Hello, everyone!

Today I’m giving you three lovely, sweet, beautiful one shots by one of my favourite authors, Sydney Alice. I can’t recommend her stories enough, long or short, happy or sad, recent or old. So, today I decided to give you three of her one shots, but I recommend you read them all! They’ll make your day.

I’d write a little paragraph about each of them, but they’re all equally wonderful, full of love and hope. I do want to mention Feathers – it’s exactly what I wish Stephenie had written in that anticipated chapter in Breaking Dawn…

Here we go (all of these beautiful banners are made by the incredible Heather Dawn, check her work here):

Snow Day by Sydney Alice

What better way to spend a snow day than in bed with the one you love. Fluffy, citrusy one-shot.

Twilight – Rated: M – Words: 1,169 –  Bella & Edward

Hey You by Sydney Alice

Hey you. Yeah you. You with your long brown hair and the vintage t-shirt that’s always tied at the bottom. I think you’re beautiful.

Twilight – Rated: M – Words: 1,405 –  Bella & Edward

The Path Not Taken by Kzinti Killer (banner by the amazing Katmom)

Bella gets a firm wake up call in this alternate universe to Eclipse. Definitely Team Edward territory.

Twilight – Rated: T –  Drama/Romance  - Words: 18,794 –  Edward & Bella – Complete

Ladies, I think you should sit down for two reasons. Please do, I’m about to shock you…

First, this story is written by a man! A Twi guy! A REAL one! He’s a big fan, 100% Team Edward and an absolutely lovely person! I have the pleasure and honour to know him (virtually) and I can tell you – he’s awesome! I might have asked him to marry me a few times and I’m CERTAIN many of you will do the same after you read his story, but UNfortunately, he’s taken…

Secondly, the beginning of this story will be VERY hard for you to read. I know, because I could barely read through it myself. Just believe me, it’s not what it seems and when you get through it, you’ll be rewarded.

I highly recommend you ladies read this story, because I know that you, CBA-ers are – completely and undeniably Team Edward. If I put together all the comments, articles and replies that we’ve had on this website about the Edward – Jacob conflict, it’ll be as long as a book. I know we often discuss Bella’s behaviour in Eclipse (especially movie Bella), so I think you’ll like the perspective The Path Not Taken gives us. It is incredible what a reasonable, logical and very well written story can do for the book we all know. I almost want to send this one-shot to Stephenie Meyer and tell her: “See, this, THIS is how Bella should have been, THIS is why Jacob was never a true competitor in this (made up) love triangle and THIS is how it should have been so Edward wouldn’t get hurt!”

I think I need to leave the judgement to you.However, I have a feeling about how you’ll react. Please share in the comments, I know most of you are VERY passionate about this scene in Eclipse.

As for our Twi guy – thank you for giving us this alternative world, where it happens as it is supposed to!

The author himself has joined our comments, so make sure to come share your opinions!

Until next Monday!

PS. Team EDWARD forever!!!

The Music of the Night by The Lady in Grey 42

He seeks atonement through music. She seeks solace in an unseen world behind the curtains of a stage. What they end up finding is each other. Written for JAustenLover and Durameter for FGB:Eclipse.

I cannot express my love for this story in words. It’s so poetic, beautiful, heart-breaking and stunning. It is two of my loves together in one wonderfully written piece of art: the Phantom of the Opera and Vampire Edward. There’s something so perfect in the way the Lady in Grey has put them together that I’d do anything to make you read it.

Vampire Edward (or Vampward) tends to be very a very dark, tortured soul in most AU stories. This one is no exception – he is a vampire who can’t get used to his new nature and tries to find the light in being a creature of the night. Unfortunately, there is nothing in his life to bring him peace of mind or to ease his pain. Then, music comes along but as fulfilling as it is, he needs more. Edward’s “more” is Bella – a person so used to being invisible that the repercussions of this will affect the rest of her existence. These two find each other and their journey together is painfully wonderful. The way Edward needs her, especially when he realises she’s his mate… The  way she feels like someone can SEE her for the first time in her life…

Oh, the tears I cried over this. Listen to the Phantom soundtrack while you’re reading. It’s not that it’s angst or something terrible happens. It’s just that it makes me ache and long, because there’s so much adoration, desperation and beauty in it. Please give it a try.

Until next week!

