Political Fic

Some of my favorite TV combines drama with politics. Last year I set out to find some Twific that brings our favorite characters into that world of the political. Afterall, one of my all time favorite fics is The Cullen Campaign which, although it was pulled, featured the most intelligent political friction combined with fun sexual tension and romance.

Here's what I found:

The Hot Seat

a oneshot by TheFicChick

Liberal left? Meet conservative right. Wearing tight pants and a self-satisfied grin. (ExB, AH, one-shot.)

This was cute, fast-paced and well-written. It's got a real West Wingy vibe.

The other 2 fics I'd like to feature are by the same author, Betty Smith, who pulled both fics and published them as books. (You can still find both fics as .pdf files floating around the internet. If you want to message me your email, I'd be happy to send them or The Cullen Campaign to you.)

The Gentleman from Washington State

Senator Edward Cullen is the handsome scion of the Cullen family. A playboy's playboy, he is taken with an intern in his office, Bella Swan. She is untouchable for many reasons, and he's in a tough re-election battle with Jacob Black. AH,M Adult Content

If you're interested in the non-Twi version, it was published as A Political Affair by Mary Whitney

My Esteemed Colleague

Members of Congress, Edward Cullen R-IL and Isabella Swan D-WA, have nothing in common and everything to lose. Despite divergent politics, they can't contain they're feelings. Yet one issue remains that hopelessly divides their relationship and the country.

This was a concise and realistic feeling story with two good hearted, intelligent and savvy protagonists. Nothing felt drawn out for the sake of drama. I loved the political setting (the ins and outs of what a congressperson does and their obligations to themselves, their constituents and their party). Bella in particular is a great character - she's passionate about the issues she cares about, she is good at her job, and she has an easy demeanor despite being surrounded by people who underestimate her.

If you're interested in the non-Twi version, it was published as Compromising Positions by Mary Whitney.

Does anyone else have any recs for good political/romance fics or books?

Flashback to 2011

Before we get into the season of 2012 year-in-reviews, I wanted to take a second to look back on 2011. I failed to write up any sort of reflection for that year, so... what follows is a really quick rundown of some of my favorites of the fics I read in 2011. All are Complete.

Of Kith and Kin by chicklette
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." -Nat King Cole. This story is about that. AH, Canon pairings.

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Angst/Drama - Chapters: 24 - Words: 88,113 - Reviews: 3767 - Updated: 12-19-11 - Published: 7-16-10 - Bella & Edward - Complete

^^ This story pulls you in. Chicklette has the reader dying to unravel the mystery of the history the characters share. On top of all the intrigue is phenomenal writing and a true depth of emotion. A classic must-read.

Said and Done by ICMezzo
Graduate students Edward and Jasper feel the connection, but is it enough to overcome their differences? EdwardxJasper slash, human/vampire love. RATED M.

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Humor/Romance - Chapters: 25 - Words: 123,077 - Reviews: 1777 - Updated: 1-14-11 - Published: 1-6-10 - Edward & Jasper - Complete

^^ Perhaps my most favorite of all of the VampSlash out there. Charming and sweet and I fell totally in love with the Edward and Jasper.

The Art Teacher by Spanglemaker9
He gave me art and words and passion and life, but all I wanted was him.

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Romance/Drama - Chapters: 16 - Words: 97,635 - Reviews: 6903 - Updated: 8-1-11 - Published: 11-7-10 - Bella & Edward - Complete

^^ This story had me drooling over its description of art. I'm a huge fan of art and how someone's interpretation of a piece of art reflects a bit of who they are as a person. I love how this story plays with that notion at times but really it's a love story. And maybe it's just me but I felt Bella's experience of the art in their world was magnified because of the intense feelings between her and Edward.

Dear Mr. Masen by jendonna
"Error 434: Reprimanding an executive." Life changing or just stupid? Dear Mr. Masen: A story of unauthorized Internet usage, culinary delights and the goings-on at Cullen, Inc. AH, ExB.

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Humor/Romance - Chapters: 25 - Words: 127,500 - Reviews: 12598 - Updated: 2-14-12 - Published: 11-17-10 - Bella & Edward - Complete

^^ This fic asks the age-old question: can love triumph over corporate non-fratenization policy? This is super cute and a fun read.

And last, but certainly not least...

Masen Days by purelyamuse
3rd Place Winner in the Boys on Boards contest! Now an EXPANDED multi-chap! Bella meets Masen at the local skate park. He's a quiet, mysterious loner. She wants to help him, love him even. Will he let her? Or will he skate away like he always does? AH

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Romance/Angst - Chapters: 19 - Words: 70,796 - Reviews: 2660 - Updated: 5-18-12 - Published: 8-16-11 - Edward & Bella - Complete

^^ This fic pulled me back into Twific after a bit of a lapse in my readership. I have a lot of love for this fic. She gives us these swift glimpses of the interaction between Masen and Bella which works so well for the story and demonstrates the heart that exists within the smallest gestures. A sweet and lovely read, it was a trip back to High School and first love.

