Claiming Souls by MyTwiDreams

Claiming Souls by MyTwiDreams

Edward loves his mate. That's why he has to dispose of the men who dare touch his beautiful and pure Carlisle. Edward feels no remorse because he feels it's all for the best. Carlisle will be his one day, but until then, Edward will wait in the shadows, watch his beloved and kill those who get too close.

Carlisle constantly struggles with his feelings and urges. Being homosexual in the early 20th century could not only ruin his reputation, but also potentially have him killed. Occasionally he comes across a man who shares his same desires and gives in. However, shame consumes him afterwards. It's his dreams of a beautiful angel who provides a little solace, and night after night he wishes his angel were real.

I was absolutely blown away by this story. MyTwiDreams describes the emotions of Edward and Carlisle so effectively that you can almost feel the fear, frustration, desire, anger, lust and love swirling around you. Seeing a dark Edward and human Carlisle was a much welcomed and refreshing twist. Although great as it is, I hope MyTwiDreams will consider continuing this story because I can't get enough of these complex characters.

~ M

Book Review: Loving Samuel by Martin Delacroix

2.5 stars

Nick leads a pretty solitary life in Florida, but he chooses to live that way. He's witnessed such skewed and warped examples of love and commitment that he wants none of it, content with one-night stands and never getting too close. Even though loneliness often gets to him, he'd rather have that than a broken heart, a bruised face or a jealous stalker waiting in the wings. While on a surfing trip in Costa Rica, Nick meets Samuel, a gorgeous guy who makes him feel and want things he's never wanted before. After a passionate and life-changing night together, Samuel disappears, leaving Nick heartbroken and even more determined to never give his heart to another.

Although quite short, this novella is filled with angst, drama and a little romance. I occasionally found it difficult to follow the story because of typos, and became a little frustrated with the repetitiveness of the sex scenes. The same terms, phrases and descriptions were used over and over.

I also found it very difficult to sympathize Samuel's situation. Domestic violence is a very difficult thing to overcome, but I think Samuel substituted one unhealthy relationship with another. The only difference was that there was no violence involved with Nick. Samuel was very needy, dependent and at times very selfish. At one point he seemed to be progressing and the next he regressed and was falling back into the same patterns. I truly believe he thought that having Nick nearby would solve all his problems; instead it only created new ones for Nick. It was weird how Nick ended up being involved with someone who embodied everything he didn't want in a relationship, which is very sad.

~ M

The Whipping Boy by Fr333bird & Beckybrit

The Whipping Boy by Fr333bird & Beckybrit

Edward watches helplessly as Marcus viciously whips and tortures his friend, Seth, seeking information about the whereabouts of his daughter. Even though it pains him to see his friend hurt, he cannot and will not give up his daughter. She is the only piece of Bella that Edward has left after she was killed during the battle with the Volturi. Seth is willing to do whatever it takes to protect Edward because his feelings run much deeper. In his grief, will Edward be able to see beyond his friendship with the young wolf and the love behind Seth's actions?

When I first read this story last year, I immediately fell in love with it. There are many, many fanfic stories that I love, but this one seemed to resonate with me in a way that others haven't. The selfless love that Seth felt for Edward and their mutual admiration is beautiful, even amongst the ugliness they endure at the hands of Marcus and the Volturi guards. This story is just plain good and I would highly encourage all slash lovers to give it a shot.

~ M

Christmas Wishes Compilation

There is still time for authors to sign up and participate in this popular Christmas compilation that benefits Toys for Tots! All donations are welcome, but a $5 donation is greatly appreciated for your own copy of the compilation.

Important dates:
Last day to submit banners and summaries - December 5th
Deadline for story submissions - December 15th
Last day to donate to Toys for Tots - December 24th

Contributions from all fandoms are welcome. For more information, please visit the Christmas Wishes Compilation website.

~ M

It's You by Twilightobsessed09

It's You by Twilightobsessed09

As Edward prepares to walk down the aisle to marry the love of his life, thinks fondly on his relationship with Jasper and they made it to this wonderful day.

If you want to read something so incredibly romantic and sweet, this is the story for you. It was impossible for my heart not to melt as Edward retold the story of how he and Jasper first met, became friends and eventually fell in love. Edward is a complete sweetheart that you'll fall in love with immediately, and Jasper is so perfectly suited for Edward that you'll swoon. Definitely check out this beautifully written story about two people who find that special, all-encompassing love.

Check out this snippet...

The cheers of our guests were overlapping, but the touch of his lips made the cheerful noise fade away. 