Hello all! I know it’s been a while since my last recommendation. There are two reason for that – I don’t read that much these days and more importantly, there aren’t many stories that capture my attention. This one, however, is a gem and the one I have in mind for next week will be just as awesome! Here we go:

(banner by laurenchristen)

From the Cup of Duty by Lady Excalibur 2010

Edward is a ruler in need of an heir. Isabella Swan comes from fruitful stock. A marriage made in heaven, right? Well…not quite yet. Sometimes duty brings an unexpected gift.

Twilight – Rated: M – Words: 73,395 – Reviews: 4040 -Edward & Bella – Complete

This is such a wonderful, funny, fluffy period story. I found it a few months ago and I finally read it when it was complete. Needless to say, I read it in hours, I could not put it down and I’m sure that many of you will enjoy it just as much.

The story’s Bella is feisty, smart, strong, and errrm, quite insatiable. It was a pleasure getting to know her – from the moment Edward started courting her until the very end. She always knew what to say and do, how to provoke him, how to answer back. Bella made him a man and a better king. With so many stories out there it’s difficult to find a heroine so wonderful and lovable.
As for Edward… I loved reading about his transformation. From his bad attempts at capturing Bella’s attention to … oh wait, I can’t spoil that! What an amazing personal journey! At times I wanted to smack him for his arrogance and his blindness. Other times I was tearing up and wanted to pepper his face with kisses!
The story needs to be praised for its other characters as well! Especially Charlie and Esme! I have to say – the BPOV outtake was one of the most masterfully written chapters I’ve ever read! There is a little surprise at the end as well!
Lady Excalibur 2010 skillfully adopts the language of the time and her talent is amazing! I had such a great time becoming a part of this world! It had me smiling, laughing, panting, hoping, being anxious… Such a delight to read! There are lemons, but they are very tastefully written, so I’m sure that all of you will be all right reading them. As for angst – a tiny bit, but nothing too stressful.

Enjoy and until next Monday!

Well ladies, I hope you are enjoying the fourth and having a blast. Chrissy is unable to post a fanfic today, but have no fear for those of you wanting a fic to read because I am giving you two options! Since I am a huge Rosalie and Emmett fan, I am going to recommend a fic called “To Walk a Mile in My Shoes” by mischief-maker1. For the Edward and Bella fans who need their fix, I recommend “Sway” by Hibbleton78.

To Walk a Mile in My Shoes Summary: When an underappreciated Rosalie winds up switching bodies with her goofy husband Emmett, hilarity ensues. Can they figure out how to make things right? Or are they stuck? And WHAT was in those brownies?

This fic is hilarious and for any woman who wishes their significant other could understand what they go through on a daily basis. Rosalie and Emmett have been married for years. Rosalie is a very devoted mother who simply wants her husband to understand what she has to deal with each day. Emmett is a loving father and husband who just doesn’t get it, but also wants his wife to understand what his day is like at the office. The two switch places and it is absolutely hilarious. It will have you laughing and wanting more. You get Rosalie and Emmett’s POVs and both are so realistic and compelling. It truly will make you understand what a mother/wife and a father/husband feel. It is a completed fic rated M for lemons and language and all human with canon pairings including Edward, Bella, Alice, and Jasper. It is just one of those fics that you end with a huge smile on your face, so I recommend kicking back and enjoying this one whenever you need to smile.

Sway: Single mom Bella finally has life under control again when a new PD starts working at the same radio station and teaches her that she doesn’t have to be alone to take care of her responsibilities.

This fic has a little bit of everything. It is a great mix of romance, conflict, drama, humor, and just a touch of angst that will leave you wanting to pull your hair out, but trust me it ends on a sweet and fluffy note. Anyone who knows me knows I do not do over the top angst so fear not. It will leave you with a smile on your face and wanting more. Luckily, like any fic I will ever recommend, it is complete. As a special bonus it has special outtakes and future takes. This is a great Bella and Edward all human fic that also includes Jasper, Alice, Rosalie, and Emmett.

Be sure to check out these two amazing fics. You won’t regret it!

“To Walk a Mile in My Shoes” by mischief-maker1.

“Sway” by Hibbleton78.

Amazing by She Viking

*shhhh, a secret – I made the banner*

Birthday one-shot for my beta, Melanie. Twenty-something, plus sized Bella is sexy and confident. Enter Edward, her high school crush, who she only ever loved from afar. A second chance for something amazing. Rated M for the usual reasons.