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Masen Days by purelyamuse

Description: 3rd Place Winner in the Boys on Boards contest! Now an EXPANDED multi-chap! Bella meets Masen at the local skate park. He's a quiet, mysterious loner. She wants to help him, love him even. Will he let her? Or will he skate away like he always does? AH

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Romance/Angst - Chapters: 6 - Words: 11,735 - Reviews: 419 - Updated: 9-19-11 - Published: 8-16-11 - Edward & Bella

It's been about 6 months since I've started reading a new fic.  And wouldn't you know, it's purelyamuse who drags me back into the fold, kicking and screaming.

She says that I helped push her to write her first Edward/Bella, being the citizen of Switzerland that she is. Having started her current WIP, I am thrilled to have had any hand at all in her writing it. I started reading Masen Days because I wanted to support purely for the fic's readalong, but now I'm jonesing for my next hit. 

I thought I wasn't going to be able to get into Twific anymore because I had gotten too jaded and eye-rolly regarding character cliches, misunderstood Edwards, and poorly developed Bellas. But given purely's taste in fic, I should've known she would provide something delicious. Here's why you should read it:

SIMPLICITY IN STORYTELLING She doesn't try to pretend to offer the be-all-end-all telling of an epic tale. She gives swift glimpses into the interactions between Masen and Bella, which are stylistically so appropriate, given the sparseness of their communication. And purely uses this subtleness to showcase the heart that exists in the smallest of gestures. Also because of this, her story doesn't get weighed down by the pull of unnecessary description. She's a no-wank kind of a writer. And that's EXACTLY what the doctor ordered.

SWEETNESS & NON-EXPLOITATIVE ANGST I love how purely's fic is so very much in line with the kinds of fic she likes to read. There is so much sweetness in her simplicity. And she's able to incorporate the angst of Masen's family life in a way that seems more like an extension of a character's background/experience, as opposed to a lot of fic, where angst is used as an exploitative means to draw in a reader who seeks resolution. The sweetness in the story offsets the underlying sadness in a way that's very true to the Masen character. And I continue to read, not because I need some kind of answer to the mystery, but because I'm addicted to the interactions between Masen and Bella. It'll be nice to see more of the onion as the story unfolds, but I'm in no rush.

I LOVES ME SOME UST I expected a bit of innocence in her storytelling just because I know she likes the HS negotiations of first love in the fic she reads. I was pleased to find it's a realistic portrayal that I could connect with -- and HS me was no innocent. We don't know how virginal Bella is and we know very little about Masen's experience, but these things don't seem relevant in the world of the little moments they share. Bella's got the internal monologue of a girl who definitely feels a hunger but won't act on her ravenous potential because she respects the personality and needs of the other person too much to risk defiling their relationship by jumping too soon. What results is a fantastic build of UST that seems true to their personalities. I grow even fonder of Masen when I see him reaching out for what seems more like a human connection than an amorous one.

IT'S A FUN, QUICK READ I thoroughly enjoyed every heart-happy chapter thus far! I'm in love with these characters and can't wait to see where it goes.

I thought I'd read her story out of politeness but her writing and the charm of her characters won me over on their own merit.

And finally, she's working this like a pro. First of all SHE UPDATES REGULARLY. Every Monday. She also offers her readers outtakes and glimpses into Masen's mind via little journal entries on her blog. Such brilliance in providing her readers some nosh in between each meal, to satisfy the cravings.

Dead on My Feet by Cesca Marie

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6007656/1/Dead_On_My_Feet

Official Description: Recovering from a serious illness, Edward knows what it is to be invisible but obvious to everyone around him. Bella, who has watched a loved one die of protracted illness, understands the tightrope-act of life in an unpredictable body. Alienated by his disease, Edward finds a friend in Forks' newest resident. The only problem is that she sees far more than anyone else does – including the things he doesn't want seen.

I saw this fic rec'd all over the place and always passed on it. I had NO interest in reading about cancer and sickness. Too much reality for my happy world of fic.

The other night I saw @sunshine_00 tweeting quotes as she read DoMF. It sounded so sweet and charming and I was intrigued. Needless to say, I gave it a try and ended up pounding all of the available chapters.

I can't tell you how happy I am that I finally got to reading this story! It's not depressing and heavy like I thought it would be, given its subject matter. If anything, it has a sense of lightness in Bella's quirkiness, especially when we are inside her head. And there's humor and hope and sweetness in her interactions with Edward.

