When Harper Met Jamie

When Harper Met Jamie by bulletproof.cupid

Christian St. John could handle her annoying, scathing comments a lot better than he could ever handle the cold, dead silence... That damn ice cold princess act did not fit her at all. 
Banner Credit: Arden

Melissa Thinks: Harper and Jamie meet in a bar; that is how their story begins. I don't want to give too much away about this story (always something to be cautious of when talking about one shots), so I'll be brief. "When Jamie Met Harper" is about two characters who start an unconventional relationship. Each time they meet, their "story" continues; a story which grows more interesting as each scene rolls by. bulletproof.cupid once again displays a knack for storytelling and crafting stand out characters. I hope more of this author's work gets suggested because so far I am absolutely loving it!

Because I Love You

Because I Love You by nexia

Christian St. John could handle her annoying, scathing comments a lot better than he could ever handle the cold, dead silence... That damn ice cold princess act did not fit her at all. 
Banner Credit: Marta

Melissa Thinks: This is a short romantic tragedy written quite beautifully by author nexia (25 Steps to the Altar). I don't recommend reading this story if you're not ready for the big pile of sad feelings that will inevitably fall all over you by the time you've finished it. Having said that, I do recommend reading "Because I Love You" if you're looking for something that is deep, romantic, and meaningful. Even with its short length, the story manages to show characters that are flawed, but also likable. Definitely a story you'll need a comforting pet to cuddle with after reading!

Chai and a Pinch of Salt

Chai and a Pinch of Salt by bulletproof.cupid

It's funny the things you learn about a person after they die. I loved him once. Could I love him again? -Young Sofia has just come back to Pakistan, lured by her father's death. Can she overcome her grief? Moreover, can she trust herself not to fall in love with the one person she can never have? Love has never been so tempting. The tale of a girl and her once-upon-a-time servant.
Banner Credit: Atramento

Melissa Thinks: In the ongoing fictional story "Chai and a Pinch of Salt", the reader is immersed in a culture that we don't often read about on FictionPress or even in published novels. Sofia returns to Pakistan after the sudden death of her father. Here she lives with her many cousins, her uncle, the servants, and her childhood best friend Zafar. The theme of family is pervasive throughout the text and, although romance does not play a large part in this story, it does exist within it. Sofia deals with the loss of her father, a man she was just beginning to know, and the grief that comes with his death. She's faced with the aftermath of her departure from Pakistan 15 years earlier; how her father has seemingly moved on, how her childhood friend is very much a different boy, and how life in Pakistan compares to her life in London.

Beautiful flowing descriptions help to reel the reader in. Once you start, it's hard to stop reading as the delicate writing keeps you addicted. I honestly enjoy learning about Pakistani culture, language, and customs from this story and it feels like the author tries hard to teach you about the main character's life without being too invasive. Even though there's a depressive nature to the plot, bulletproof.cupid is adept at slipping in little pieces of humor to amuse her readers. Sofia has a strong voice and is an attractive character, yet is flawed, which is one of the best things about the story. Reading about her emotions - her anger, loss, jealousy, guilt, gives her life and gives the story a defining quality.

I only have one complaint, and it's not really a complaint, but the chapters are about 2k words long each and I just find myself craving more at every end I come to. Although the grammar could use some tweaks, the author is seemingly very open to critique and constructive criticism, so I encourage everyone to help this budding author out.

lost at sea

lost at sea by stephayyyy
the heart is wanting, the heart is not a metaphorBanner Credit: Melissa

Marta Thinks: This collection of poems ‘lost at sea’ is more than a simple collation of works and pieces; it expresses what we feel and, often, don’t know how to express. Some poems are catharsis, others talk about universal truths. The best ones are rawly honest, such as: “i hate how/the state of my heart/depends on/how fast i can/make yours beat”. Through this cleverly worded verse, we can come to understand a sort of love that can only correlate to someone else’s (as an author’s note puts it succinctly: “In loving you, I forgot how to love myself.”) I think the most skilfully crafted poems are: “to forget”, “searching for you again” and “on growing up”, but I think this says more about myself than about my poetic preferences, and this is what makes the wide range of eighteen poems so attractive. There is most certainly one you can relate to and through which you can newly experience emotions.