Twilight – Rated: M – Romance Words: 13,464 – Reviews: 421 – Bella & Edward – Complete

What can I say about She Viking? I read one of her in-progress stories, My Viking and I am so in love with it, Vikingward owns my heart (and other parts of my body too, but shhh, pretend I didn’t say that)! He’ll get his own recommendation when the story’s complete

So, when I saw she posted a one-shot, I had to drop everything and read it! Then I saw it was about a plus-sized Bella and I couldn’t wait to dive into the story! Being a plus-sized girl myself, I need to tell you all – “Amazing” was one of the greatest feel-good stories I’ve read in the fandom At first, I thought “What, Bella is different? She isn’t skinny and canon?” and then it was such a breath of fresh air! I know that Twi fiction is based on the books, so it’s prefferable if the characters are how we know them. But then again, the majority of stories these days couldn’t be further from the books we know (do you feel like most stories only have the names in common with the books? tell us in the comments!)

Here she is then – this curvy, beautiful Bella. Back in high school, her figure made her ashamed of herself and she never even thought of speaking to handsome, popular Edward. Fate makes them meet years later and guess what – Bella is confident, sassy and she’s embraced her body (though not without struggle). Edward, on the other hand, doesn’t seem as content with his life as he did when they were younger. Why is that? What is missing in his perfect life? Bella finds out and gives him what he needs – in all senses of the word! Just a warning about the lemons – they are HOT! Sizzling! One of the reasons for that was seeing Bella so in tune with her body and Edward appreciating what I’d call a real woman!

In my opinion, it’s quite difficult for women to accept themselves truly, regarless of their size and shape. There are so many expectations for us, so much pressure. This is why I loved “Amazing” so much – plus-sized or not, this a woman who can stand up for herself, she knows who she is, what she wants and the word “rejection” isn’t in her vocabulary! After reading She Viking’s story, I felt wonderful – a little more empowered, a little hot (told you – sizzling!), a little more confident. But I’m sure that any reader would enjoy it, because it’s about more than size – it’s about truly feeling amazing as who you are!

Enjoy and until next Monday! x

PS. I’m sorry if this came too late on Moday/early on Tuesday. I’ll be on time next week!

PPS. Can I just say how good it felt to be eating ice cream while writing this rec… Mmmmm

Animate Me by Abstract Way (banner by the lovely Rose Arcadia)

The Best I Ever Had by WhatsMyNomDePlume

Sex between friends complicates everything. Bella knows this. But she has no idea how much more Edward is going to complicate things.

Twilight – Rated: M -Romance/Humor –  Words: 58,987 – Reviews: 4906 –  Edward & Bella – Complete

I’m sitting here, clapping my hands and freaking out about writing this review, because I want it to be perfect. If you read my recommendations, you’ll know that in the past month I’ve talked about that “amazing, brilliant story” whose epilogue I waited for in order to recommend it here as complete. You’ll know how excited I was about it and how much I want to share it with you.

Well, this is it. “The Best I Ever Had” by WhatsMyNomDePlume - one of the best stories I’ve read *I swear on my fic heart*

Where do I even begin to express my love for TBIEH? It is a sweet, funny, romantic story which will make you smile and by the end of it you’ll wish it never ended. Bella is so real and believable – a little insecure, fun, concerned about her friendship with Edward, while trying to figure out her feelings for him. She doesn’t like waking up early and really likes doughnuts. It’s so easy to identify yourself with her, to feel like she’s someone you know, if not yourself.

Then there’s Edward. Oh Edward. I can’t tell you how much I love him. With the hundres of stories I’ve read, thousands of words, Edwards ranging from sweet/innocent/fragile to abusive/dominant/rude/damaged THIS is my favourite. No, seriously. TBIEH’s Edward is the one I’d pick if I was given the chance to have one fic Edward be real and mine.
The story is written from BPOV with little snippets of EPOV and as great as BPOV is, it’s Edward’s words that make the story so special. He’s talking to Bella, not to the readers and it’s magic. It’s made me cry more than once with the sweetness, the honesty, the adoration and the vulnerabilty of what he has to tell her. Like I said to the author in one of my reviews, “EPOV is just too good for words, but you still manage to put it into words. Now that’s some talent!”