There's angst in what Edward's been through and being in his head reminds me of the reality of his experience as a boy in remission, who is still in the process of recovering from his ordeal. But this ain't no pity party. Bella would never let it be that. She cares for him without letting him play the role of the victim.

Cesca Marie brings a great deal of realness to the experience of these characters. I love the pace set by her unique format of day to day snapshots. I'm pretty sure it's her voice in this that keeps the story from being sad-sack. She keeps me from pitying her characters and brings me in as an observer of their experience, not as a witness to their depressing struggle.

And flirtation via sharing music is my absolute favorite way to fall in love :)

Voice For Me, by PachasPickMeUp

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5896974/1/Voice_For_Me

Official Description: Bella and Edward come from two different worlds; one of silence and one of sound. Fiesty Bella starts school at Forks High and turns jaded Edward's world upside down. Can they find their own voice through true love? AH, Canon pairing, and "M" for lemons!

Bella is new at Forks High and she is Deaf. This story is written by 2 women who are children of Deaf parents, and they bring that experience to the table, taking us deep inside this world.

One of the most engaging aspects of this story is the insight into a world I know nothing about. A culture that is foreign to me, and is absolutely rich and fascinating. Deaf Culture. a culture so filled with life and beauty -- we get to go with the characters to go see Deaf Poetry and a Deaf church. So cool!

At this stage they seem to be alternating BPOV and EPOV, which I love!!! It is so interesting being inside Bella's head, getting her unique perspective on the world. It's also convenient to get Edward's outsider perspective and learn the ins and outs along with him.

And this Bella is strong and sure of who she is. She's just a fascinating character! Her relationship with her parents is different from most fics I've read and very much rooted in being a Deaf child of hearing parents.

I'm learning so much from this fic. Her bluntness, we learn, is a culturally Deaf trait, as is her expressiveness --- so many things I've learned as Edward has learned about the grammar of sign language. It's all about the facial expressions.

Their miscommunications aren't like bumbling Three's Company mishaps, they are rooted in cultural differences and nuances of sign language. And they confront them and grow from them, instead of like other fics where they're lingering in a perpetual state of miscomunnication. 

Oh, and the Alice in this fic... She's older and assigned to be Bella's interpreter at school. The bond that Alice and Jasper form with Bella is awesome. This Alice stands out as an... 

//////////// Excellent Alice //////////////////////////  
Older sister Alice - NOT the doted upon little pixie girl of the family that always gets her way. This Alice is not afraid to inflict a tittytwister to get Edward to talk. And is only as meddlesome as E & B ask her to be, in a last ditch effort to help them communicate. AND an involved Jasper with a special connection to Bella. -- love.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The Emmett in this one is great as well. Edward is perpetually embarassed by Emmett and his Emmett-like buffoonery. 

"I rolled my eyes at him. There was no way we shared DNA. From the ages from about four to six, I had Em totally convinced that mom and dad found him at the zoo. He totally fell for it. So when mom and dad wanted to take us one day, I told him that they were probably fed up with him and wanted to give him back. He cried the whole time, and I'm pretty sure I ruined the whole zoo experience for him for the rest of his childhood."

Oh, Edward.

BOTTOM LINE: This fic is a must read for the jaded Twific reader who is looking for something different. It explores a whole new world and gave me a heightened awareness of what life is like in the shoes of someone who is a complete outsider. Bella is a phenomenal example of strength and individuality. The authors bring something authentic to this story and that comes across. I can't wait for the next update!!

Our Lives Unbound, by theladyingrey42

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6046442/1/

I have fallen in love with this fic. I wish it had a banner to draw people in but my enthusiasm alone will have to do.

Official Description: My mind is trapped in circles, my loneliness pressing in. Unable to speak, I reach for her spark. In her eyes, I find my partner. In her command, I find my freedom. Together, we open our lives to something more. AU/AH, D/s, male sub.

I just read the Chapter 8 update of Our Lives Unbound and it has become clear that this BDSM fic is different. I didn't even realize what has been missing from the BDSM that I've read. With this last lemon, theladyingrey42 nailed it with the real emotion and connection between Edward and Bella.

She gets into Edward's head and taps into his experience of his desire to be controlled. She takes you into the moment and Edward becomes this real person with real feelings of shame and confusion about what he's feeling. Throughout the story she has given us glimpses into his life where you can feel the loneliness that characterized his day-to-day before meeting Bella.

