Lost Boys by vampireisthenewblack

Lost Boys by vampireisthenewblack

Carlisle is horrified when his progeny and former lover, Edward, returns after subsisting on humans. He originally left when Carlisle found Esme and was unable to accept that they're mates. When he returns, he brings along a very special gift. Disturbed by Edward's downward spiral into insanity, Carlisle must figure out how to love the fragile vampire and at the same time protect himself and Esme from him.

Talk about an edge of your seat story! I don't want to give too much away, but I can tell you that you won't be disappointed. vampireisthenewblack effectively portrays Edward's madness in such a frightening way that on more than one occasion a chill went down my spine. If you're interested in reading something completely different and engrossing, this story is for you!

~ M

Evergreen by ICMezzo

Evergreen by ICMezzo

It's Christmastime and Carlisle is busy trying to create the type of Christmas Edward enjoyed while human. Unfortunately, Carlisle is plagued with feelings of guilt and shame because he continues to have sensual thoughts about the newborn vampire. Not wanting to make Edward uncomfortable, he tries his best to bury them. When Edward reaches out to Carlisle, will he continue to hide his feelings or finally express them?

This is a very sweet one shot that brought a big smile to my face. Carlisle's torment and the discomfort displayed by both characters is so palpable and raw. Saying more would give the story away, but I highly recommend that you check this story out!

~ M

Book Review: Needing a Little Christmas by Silvia Violet

3.5 stars

Sweet short story about Eli, who spends Christmas in a secluded cabin in the woods after he discovers his boyfriend cheating. While there, he is "rescued" by the handsome and burly neighbor, Mac, on more than one occasion. The two men share an instant chemistry and soon find themselves fighting their growing attraction for one another.

I thought this was a really cute story. Mac was the perfect knight in shining armor for the Eli, who, after dealing with his jerk of an ex boyfriend, doesn't really feel the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed their interactions and their shy glances at one another were adorable. Even though this is a relatively short story, I wish the MCs could have been a little more developed. Although very likable, they seemed a little one dimensional.

Buy Needing a Little Christmas here or here.

~ M

The Politics of Christmas by lvtwilight09

The Politics of Christmas by lvtwilight09 - COMPLETE

Emmett and Jacob are madly in love and have been together for seven years. With Christmas quickly approaching, Jacob only wants one thing: to be out publicly and married to the man he adores. Unfortunately, Emmett is unwilling to fulfill Jacob's wish because he is Governor and must protect his image, both personal and political, at all costs. Will he let Jacob slip away or risk his career for the man he loves?

I really enjoyed this one shot. lvtwilight09 not only portrayed the immense love Emmett and Jacob shared, but also the turmoil both men endured due to Emmett's fears. Even though I wanted Emmett to just bite the bullet and come out, I also understood his point of view. Coming out, especially as a public, political figure can potentially be career suicide. With a good mix of angst and romance, The Politics of Christmas is a compelling and entertaining read.

~ M

Book Review: Mending Noel (North Pole City Tales #1) by Charlie Cochet

4.75 stars

Tim is an average elf who feels he is doomed to work in the administrative offices in North Pole City. Even though his father was a renowned toy soldier, Tim really holds no special talents or abilities. This is all made worse by his rude supervisor, Noel, who does everything in his power to make the elf as miserable as possible. When Tim overhears an assassination plot, he and Noel are thrown into an adventure where they discover self worth and love.

I absolutely loved this story! Charlie Cochet put an awesome twist on the Christmas characters we've all come to know and love over the years. My favorite was Rudy, the dashing, red-headed and famous Rein Dear who delivers toys and happiness to kids all over the world. In this world, reindeer do not pull a sleigh; the Rein Dears are pilots who make the deliveries themselves.

• Santa is not a jolly man who works one day a year, he's actually Mayor Kringle.
  

• Jack Frost is the son of the King of Frost and is the third most powerful creature (after the King and Mayor Kringle) in the land.

• Tim, who is small in stature, but big in spirit, reminded me of Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol.

Tim is such a wonderful character. No matter what life, or Noel, threw at him, his positive outlook never wavered. Yes, he felt sorry for himself every now and then, but he never lost the Christmas spirit. On many occasions I just wanted to hug the little elf. Noel, on the other hand, is a confused, hurt and broken elf who doesn't know how to handle the feelings he's developing for Tim, so frequently lashes out, berates and humiliates him.

