Young Volcanoes by static_abyss

Young Volcanoes by static_abyss

Nasir is sick and tired of his family constantly moving around. He never gets the opportunity to really get to know anyone and feels like as if he's just going through the motions, constantly having to be the "new kid". Enrolling in a new boarding school, Nasir is assured by his parents that the family is going to settle down...at least until he goes to college, which is two years away. Skeptical, Nasir tries to make the best out of the situation. He encounters a motley crew of students who are all relatively friendly (Crixus doesn't like anyone), particularly Agron, the brash, overly confident star athlete and trouble-maker; and Castus, Nasir's suave and flirtatious roommate. Agron immediately calls dibs on the new student and tries his hardest to ensure Nasir doesn't get too close to his nemesis, Castus. Nasir, however, is no one property.

I am absolutely enamored with this story! static_abyss has fleshed out the characters so well that I wish I
was a student at this school and could hang out with this crazy group of people. Nasir is sweet, but also headstrong. He won't take a bunch of crap from anyone, especially Agron. I also appreciate that static_abyss did not make Castus a scheming villain. He's just a regular guy, who is occasionally cocky, but also has good qualities. It will be interesting to see how the relationships between Castus and Nasir, Agron and Nasir and Castus and Agron will play out. I'm definitely looking forward to it!

Also check out the companion story, Years of Experience, which follows Barca as he deals with the pressures and expectations placed upon him by his father, his previous romantic relationships and his current devotion to the kindhearted and much younger Pietros.

Definitely give both of these well-written stories a chance! They're two of the best I've read in the Spartacus fandom!

~ M

Kurt and Blaine's Costumes by chatterboxklaine

Kurt and Blaine's Costumes by chatterboxklaine

Blaine and Sam attend a Halloween party in which everyone arrives as one half of a well-known couple. Reluctantly Blaine agrees to the charade just to see who will turn up as the Kirk to his Spock. Needless to say, he's pleasantly surprised.

Very cute, fluffy and just in time for Halloween! Take a few minutes to read this delightful story! You won't be disappointed!

~ M

Book Review: Wonderland by Jude Ouvrard

After a bad break up, Lucas moves to a new city and decides to take a poetry class as an outlet for his emotions. His teacher, Preston, is about his age and they share a good rapport and camaraderie. As the two men grow closer as friends, Lucas reveals a secret that will drastically change the course of their relationship.

Jude Ouvrard did a great job bringing Lucas and Preston to life through her words. I literally had a lump in my throat throughout most of the story because my heart broke for both characters and what could have been for them. The poetry that introduces each chapter is emotionally gripping and probably my favorite aspect of the short story. I will warn readers that you may need a few tissues nearby, but don't let that deter you from reading this lovely story about love and making the most of out life.

3.5 stars

The publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Wonderland  here and the complete Fall Fires Anthology  here.

Enemy Rebound by addicted-to-romione-bedward

Enemy Rebound by addicted-to-romione-bedward

After Bella runs to Volterra to save Edward from killing himself, she dies in a plane crash on the way home. Edward is beside himself with grief and happily welcomes the vitriol Jacob throws his way once back in Forks. However, something peculiar happens; something neither of them could have imagined. Jacob imprints on Edward and now the two men must find a way to not only co-exist, but deal with their growing feelings for one another.

I've read quite a few imprinting stories involved Edward and Jacob, but this one really stuck out to me because of the immense emotion addicted-to-romione-bedward poured into her words. Ever flicker of pain, confusion, frustration, anger and eventually love is felt so palpably from beginning to end. The reactions from the other members of the Cullen coven were also interesting and in some ways refreshing. Some didn't immediate accept Jacob's new position in the family, while others did. However, it's not the usual suspects who shun him.

Give this story a try. It's emotional, angsty, fluffy and suspenseful; everything you need in a good piece of fanfiction!

~ M

Fall Fires Blog Tour: Winter's Love by N.L. Leeks

New Release!!!

Winter's Love by N.L. Leeks

Summary: A past relationship has left Jerad Winter broken. When Eric Healey runs into him, Jared finds a reason to learn to trust again. The two men begin to fall for one another, but the prejudice around them threatens to tear them apart. Can their love survive the real world?

Book Review: Love, Unexpected by C.W. Stevens

While attending the celebrations, preparations and activities leading up to his cousin's wedding, Evan is torn. He's extremely happy for his cousin, Michael, but at the same time long for the sort the sort of loving relationship his cousin possesses. Evan's nearly thrown from his feet when he meets Michael's fiance's cousin, and best man, Jon. With his mesmerizing blue eyes, killer smile and awesome personality, Jon is exactly what Evan's been looking for. The two men hit it off and grow closer over the course of a few days. There's just one problem, they live hundreds of miles away from each other. Will they find a solution to their long-distance problem or have to let go of "The One"?

This is an adorable short story that I really enjoyed. The interactions between Evan and Jon were heartwarming, swoon-worthy and, at times, scorching. I truly found myself rooting for the couple and hoping they could overcome their obstacle and have the relationship both of them wanted.

If you're looking for a fluffy story with a little angst mixed in, this is a great choice.

The publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Love, Unexpected  hereand the entire Fall Fires Anthology here.

You're My Home by dreamingkate

You're My Home by dreamingkate

When he was five years old, Blaine was so severely beaten by his drunken father that he suffered brain damage. His older brother, Cooper, was determined to protect his little brother at all costs and take care of him as he grew up. Even though his motor skills aren't as fine tuned, his balance is a little off and it takes him longer to process things, Blaine is still a happy, kindhearted guy. When Kurt catches his eye one afternoon at the mall, he takes a chance and asks him out.

This story somehow manages to break and warm my heart at the same time. Blaine is such an innocent, sweet character that you can't help but root for him as he discovers his talents, abilities and desires. Kurt is
Blaine's knight in shining armor, sticking up for him when jerks try to bring him down and supporting him when he thinks he isn't good enough. I highly suggest reading this lovely story about perseverance, determination and personal growth!

~ M