And Bella is a real person who doesn't just take on a dominant persona. She's playing but it seems to come from this place of deep concern and love. She seems to understand how deep his desires run and she wants to support him as he's letting himself go there. And she is even more realistic in her inexperience and self doubt. But she has this genuine desire to express this part of herself that she's been trying to repress in attempting to be normal. In my review for Chapter 8 it is clear how taken aback I was by this chapter. I believe the gist is:

holy. sh|t.
*standing ovation*
Seriously, my new favorite lemon and BY FAR the best BDSM lemon I've read in Twific.

The Cullen Campaign, by belladonna1472

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5853742/1/The_Cullen_Campaign

Official Description: Edward Cullen and Isabella Swan both have parents who are powerful on Capitol Hill. Problem is, their families are political enemies. What happens when Democrat!Edward and Republican!Bella bump into each other at Union Station in D.C.? AU/AH. ExB  WIP

I just joined this party. It's 11 Chapters in and I'm frickin hooked. Let me tell you why...

This story has the same qualities that I look for in a man: smart-as-hell and hot-as-fuck.

belladonna1472's Edward is to die for. I mean seriously. I'm about to show my hand, but he is a Cullen Democrat sculpted in the likeness of JohnFKennedyJr. I swoon just thinking about him. I've only started reading this story a couple days ago and I've already had a crazy dream involving this Edward, myself, and a Congressional podium. Too much information? And Isabella is no slouch. She is as inhumanly smart as Edward and not afraid to assert herself.

I keep rec'ing this to people describing it as West Wing meets Romeo&Juliet.

The Romeo&Juliet-factor gives the story this great forbidden love element that makes the sexual tension even hotter and gives the lemons a delicious "We shouldn't be doing this!" naughtiness.

And when I say this story reminds me of  West Wing, I mean that it uses Washington and politics as a rich landscape in which to tell a story while including details about the process and the issues that make it almost educational. But not in a "Sit down and do your homework!" kind of way. More like a "Huh, that's interesting! I didn't know that." kind of way.

Edward and Bella come from rival political dynasties. I am a lover (and hater) of politics and for me, there is something romantic about the idea of people who wield power in America in the interest of the good of the people. In real life it never ends up like that as power corrupts and self-interest prevails. But so far in the TCC world, our players are well meaning. And I enjoy that.

Just Wait, by InstantKarmaGirl

Just Wait by InstantKarmaGirl

Official Description: AH AU OOC In a world saturated by vices, Bella is forced to move in with her father to avoid the repercussions of her past deeds. But after she meets the socially withdrawn adopted son of the town's doctor, will she allow herself to open up and heal?

I saw that this has been a juggernaut due to the massive number of people who tweet about it. I was told there is major heartfail, so as a precaution, I planned to wait until it was Completed. But when it was chosen as the first Fic Club selection, I decided to get on board. I literally read this puppy all. night. long. I couldn't stop. I knew I had shit to do the next day, but I had to know what happens for these two damaged but lovable characters.

I'm going to write a full on post for Just Wait, but in the meantime:

I was obsessed with knowing the secret behind Bella and StutterWard's brokenness. I also 'had to know' if their relationship would progress. If they are going to be able to find salvation in each other. What I really like is that I don't think IKG is going to offer her characters salvation. I think she is presenting us with 2 people who are trying to survive their drama, not working to solve it outright. And I also respect how they are not 2 injured birds reconciling with their pasts, they are individuals whose everyday lives are a continual struggle. Edward continues to face the daily torment and social disconnect of having a speech impediment. Bella continues to suffer a cycle of having no regard for her own well being, thus finding herself in situations in the present that reverberate the trauma of the past.

I like how Edward and Bella's issues are sort of extensions of personality types exhibited in Twilight. In Twilight, Edward is completely isolated from his peers. He is unable to relate to their trivial minutia, largely because of his "gift" of being able to see into their mundane minds. Just Wait's Stutterward isn't exactly isolated because of a "gift" but rather an affliction that prevents him from freely expressing himself. Twilight Bella and Just Wait Bella share a common disregard for their personal safety. In seeking out what they want, both Bellas end up putting their well being on the line.

Renfield and Chiclets by katinki

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5475870/1/

Official Description: Edward Cullen, PhD: brilliant, nerdy, mildly attractive, and obsessed with Blood and Vampires. Oh, and pervertedly horny. Join him as he searches for Ms. Right in a series of inter-related smut, erm I mean, one shots. AH/Severely OOC/Very M  

Just started reading this badboy. I'll update soon with more on this fic.

In the meantime... This story comes with the greatest warning at the head of every chapter!

-----KATINKI's AUTHOR NOTE

Warning: some might could find this somewhat offensive. If you are seriously offended when reading about various sexual activities and perhaps, perversions, ya might want to hit back on the browser. Oh and if you are not old enough to read or buy porn, stop here.