The secondary storyline involving Rudy and Jack Frost was just as charming and sweet. It would be wonderful to see more from these two in the future. In my opinion, Rudy and Jack deserve their own book! Their backstory was just as powerful and interesting as Tim's and Noel's.

My only complaint would be that the switching points of view were a little hard to follow sometimes.

Out of all of the 2012 Dreamspinner Advent stories, I think this is my favorite! I highly recommend this adorable story filled with angst, drama, romance, humor and adventure.

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and slash-filled holiday!

A Different Kind of Christmas by naelany

A Different Kind of Christmas by naelany

Still mourning the sudden death of his wife, Jasper and his daughter, Bella, try to carry on the Christmas tradition of baking cookies. When a new neighbor, Edward, knocks on the door asking to use the phone because he's locked out of his apartment, Jasper's life, as he knows it, takes a positive turn. The two men and little girl develop a sweet friendship that encourages Jasper's and Bella's healing process. It also helps Edward as he tries to move on from a painful past. Even though he harbors a little guilt for having feelings for someone else less than a year after Alice's death, Jasper can't deny his connection to Edward.

There is only one word I can use to describe this story: heartwarming. Not only are the interactions between Edward and Jasper sweet, but the dynamic between the two men and Bella are just as charming. With Christmas literally right around the corner, this is the perfect holiday story filled with hope, healing and love.

~ M

A Merry Little Christmas by Darkira

A Merry Little Christmas by Darkira - COMPLETE

A little older and a lot wiser, Jasper and Edward awake on Christmas Eve and think back on the many Christmases they've spent together in the past 25 years. There have been ups and downs, but through it all their love never wavered.

This is one of my absolute favorite Christmas fanfic stories! It's fluffy and sweet, but what I really like about it is that Edward and Jasper are older and are beginning the second stage of their lives; the kids are grown and out of the house and now they can just enjoy each other once again. This is one feel-good story I'm sure you'll love!

~ M

Book Review: Inseparable by Chris Scully

4.5 stars

This is an incredibly sweet story about Adam, who is hit by a car and suffers amnesia. His best friend and roommate, Joe, is there to take care for him as he recuperates. Adam feels a strong connection to Joe, that goes beyond friendship, so he sets out to determine if the two of them are lovers. The revelation that Joe is gay, but he is not, surprises him, but only makes him more determined than ever to figure out his own feelings for Joe and the state of their friendship.

I really enjoyed this story; it's sweet, heartwarming and romantic, everything I look for in a Christmas story. Both MCs were very likable characters and Joe's boisterous family was charming as well. The only complaint I have is the small number of typos, but they weren't too distracting. I would definitely read this short story again in the future. :)

 Buy Inseparable here or here.

~ M

Book Review: Greeting Cards by Tinnean

4.5 stars

This is an absolutely adorable and heartwarming story about two men who develop a sweet friendship via greeting cards they mail back and forth to one another. When Ben Haggerty's boyfriend of eight years leaves him with virtually no explanation, he's crushed. Being an electrician, he never felt intelligent or clever enough for his boyfriend, Rick. It also didn't help that Rick constantly put him down and killed his self esteem. After months apart, Ben decides to send Rick a card asking him to come home. However, the card never reaches Rick. Instead it makes its way to Jason Prescott, a graduate student working on his second master's degree. Touched by the heartfelt words in the card, Jason writes back to Ben. Thus begins months of correspondence in which the men learn more about each other and develop something truly special.

Even though my heart broke for Ben for much of the first third of the book, this story turned out to be very sweet and put a smile on my face. Due to the fact that Rick put him down so often for being "blue collar" and unintelligent, Ben suffered from extremely low self esteem, but seeing his confidence slowly build because of Jason was lovely. Rick was the perfect villain and very easy to hate. Jason was so thoughtful, attentive and wonderful, everything Ben needed after being torn down for so long.

If you're looking for a story that will give you the warm and fuzzies, this is the book for you.

Buy Greeting Cards here or here.

~ M

The Night Before Christmas by starry-nights88

The Night Before Christmas by starry-nights88 - COMPLETE

On the night before Christmas, Edward and Jacob watch their twins each open a special Christmas Eve gift. The excitement and joy on their kids' faces make everything worthwhile. Little does Jacob know that Edward has a very special gift of his own for his life partner.