I also love the banter between Edward and Bella, their quick, fun responses, their whole dynamic, the way he tries to convince her that they’re right together, the way she denies it only to realise that this is what she wants. The way they both care about each other, to a level that surprises them and in Bella’s case takes a while to get used to, is adorable. As usual, Edward is the typical guy but then he’s the most unique, sweet man.

This story will give you butterflies, it’ll make you happy, it may make you cry a little bit and it’ll definitely be one of the best you’ve ever read. If not, hunt me down and I’ll apologise for getting you so excited. I just don’t think that’ll be the case though. You’ll read it and it’ll seem like writing is the easiest thing WhatsMyNomDePlume’s ever done in her life. She’s just amazing like that

Finally, just in case I haven’t convinced you, here’s my favourite line from the story and perhaps one of my all-time-fic-favourites:

Enjoy and until next Monday!

Stranger than Fiction by MasenVixen

Six years after Edward left, Bella’s written a bestselling book about a girl and the vampire who loves her. Edward returns to her, hell-bent on recapturing the happily ever after that he destroyed. AU. Rated M for lemons.

Twilight – Rated: M – Romance/Angst –  Words: 151,330 – Bella & Edward – Complete

Warning: M rated! Strictly over 18 please!

I found this story a while back and even then I was late to the party… it’s been completed for months now! But I have to say, I read it in two sittings, each to the early hours of the morning. It’s an interesting concept – Bella writing the story, Edward coming back to her and the two of them working out their issues. It’s gripping and written so, so well! Bella is not the naive, love-blinded teenage girl anymore. She’s a strong, successful, determined woman and having Edward back in her life messes it up, rather than pulling her out of her black hole. Edward is just as tortured as we know him, but this time add the guilt of leaving Bella, the pain of their separation and the desire to get her back! In other words, he’s a complex and deep character, who pisses you off one minute and next minute makes you want to pepper his face with kisses.

The story is very lemony, which I know is something that has been missing from our recent recommendations. This one will please those of you who’ve missed a lemony rec. However, I’m still warning you because I know that people’s limits with this are very different. Just try it out and see for yourself!
Also, this is vampire-human story. It’s difficult to find good ones out there, because most stories are All Human. This one is a gem though, so if you like Vampward, you’ll like it too! Oh, it’s angsty as well…

Now, MasenVixen is actually two people writing the story – Masen and Vixen. Collaborations always seem so tough, but they have managed to do it perfectly. Their talent is there in the EPOV and BPOV chapters and in my opinion, alternating POVs are so tricky. Many times I’ve read different POVs that sound the same, but this time you’ll feel like you’re reading two stories in one.

Enjoy the story and until next Monday!

And guess what? The story in question (Unexpected Circumstances by Savage) was recommended by CBA a few months back – see HERE!

Wow, this is too cool! Michael Sheen does a dramatic reading of a Twilight fanfic! It’s quite funny as well! See, ladies, perhaps we’re not the only crazy ones out there! You never know who’s reading the lemon that’s keeping you hot & bothered… hehehehe

The video is HERE, because for some reason, I can’t embed it at the moment.

Here is the YouTube video if you’re from outside the USA.

Hello all!

This Monday is a little different to the usual fanfiction recommendations. I decided to share with you a cause that, in my opinion, deserves your attention. After the tragic events in Japan several months ago, a group of enthusiastic and wonderful women (a shout out to Alex, Unfie, Krystal and Maria – you ladies are amazing!) decided to create this compilation of stories – the Fandom for Tsunami Compilation. It is the fandom’s way of supporting the people in Japan. There are 218 authors contributing and the money raised to date is more than $50 000! It’s a cause that, as you can see, has moved many people and that has been hugely successful.

The ways of donating are explained on the website HERE. It doesn’t take much – simply donate to the Red Cross in your country, send the receipt to the F4T team and you’ll get all these amazing stories. I have my 3000 pages of stories – some one shots, some outtakes, future takes and bits from existing stories. The ones I’ve read so far have been amazing!

This is in NO way whatsoever forcing you to donate. This is me asking you to think about the cause and to decide for yourselves if it’s worth your time and money. For me, it was.  I hope you feel the same.

Write to me in the comments if you have any questions

Until next Monday, when we’ll be back to normal story recommendations! I’ll whisper a little secret to you – the story I’ll hopefully be recommending next Monday (if the epi is posted this week, as promised by the author) is the sweetest you’ve seen in a while. And my favourite Edward. Ever. Be sure not to miss it!!!