AH/Severely OOC/Very M

We'll call this a "Fuck, I don't know how to categorize" fic. Maybe dark, pervy, humor, lemon, weird ass shit. Crackfic... maybe. I dunno. My beta and I came up with the idea whilst discussing Halloween costumes. And I wanted to try my hand at a little rougher smut.

This fic started as a one-shot in honor of Halloween. But later on, I found that I just couldn't let it go. So, we'll continue it as long as it is interesting, and as long as my imagination keeps coming up with new stuff. It won't be a long, continuous story as you might be used to, but rather, a series of related one-shots.

-----END KATINKI's AUTHOR NOTE

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An Introduction to Swirl & Daisy by m81170

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5642262/1/
Official Description: A first kiss, a first dance, a first curse word shared between best friends. This is the tale of a boring young geek and the social pariah who thought the world of him. A tale of growing up. A tale of a Non-Romantic Romance.  Rated T   WIP

This is the sweetest, loveliest fic. At first I thought being inside the head of a 13 year old girl would be slightly annoying. Could not be further from the truth -- I'm finding it endearing and relatable. I keep finding myself thinking, "Oh yeah, I remember feeling that." And reading Bella's naive reactions to things and thinking, "Oh my god, I was that naive, too." Oh, and Edward. Perhaps the cutest, most unusually charming Edward. Just thinking about him makes me want to reread immediately.

If you're having a tough day or in need of a light story filled with heart - this is a sure thing.

m81170 is doing some interesting things that have grown from her fic. She purchased the domain for Edward's fictitious tshirt company: MyT-Spot.com

Here's what she said in her A/N about it:
I have purchased the domain for MyT-Spot(dot)com. There's a possibility that it was the most ridiculous $10 I ever spent, but the amazing ms. ambrosia is helping me turn it into a fun site. It looks like we're going to be selling Twific t-shirts with all the proceeds going to Fandom Gives Back. If you are interested in designing t-shirts, simply lending ideas, or helping us out in any way, please feel free to PM me.

And in her profile:

There will also be a few other features that the brilliant ladies on the Swirl and Daisy forums and myself came up with:

An Anthology of Teenage Angst: Basically, it's just a wall where anyone can post old diary entries (anonymously if you wish) and we can all have a good laugh at them.

Dear Daisy: An advice column. You don't have to restrict your questions to just Daisy though, you can ask any Twific character that you wish in any story. I can't guarantee that you'll get a response, but I will try my hardest to get one for you. This is kind of dependent on whether other authors actually wish to participate. I guess we'll see how that goes - it could be either really lame of really great. Right now there's a submission form located on the front page, though it will be relocated after the site is finished with construction.

Ladies Lounge: Just a forum where you can discuss anything and everything, even if it isn't Twilight related. This will also be the primary forum for t-shirt ideas, designs, ect. 

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The Hood, by YogaGal

"The Hood brings you back
I ain't tellin you no lie..."

The world YogaGal creates in The Hood might have been lifted directly from my recollections of high school. It's like watching the made-for-TV movie about my life, except instead of being cheesy and starring Tori Spelling, it stars Edward and Bella and their crew of misfit pals. And is awesome.

The first chapter was entered as a oneshot in the Twi High Anonymous Challenge. The Hood came in 2nd in the open voting and was 1st place in the judge's vote.

It is very apt that this fic did so well in a challenge where the story is supposed to capture the high school experience. This WAS my life in high school: laid back stoner hippies, quoting movies, bullshitting about movies, showing off useless movie trivia, and listening to good tunes. All she needs to add: mixtapes, Phish shows, and singing along to music blasting in the car. Oh, and swap The Hood for a Dunkin Donuts (the only thing open 24 hours in the suburbs).

If Edward was a white, Jewish boy with dreads, we'd be in business. And oh how I can relate to poor Bella, trying to gauge where she stands with the boy she's crushing on when he's all laid back-hippy-aloof.

I LOVE the details in this story and the playlist is WIN.

Official Description: Bella's crush on quiet Edward Cullen seems to be one sided. But when they start hanging out will things change or does it all stay in The Hood? FOR TWI-HIGH ANONYMOUS CHALLENGE

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The Misapprehension of Bella Swan by hunterhunting

The Misapprehension of Bella Swan Regarding the Inferior Intellect of Hockey Whores
is the full title

ACTUAL REVIEW OF THIS WIP FIC IS STILL TO COME

By the middle of chapter 2 this story started pwning the hell out of me. Something about (a) this sailor-mouthed Bella and her drunken badass ways, and (b) hunterhunting's frickin lemons. You just know there are gonna be lemons, and they will be hot frickety hotness. Yes, there will be hotness.

