than Fiction, The End

Though they have been charted and mapped for centuries, one never can tell how or when the stars will align. Happily for the both of you, and luckily for all of us, they did when you two set out on this venture...or shall I say adventure, together.

You have given us a strong Bella who has survived the NM departure. Not only survived, but persevered, achieved, lived. She is what a woman of her age should be in experience and situation. When Edward reemerges, she doesn't balk. She sets out to claim what she was denied, but most importantly, takes her time and makes him work to regain her trust.

I think your Edward is equally the most boyish and unsure I have seen him portrayed as a vamp. He, too, has suffered and is in full realization that he is the cause of everyone's suffering. He is not the martyr, though, that we have seen so many times. He knows what he wants. He works and fights for Bella. He is not afraid anymore to express and claim what he desires. Selfishness is OK in this new order.

Finally, I think you have shown the other Cullens and the aftermath of the NM leave as we have not seen them. We see how his leaving and distance affected the unit. Though Edward always felt on the outside, you write how THEY are/were not complete without him. I love how you show their hurt, pain, and loss of not having their brother/son around.

I have truly loved and enjoyed the story you have gifted us with. You write wonderful dialog and physically put the reader in the mind, heart, and sometimes body of your characters. Also, him falling out of that tree still makes me laugh my ass off.

Good luck to you both and thank-you!

-Bethie

I Never Knew, Ch. 1-10

Every time I try to get out, they pull me back in.

I love the concept of this story. The fact that Bella has been kept in the dark about her parentage. That she has no knowledge of Charlie until she is informed of his death, because of her inheritance.

Also, this is a powerful catalyst for a sheltered young woman to decide to take control of her life. That in the face of lost choices, she finds the courage to start take control of her future.

The fact that Edward is the adopted son of the unknown father give them the perfect tie to keep his curiosity peeked in her while allowing her to need him to learn about the man, the father, she never was given the chance to know in life.

I like that you are giving them time to get to know each other through Charlie. That nothing is rushed, but that there is a gradual familiarity growing. Their company is starting to shift from obligation/need to wanting to be together. I really like the pace you have set. Now it will be interesting if you maintain it to avoid disaster, or if you spark something to add some uncertainty/drama. ;)

Marked, Ch. 26

You guys are my 1300th review! *throws confetti*

This chapter and Jasper's revelation was a long time coming. I have loved every moment of these men's journey. They have gone from lust to like to lost to love. Every step has been beautifully crafted by you lovely women, and this one is the cream on the top.

Jasper manning up and stepping past his fear and reservations to embrace what is in his heart was such a stunningly beautiful moment. That he wasn't willing to wait another minute. Then to see him stand up to his brother and defend Edward was such a wonderful moment.

Thank-you both for this story.

The Cullen Campaign, Ch. 27

*throws arms around you and your chapter* OH how I've missed you!

It had drifted to my periphery just how much I was missing the cleverness and intelligence of your writing and characters until I was tossed back into the Lion's Den. The epic awkwardness of this dinner, while everyone sorts out motivations and next moves at the same time as dealing with Renee's heinous cooking.

I love that you have allowed Charlie to trust in Edward and his motivations. That it is clear that he is in love with Bella, and is allowing for that. His concern seems to be, now, of protecting her and Edward in turn, so their relationship is not sullied. He is also protecting campaigns, but I think in the end he is just a dad struggling with not being his little girl's number one anymore.

I have a feeling that the Cullen reaction is going to be a bigger storm than the Swans.

Friday's At Noon, Ch. 13

I love that you allowed Bella to put herself out there emotionally. I often feel it is more detrimental to yourself to hold back emotions than to let them out and face possible rejection.We knew Edward wasn't going to take well for this, being emotionally stunted. Now, we at least know a bit of the history of his fear of what loving someone could mean.

It was also nice to see Edward so at ease and playful in this chapter, while at the same time ceding to Bella in quiet ways.He still pushes and makes decisions independently, but he is starting to allow, for the lack of a better word, Bella to lead in moments.

Edward's shift in ideals will not happen over night. If they did, I would question the story. I like that you are taking baby steps, because someone with this much emotional damage and abandonment, along with trust issues, is always going to be waiting for that other shoe to drop. Or pushing any situations where shoes would even be involved to occur.

I so look forward to Fridays!