He moved away, sighing before his face lit up with a smile. “It was you.”

“What?” I whispered curiously.

“I always felt like I was waiting for something. Now I know what it was,” he said with a smile. “It was you.”

 

*swoon* :)

~ M

That One in a Million Guy by ShadowFin

That One in a Million Guy by ShadowFin - COMPLETE

Seth has not only admired Jacob from a far, but he's also harbored a major crush on him. When Jacob comes out of the closet to all his friends and family, Seth is surprised and a little hopeful. However, he truly doubts that someone like Jacob could ever be interested in him even though Jake reveals that he has his eyes set on someone who could be that "one in a million". When Seth discovers the object of his affection in a precarious position with Paul, his world crumbles. Will Jake be able soothe his heartache or will Seth push him away?

This story is absolutely adorable. Seth made me smile and Jake melted my heart. I found myself rooting for Seth and hoping he'd get his happily ever after. I don't want to give too much away, but this one shot will definitely give you the warm and fuzzies.

~ M

Book Review: Men of Smithfield: Seth and David by L.B. Gregg

2.5 stars

Seth's life has recently been turned upside down when his sister passes away and he gains custody of his young niece. Things become even more complicated when he finds himself attracted to masseur/waiter, David. Their romance is threatened by Seth's constant judgmental attitude and people from the past reappearing to stir things up.

I had a hard time feeling the connection between Seth and David. First of all, Seth was a very unlikable character, and I don't think I even liked him by the end. David was very nice and seemed like an all around good guy, flaws and all, but I just couldn't see what in the world he liked about Seth. The kids were sweet and their interactions with both David and Seth were cute.

Unfortunately, I could not fully get into this book because the romance seemed a little forced, and I didn't believe that these men cared anything for each other beyond the physical.

This ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley.

~ M

For What It's Worth by Frankielynn

For What It's Worth by Frankielynn

Jasper lives a lonely existence even though he has all of the fame and adoration he could ever dream of. However, the love and adoration of one person in particular is no longer there. As he bears his soul and broken heart for his fans, Jasper relives memories of pain and joy while continuing to scan the crowd for the one person he needs most.

This is a beautiful one shot. The way Frankielynn described both Jasper's and Edward's pain broke my heart, but at the same time I had a little spark of hope that they would find their way to each other again. If you're in the mood for an angsty, yet beautifully written story, this one is for you!

Frankielynn's stories are also posted at TWCS.

~ M

Enduring Love by Ikuinen Talvi

Enduring Love by Ikuinen Talvi

When Seth and Jasper meet, they have instant chemistry. Soon their close friendship turns into love, but a tragedy that leaves Jasper fighting for his life changes everything. When the only way to save Jasper is to turn him into a vampire, shape shifter Seth must deal with the reality that the love of his life will now be his mortal enemy. Will their relationship survive or will they be doomed to stay on opposite sides forever?

Seth and Jasper are probably my favorite characters in the entire Twilight series, so reading a story in which they are together is perfection in my eyes. Enduring Love is a sweet, fluffy story that will warm your heart, but also has a good amount of angst and balance it all out. One aspact that I particularly like is that Seth is described as more assertive and dominant for a change. So often Seth is viewed as the kindhearted little brother who doesn't ruffle feathers and stays in the background. In this story we get to see more of his caring and protective demeanor.

While there are a few typos here and there, they never distract from the overall loveliness of the story. Definitely check this one out! :)

~ M

The Valley of Your Heart by rhythm junkie

The Valley of your Heart by rhythm junkie - COMPLETE

**I originally wrote this review about a year and half ago for the blog Jasper's Darlins. rhythm junkie recently completed the story and I wanted to highlight it once more.**

This incredible story follows the friendship between Jasper and Edward as they grow from children into young men.

The story starts out in Texas where both the Whitlock and Cullen families reside. Being small, awkward and new to the area, Edward is immediately targeted by bullies. Jasper defends him, nearly getting expelled, and they’re inseparable from then on. When Carlisle is offered a new job in Forks, Washington, the Cullen family packs up and leaves, separating the two best friends.

Due to a tragic event, Jasper comes to live with the Cullens for short period, but is forced to return to Texas to live with distant relatives, ripping the boys apart once again. During their time apart, Jasper endures horrible abuse and slowly changes from the happy go-lucky boy he once was into a quiet withdrawn young man. Finally escaping his personal hell, Jasper ends up on Edward’s doorstep.