Official Description: The Misapprehension of Bella Swan Regarding the Inferior Intellect of Hockey Players: Through incessant stalking and persistence, can Edward wear down Bella's resistence and teach her to embrace her inner puck bunny? A ridiculous love story. AH/OCC   WIP 

BELOW ARE MY CHAPTER REVIEWS. AKA SPOILERVILLE, USA. If you haven't read the story yet, you might want to avoid.

Small Town Gossip by LASMKE

Small Town Gossip by LASMKE
Official Description: While going through her parents' attic, Bella uncovers a secret. Looking for answers leads her to Forks, WA; and ultimately changes everything she thought she knew about herself. AU/AH BxE   COMPLETE 

I enjoyed this story of how a small town will talk when a mysterious outsider Bella gets involved with Edward, their revered golden boy. I found myself emotionally engaged in this story. Saddened by Bella's loss, touched by her newfound connection in Charlie. Amused by B's feistiness and surprised by E's character reveal. And who doesn't love a virginal Bella who looks to Edward for guidance. Oh, did I mention there are a BUNCH of hot lemons.

Sweet and lemony - a pretty tasty combination.

BELOW ARE MY REVIEWS AND THE AUTHOR'S REVIEW REPLIES. AKA SPOILERVILLE, USA. If you haven't read the story yet, you might want to avoid.

Bright Like the Sun by Dryler

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4812429/1/Bright_Like_the_Sun
Official Description: Edward/Bella - WIP, AU, AH, OOC. When Bella goes to live with her father in Forks, things go much better than she expected. At least until a slick parking lot, a careening van, a broken arm, and her weird lab partner from biology get in the way...   WIP   

I LOVE THIS FIC!!!! It's all about the banter. Bright Like the Sun = sheer comedy genius.

Bella has got some great observations as a newcomer to Forks. Being inside her head is a fun place to be. And she brings out the character hidden inside a previously isolated Edward. And who knew -- he is funny as hell! I like this Bella and Edward A LOT.

It's an enjoyable read but it's around Chap 6 when it breaks out and this fic starts showing its true colors. We get to see more of Edward/SWCIFD and even better, we start seeing him and Bella interacting. And the Best Banter in a Comedy award goes to.... you guessed it. Bright Like the Sun by Dryler.

And some unlikely members of the supporting cast standout in this one for being uniquely funny: Charlie and Carlisle. Normally they both come off as dry and boringly canon. The "straight man" to everyone else's hijinx. Dryler actually gives them personalities. Personalities that I enjoy reading. And Carlisle in pajama pants FTW.

My only complaint... Dryler needs to be updating this on the regular. Please and thank you.
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Daniel Gale: Cumming to America by danielgaleh00rs

Daniel Gale is a character played by Robert Pattinson in the movie The Bad Mother's Handbook.

Annette and Saewood are the danielgaleh00rs.

The danielgaleh00rs have decided that there needs to be copious amounts of fanfiction dedicated to this deliciously adorkable character.

They have written Daniel Gale: Cumming to America.

This fic is HYSTERICAL! I find myself laughing out loud every chapter. Sweet, innocent Daniel encounters the hormone & alcohol fueled life of college in America. Luckily he has Emmett, the best roommate ever, to show him the ropes. And we learn that Daniel likes the ladies with a bit 'o junk in the trunk, which I gotta say, makes him all the more appealing :)

The danielgaleh00rs somehow bring the sweet and the pervy at the same time. A tremendously fun combo. Borderline crackfic, but in the very best way!

The blog they have created to support this story is GENIUS. It has Daniel's Scrapbook of his adventures in America and a section called Asssk Daniel where readers can submit questions for Daniel to answer. Totally creative and I'm crushing hard on these girls.

How to Save a Life, by unholy.obsession

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5454169/1/
Official Description: Bella, Edward, Alice & crew. What's going on with Bella's new best friend's older brother, Edward? What exactly happened in his past that has turned the former golden boy into a shadow of himself?    WIP 

This fic was recc'd by DesiEnM on Twitter. It was slow going for the first 3 chapters, I thought it was just another troubled Edward fic. Then BAM, I was sucked in by Edward and Bella's discussion of Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights.

The UST has a deliciously drawn out build because Edward is so focused on his own pain and angst. Bella is so sympathetic and really seems to know how to deal with Edward. And I love how once their connection is established, Bella doesn't take his shit. Will it work out between them? Will we get some Bella-Torturedward lemons? Will Edward find a way to get that T.D. (Tanya Denalia) tatt removed?


BELOW ARE MY REVIEWS AND THE AUTHOR'S REVIEW REPLIES. AKA SPOILERVILLE, USA. If you haven't read the story yet, you might want to avoid.