This is the type of story that I absolutely love to read at this time of year. It's sweet, fluffy and guaranteed to make me feel warm and fuzzy. There is no angst or drama, just cute kids and two men in love. Check it out!

~ M

Under the Christmas Tree by kitkat681

Under the Christmas Tree by kitkat681 - COMPLETE

Edward has been in love with this close friend and roommate, Carlisle for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately, Carlisle has no idea, so Edward has to stand by as Carlisle goes from woman to woman, his heart breaking a little each time. Edward's life shatters when Carlisle reveals that he's going to propose to his girlfriend, Esme. Will Carlisle ever see what's right in front of him or will Edward be doomed to suffer unrequited love while his best friend builds a life with someone else?

This story put me through the ringer right from the start. Edward's heartbreak was so palpable and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen between these two guys. Originally a one shot, kitkat681 added a second chapter that's just as angsty and great! Definitely give this story a shot!

~ M

Blue Notes by karenec

Blue Notes by karenec - COMPLETE

Edward and Seth are completely enamored with each other. Their love is strong, but unfortunately not strong enough to convince Seth to come out of the closet. He asks Edward to hide their relationship and at first he's fine with it, but after a while the secrecy starts to wear thin. Not wanting to lose the love of his life, but at the same time, not wanting to live a life of only being able to express his love behind closed doors, Edward must make a difficult decision.

Seth is one of my favorite Twilight characters, so it was refreshing to see him portrayed as flawed, scared and indecisive. Usually he's bubbly and perpetually happy, which is great, but seeing this different side was nice for a change.  If you want to read a story about two complex characters who really have to look within themselves to find peace of mind, acceptance and happiness, check out Blue Notes!

~ M

Book Review: New York Christmas by R.J. Scott

4.5 stars

This is a very sweet story about two men who reconnect after college and fall in love. Ten years ago, Christian Matthews tutored Daniel Bailey in English literature when he was a TA senior and Daniel was a freshman with little motivation. Chris and Daniel are complete opposites. Chris is nerdy, quiet, and introverted, while Daniel is loud, extroverted and extremely rich. When they cross paths years later, Daniel is more determined than ever to explore the feelings he always had for his tutor. Chris, on the other hand, is still reeling from a recent incident at his former job and struggles with his self-esteem and the loss of the career he loves.

If you're looking for a feel good book that will bring a smile to your face and warm your heart, this is the book for you. The MCs are both extremely likable and endearing characters and I definitely rooted for them throughout the entire story. This is one book I wouldn't mind reading again in the future because it is really great. Plus, how adorable is the cover? It perfectly captures the characters and tone of the book. :)

~ M

Christmas in Virginia by cbaty

Christmas in Virginia by cbaty - COMPLETE

It's the 1960s and Edward and his family are on their way to visit his aunt for the holidays. While he's happy to see his aunt and celebrate Christmas, there is someone else who makes his body brim with excitement and heart race. After meeting stablehand, Jasper, during a summer visit, the two young men had an immediate connection and forged a relationship that grew from buddies to lovers.

This is a lovely story that will bring a smile to your face. Although set in a time when two men in love was still looked down upon and hated, cbaty shows the true beauty of the boys' love and how something to wonderful and pure could never be wrong. With the holiday season in full swing, I encourage you to read this sweet story. You won't be disappointed!

~ M

All I Want for Christmas by SlashGal

All I Want for Christmas by SlashGal - COMPLETE

Nerdy and shy, Edward finds his perfect match at the post office when the handsome, bespectacled and equally nerdy Jasper helps him with his Christmas packages.The two awkwardly fumble into a sweet friendship that eventually turns into more.

It's no secret that I have a soft spot for stories that feature nerdy characters and this is one of the best out there! You will immediately fall in love with both Edward and Jasper as they try to impress and gain the attention of the other. If you're looking for a heartwarming, feel-good Christmas story, this is the one for you! It's definitely one of my favorites! :)

~ M

Save Me From Myself by naelany & stolenxsanity

Save Me From Myself by naelany & stolenxsanity

After enduring physical abuse at the hands of his ex, Royce, Jasper has made great strides in getting his life back on track, especially with the help of his best friend turned lover, Edward. However, when Jasper's past comes back to haunt him unexpectedly, memories of pain, low self-worth and fear bubble to the surface.