Going For It by angelbethy

Going For It by angelbethy - COMPLETE

When Edward, Jasper and their friends are invited to a frat party, something none of them have ever done in the past, they are reluctant, but excited. They're a group of nerds who are a little awkward, dress kind of badly and love World of Warcraft. Edward and Jasper have been best friends since freshman year, but Jasper harbors a secret that could potentially destroy everything they've built over the past three years. Will Edward be able to accept Jasper's secret?

I thought Going For It was absolutely adorable. It's so nice to see a nerdy Edward and Jasper and I couldn't help but smile at their antics. When Jasper's secret is reveled, I could feel his discomfort, panic and fear that he'd lose his best friend and the only person who ever really understood him. angelbethy mixes just the right amout of fluff, angst, humor and heat. Definitely check out this super sweet one shot! You won't be disappointed.

~ M

United We Fall (United Trilogy #1) by Hank's Lady

United We Fall (United Trilogy #1) by Hank's Lady - COMPLETE

When Jacob suddenly imprints on Edward, not only his enemy because he is a vampire, but also for the fact that he stole the girl he loved, all hell breaks loose in his life. He keeps the imprint a secret from just about everyone, but especially Edward. They form a strained acquaintanceship after a painful tragedy, but soon Jacob can no longer deny his feelings for the vampire. Will they find their happily ever after or be doomed to pain and heartache?

I'm already a fan of Hank Lady's stories. Healing a Damaged Soul is a current favorite of mine, so I was excited when I discovered this new one. Once again Hank's Lady creates characters that have a realness to them, making me view them more as two individuals rather than mythological creatures (a vampire and shape shifter) living in a fantasy world. The emotions Edward and Jacob experience come across as very effectively and I find myself waiting with bated breath for each new chapter. We're still pretty early in the story, so I'm sure Hanks Lady has a lot in store for these two characters. I can't wait!

~ M

Meant to Be by Fr333bird

Meant to Be by Fr333bird - COMPLETE

Seth and Riley have an incredible relationship. They get along well, share the same interests and care about each other very much. When tragedy strikes, the two young men must figure out how they will overcome their seemingly insurmountable obstacles and get back to being two people in love.

When I first read this story, I immediately fell in love with both Seth and Riley, two of my favorite characters in the Twilight universe. I smiled during their happy moments and my heart broke when they experience pain, both physically and emotionally. I don't want to give too much away, but if you're looking for a story that will hold your attention, break your heart and warm it all at the same time, check out Meant to Be. You won't be disappointed!

~ M

Little Blue Heart by edwardsisobel

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Little Blue Heart by edwardsisobel - COMPLETE

Edward, a shy, nerdy scientist, spends his time doing experiments in a lab, collecting comic books and obsessing over gay porn star, Jazz Hale. He enjoys everything about him, especially his ass, and often fantasizes what it would be like if he ever came face to face with the sexy blond.

When he attends Comic Con with an online friend he's grown very close to, his life as he knows it changes. Is it for the good or the bad? You'll just have to read to find out! ;p

I thought this story was absolutely delightful! Both Edward and Jasper are very likeable characters that you can't help but root for. Even though the story consists of only three chapters, edwardsisobel created a world and characters that are well-developed and absolutely adorable. If you love nerdy guys who get their happily every after, which I definitely do, check out this sweet story!

~ M

Beside You by Mrs. Agget

Beside You by Mrs. Agget

Derek Morgan arrives at his boyfriend's home to find him broken and suffering. Even though Reid tells him to leave him be, he refuses to leave his side during one of Reid's darkest and most painful experiences.

This was the first Criminal Minds fanfic I've ever read, and I have to say I rather enjoyed it! Mrs. Agget did a great job of not only portraying the turmoil and frustration exhibited by both characters, but also showing the great love they have for one another. I will definitely check out more Moran/Reid slash in the future, so thank you, Mrs. Agget, for introducing it to me. :)

~ M

Book Review: The Sweet One by Andi Anderson

Noah is an angel charged with looking after his Sweet One, Micah. Throughout Micah's life, Noah has watched over him, comforted him and loved him. When Noah breaks a major rule in order to prevent a tragedy, he and Micah must deal with the consequences.

I thought this was an absolutely charming story. I already have a soft spot for stories featuring angels and this one didn't let me down. Noah's quiet and unflinching love for his charge was heartwarming and brought a smile to my face. Even though this is a relatively short story, I immediately feel in love with these two characters and hoped they received the HEA they deserved.

The writing seemed a little choppy at times, but it didn't detract too much from the beautiful love story.

Buy links
Mischief Corner Books | Amazon

~ M