These are some of my favorite reviews I've written, if only because they are pure emotional reaction. Fer fuck's sake chapter 17.  Holy hell. Boiler Room... I want to go to there. Oh, and chapter 21, a review titled "the greatest angst of all..." where I attempted to work through the total heartfail that was chapter 21.

Review of Chap 4:
Edward as Heathcliff. Brilliant.
Such an interesting insight

"...you watch someone behave a certain way and think it's just that, a behavior...when do you start realizing it's not, that it's an actual pattern, and it's not someone acting a certain way, but it's someone, some thing, that they've actually become?"

I wonder if Edward was relating himself to what Bella was saying. If he was defending Heathcliff's intentions because Edward feels his own intentions are good enough to redeem him, despite his own apathetic behavior. We shall see...

Review of Chap 17:
Um, boiler room? up against a huge vibrating machine? sweaty, insatiable Edward? HOTNESS. gah! Knee quaking, heart pumping hotness.

Even just a sweaty Edward with his tshirt riding up would have sufficed. But in the boiler room up against vibratey machines? A bounty of riches. I want to go to there.

But seriously, Rosalie is turning out to be a great friend. I usually HATE Rosalie, but you've actually made her quite likable without sacrificing the steely exterior she is known for. She seems more human in this story. Actually capable of compassion.

And she makes a solid point that I hope Bella takes to heart -- he is using her as a distraction or substitute for whatever high he is looking for. Bella does seem to be a booty call. She TOTALLY deserves more than this Edward is giving her. Bastardface better clean up his act!

unholy.obsession's Chap 17 Review Reply:
Normally hearing my boy called Bastardface might make me cry.  But you called
the boiler room a freakin' bounty of riches.  So I must love you.  :)

Review of Chap 18:
That was the saddest rounding of 2nd base ever. Edward's all disconnected and Bella's too inexperienced to know she deserves better than frozen fingers being rammed into one's most holiest of holies.

In order to regain my love for Edward, I must get the following off my chest:

Desperate "I need you so much that I've got to have you now" action is damn hot. But it's got to be balanced out with the finesse and skills of a considerate lover. (I'm looking at you, Edward).

Edward might not be capable of being the perfect boyfriend right now, but he can at least show the love by being there for her in the moment while they are gettin down. Cm'on Edward! At least show the lady a good time!

Like Bella, I am patient and willing to sit tight while E sorts out his shit. But dude best start showing some humanity where young Bella is concerned! Jus saying

unholy.obsession, as always, I am in love with you and you are killing it with this story. The only reason I can get so belidge about your characters is because you have drawn me in so much that I am completely invested.
much love, althea

Review of Chap 20:
Check out the balls on our girl Bella! I'm pretty impressed - she just went for it.

The absolute hottest part was your description of his response. The noises and writhing that she elicited from him...m. Makes me hot just thinking about it. But seriously, I really enjoyed your portrayal of him during this encounter - so gentle and unassuming. Then, once Bella gave him the green light, and once Bella started taking her own initiative, E was all raw, unashamed response. I dug it.

Great line:
"Edward was forcing something, for some reason I didn't understand fully, and I instantly knew that no good could come from it—from exerting this type of force when contents were already under such extreme pressure."

Also, I love the little baby steps our Edward is taking. This micro progression is keeping your story very real. This I dig as well.

Much love, Althea


unholy.obsession's Chap 20 Review Reply:
hahahaha, I'm kind of getting hot and bothered reading your review!  I love
how you described Edward here!



Review of Chap 21:
(I shall title this review "the greatest angst of all...")


Wow. I need someone to hold me. "I'm sorry" that sounds like "goodbye" breaks my heart. I'm going to attempt to work through this by revisiting the moments in the chapter that made me happy.  


So, I thought the chapter as a whole was really well written - the way you set up the angst from the beginning built a tension throughout the chap that really gave weight to the climactic sadness of Bella losing her virginity to Edward in a fit of desperate and joyless sex. (And I had thought the under-the-bleachers, saddest-rounding-of-second-base was rough!) And then the denouement of ending the chapter with her waking up alone made her emptiness translate into the reader's emptiness. (Hmmm. So far, I'm not so effective in focusing on the happy)  


And, even though there was the lingering angst of Bella's dread throughout the chapter, I definitely found happiness in the obvious care you took in crafting this puppy. (OK, starting to feel a little better. I'm sure you realize by now, unholy.obs, this review is all about me. Me conquering the angst and finding the happy. Please excuse.)  