This has to be one of my all-time favorite stories in fanfication and I'm surprised it hasn't received more attention. Save Me From Myself immediately draws you in and you'll find yourself emotionally attached to the characters very quickly. I experienced a gamut of emotions; my heart broke for both Jasper and Edward as they tried to move forward and I hated Royce for all of the terrible things he did, both physically and emotionally. Although the tone of the story is rather heavy, it is beautifully poignant and will stay with you long after you're finished.

~ M

Unconditional by tiffaninichole

Unconditional by tiffaninichole

Even though he's no longer in an abusive relationship that broke him physicially and mentally, Edward still harbors feelings of worthlessness and can't shake his self deprecating attitude. He shares a modest relationship with Jasper, who loves the skittish man with all his heart. Edward usually shows up at Jasper's doorstep in the middle of the night seeking a safe place and Jasper always lets him in. While Edward is somewhat comfortable with their arrangement, Jasper wants more, so he sets out to prove to Edward that his love is, and will always be, unconditional.

This story is gorgeous! It's angsty, romantic, touching and heartbreaking all at the same time. I liked the way that tiffaninichole showed the stark contrast between how Edward sees himself (disgusting and unworthy) and how Jasper sees him (beautiful and wonderful). The way Edward described himself absolutely broke my heart and I found myself fighting a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Please take a few moments to read this incredible story. You won't be disappointed!

~ M

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~ M

Once We Were Kings by sweetp-1

Banner created by Ms. Ambrosia

Once We Were Kings by sweetp-1

Even though they're mortal enemies, Edward and Seth develop a cautious friendship after being paired together in biology class. After learning more about each other and hanging out on a regular basis, their feelings change from platonic to passionate and romantic. However, their happiness is short lived when Seth imprints...on girl.

This story put me through a roller coaster of emotions. One minute I was happy and warmed by the love that Edward and Seth shared and the next my heart felt like it was being ripped in two. Originally a one shot, I was apprehensive about reading the continuation, fearing even more heartache, but I'm so glad I took a chance.

Once We Were Kings is angst at its finest and sweetp-1 does and wonderful job conveying the characters' feelings so realistically that I actually felt their pain, joy, frustration and anger. I desperately rooted for Edward and Seth's HEA even when it didn't seem feasible. Please take a few moments and read this rather painful, yet beautiful story.

~ M

Never Who You Think You Are by SweetMoi

Banner created by Ms. Ambrosia

Never Who You Think You Are by SweetMoi - COMPLETE

As a young teenager, Seth always admired his older sister's friend, Edward. He was popular, charming and knew exactly what he wanted in life. Years later, Seth returns home and runs into his former hero and crush in the most unexpected of places. Still enamored with the thought of Edward, Seth ignores everyone, including the man who loves him, in order to spend time with his hero. Unfortunately, things aren't always what they seem and Seth learns the hard way that his childhood crush is a completely different person than the one he knew so many years before.

I couldn't help but become engrossed in this story. Collaborators sweetp-1 and faite-comme-moi created characters that had me glued to my computer wondering what would happen next. Edward is not a very likable character, and on more than one occasion I wanted to shake Seth for being so stupid, naive and careless. I think the stand out character in this story is Riley. However, if you want to know more about him and how he fits into this tale, read this one shot! You won't be disappointed!

~ M

Author Spotlight: Kim Fielding, Author of New Release, Brute

Recently I had the awesome opportunity to interview author Kim Fielding! Her new book, Brute, is out today and looks great!

Check out out interview below!

Your latest book, Brute, tells the story of a man who not only becomes aware of his self worth, but also finds love. How did you come up with this character and the story concept?

Almost all my characters and stories just seem to pop into my head. This story started a little backwards, actually. I thought of a man who dreamt other people’s deaths. Which would be horrible enough as it is, but this poor guy was locked in a prison in utter misery. I began to wonder why. And then I started to wonder what it would be like to have to guard this prisoner, and how that kind of guard duty might affect a man.

You often write about characters who overcome some sort of disability (physical, mental, etc.) or hindrance. Is this something you personally identify with? How so?

I think we all have obstacles to overcome. Some are larger than others, of course. Personally, I’ve been tremendously lucky, but I’ve faced my own struggles too. Not with a true disability—unless you count being only 5 feet tall as a disability!—but with various things life’s thrown in my path. I love the idea that heroes don’t have to be perfect, and that however imperfect people are, they can still be heroic—and still find love. I’ve received some emails from readers with disabilities, telling me how much they enjoyed finding a hero who’s disabled. That’s really made me feel proud.