It also made me happy to see Edward's obvious effort. His desire to be something more for Bella. And even in the face of Bella's doubt, it was still important enough to him to really try to "give her something normal." (Yes, here we go, I'm starting to feel the happy) This is the Edward we've all been hoping to see! I didn't know if he had the capacity, but he proved me wrong. Even if Bella was right - that he was misguided in thinking the dance would solve all problems - he still cared enough to try! That gesture is such progress for Edward! (OK, now I'm smiling. This is good.)  


Oh, and the coupon. The coupon! How adorable was Alice in whipping out her trump card?! And how adorable is Bella for knowing what a great gift that would be for Alice. That made me smile. (Now we're cooking)  


And the crown jewel of happy in this chapter? Ms. unholiest of obsessions. It's like you knew the perfect way to restore my happiness. You invoked my happy place -- the boiler room.  


Rose: "Are you planning to live in your little boiler-room-universe forever?"  


Yes please. I'd like to sign up for a one-way ticket to said boiler-room-universe. I'd like to plant a flag and declare my residence in the aforementioned boiler-room-universe. I'd be happy to share this residence with huge vibratey machines and hot, sweaty man-gods. I might even run for office to become the President of the greatest universe in the entire galaxy - the boiler-room-universe. Go ahead, judge me, but I'm pretty sure I'm right about this.  


And... I'm good. Angst officially resolved. Thanks and seeya next chapter :) Love, Althea



unholy.obsession's Chap 21 Review Reply:
I LOVE your approach to this!  And now, hahaha, my mind is in the boiler room too...it's a great place to be.  :)


Review of Chap 24:
NGL
For almost the whole second half of this chapter I was cringing and shouting "Nooooo" and "DON'T DO IT, BELLA!"

But thank goodness, I had faith in you, unholy.obs, and I soldiered on. You delivered with your big reveal of Bella's intentions and reasoning. Yes, she showed quite a bit of crazy by going into his room (ahem, stalker) but the payoff was huge.

AND there was something so deliciously rewarding when he tried to console her at the end and she was all "Don't touch me" -- it redeemed Bella by demonstrating she wasn't confronting him in order to win him back. Once again she proves she is genuinely willing to sacrifice her happiness for him.

AND it makes her cafeteria outburst about Edward taking her virginity and then dumping her SO MUCH MORE AWESOME because it demonstrates that she is flawed, and not just some martyr/saint willing to take on Edward's pain. Bella can bring the bitter, like any other angsty teenage girl.

Such a crucial chapter. Well done, bb!
Lots of love, Althea


Review of HtSaL outtake, Miss Mad World:
I am so in love with Hole's Live Thru This. The various songs on that album encapsulate everything you were trying to portray so aptly. Great call with the reference! God you reminded me how raw and brilliant Courtney Love was with that album.

So interesting to see Tanya from Tanya's POV. Man, do I hope Edward never reads some of that stuff!

Review of Chap 25:

My heart is breaking for Bella. How much more sh|t can one girl take? Srsly - catatonic might be a welcome escape for her at this point.

And a cliffie? Gah!
you. are. killing. me.

In a deliciously angsty way, yes. But killing me nonetheless ;)
Thanks for another great chapter!

Review of Chap 27:

What a great chapter!

I loved how Renee was brought into the story in such a purposeful way. You created this opportunity for them to work on their conflict without forcing the issue, letting Bella sort it out in a realistically unresolved fashion. It was truly heartwarming to see Bella recognize a role her mother can actually play in her recovery... as confidant.

Even if her mom's 'fairy tale' advice might be a little questionable:
//"You don't have to trust your brain. Your heart will draw the line for you. Eventually. Even if your head still doesn't know how to...sometimes, our feelings betray our best judgment regardless. And sometimes that's the best thing that can happen."// uhh, yeah. And sometimes that's the absolute worst thing that could happen. Essentially, she's saying, follow your heart and disregard any instincts for self preservation.

I love Bella's response: //"That's very poetic. And entirely useless."//

Following your heart instead of your brain... It might have worked for canon-Bella's HEA, to turn down what she knows is good for her (Jacob), in order to follow her feelings and run back into the arms of someone who has hurt her (Edward). But in the AH world of HtSaL, I like how you've made a case for why Bella wouldn't just run back into Edward's arms. How your Bella is smart enough to consider all the real life issues that plagued their relationship and the pain he caused her.

Granted, in that deliberation, I know what side I hope she ends up on! If Edward can continue to demonstrate he has changed then maybe these crazy kids can nab their HEA afterall.
Best, Althea

Review of Chap 32:
Holy sh|t, unholy_obs. Way to bring it home, sister!! This was the perfect ending. Fahque expectations. You nailed this sucker.

Thank you so much for all of the heart you put into this story. I have truly enjoyed being along for the journey. All the best to you! Lots of love, Althea xoxo

p.s. I miss HtSaL already!


completed 4/13/10
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