What is most interesting, I find, is the summary which denies the heart an intangible meaning and its portrayal as a symbolic instrument, rather; the heart is raw and vivid and real, and beats with a sense of longing. It is written: “the heart is wanting”, and wanting what exactly? Candid, love, meaningful happiness, hope sprinkled across our lives. The heart is wanting, and though these poems are spun with a desperate thrum of sadness, they promise the truth of what we want, and so desperately need.

Once Upon a Nightmare

Once Upon a Nightmare by Mickey John
Nightmares and Dreams are actual creatures who invade human minds as embodied fears and joys. Violet doesn't use the new BlissMax pill designed to give good dreams (or any modern niceties, thanks Dad), and one night, a Nightmare—the fear of hell—enters her enticingly un-medicated mind and gets trapped.
Banner Credit: Arden

Melissa Thinks: Violet Darcey is desperate for an escape. Whether it's through books (gothic literature is her one true love) or through her dreams, she wholeheartedly throws herself into imagining a different reality for herself. Unfortunately, this means she's slowly losing her interest in real life in the process. Then one night everything changes. There's something in her mind - actually inside of her subconscious - and his name is Alexander. Of course, Alexander is not a typical boy, but in fact, a Nightmare. "Once Upon a Nightmare" is a novel in which Dreams and Nightmares are living beings. They have their own world, their own magic system, their own monarchy. Suddenly Violet is sucked into Alexander's strange world. He tells her that not only is he stuck inside of her, but not being able to feed off of her now fearless dreams is slowly killing him. Soon they both learn that setting Alexander free may come at a price.

Anyone in the mood for a good supernatural romance has definitely come to the right place. I remember reading this back before the author revamped the entire thing and I am absolutely thrilled to have been able to reread and review this for ADoR. One of my favorite things about "Once Upon a Nightmare" is the amazing characterization. Immediately the reader is drawn to Violet; her strange passion for reading, her fiery attitude, her indifference towards school, the fact that she wants to spend all her time sleeping - she's someone we can all see ourselves being friends with. Then there's Alexander, who's the perfect balance of an asshole and a nice guy. You can't help but love him, even though some of his actions are pretty questionable.

My favorite scene of the entire story was one in which Violet and Alexander are playing a giant game of Candyland and it's such an amazing and perfect moment it gave me chills. The entire novel was eerie yet light-hearted at the same time, which definitely made it one of my more memorable suggestions. I am smitten with this story; the characters, the setting, the plot, basically everything. I cannot wait to sink my teeth into the sequel.

auld lang syne

auld lang syne by dear-llama
After Nik left four years ago, the group splintered. But now he's back, forcing a reunion between six ex-friends who could've been strangers, but not quite. Temporarily goaded into close proximity, old hatchets get unburied and unresolved tensions rise again. And, as Tamy comes to realise, four years can change everything but the things that matter.
Banner Credit: Atramento

Marta Thinks: ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is a poem written by Scottish poet, Robert Burns and literally can be translated as “old long since” - though the more grammatically correct version would be “long long ago”. That fits in neatly with this particular story, in which the present is tainted by the past, and no matter how long ago the events took place, they have a singular impact on the unfolding events. The premise can be described as straight-forward: Nik and Tamy used to date, and they hung with a group of friends (Nadine, Lux, Wolf and Ansel). Nik left for China, somewhere along the line they broke up - and he never visited like he promised - and Nadine, Lux and Wolf believe Tamy cheated on Nik with Ansel. So far so good. So far so clear.

Or not. Because it’s obvious pieces of the puzzle is missing - why did Tamy and Nik break up exactly? Why do Nadine and Lux hate each other? What is Nik truly trying to achieve? And: is there something else that is being hidden? Tamy is a protagonist who is easy to empathise with and her personality easily stands out. Through her eyes, the dynamics of the other characters can be seen as well: it’s not always Tamy and insert another person; there are other elements at play. And that’s never an easy task.

This story has only five chapters, but dear-Ilama’s writing capabilities are hard to deny, and the 31K words she has written so far are definitely worth reading.

Consistency of Real Love

Consistency of Real Love by fallingstar13
Sometimes love is so much more than love at first sight and a whirlwind romance. It's the kisses in the rain and reckless feelings along with the failed first dates and dirty diapers. And when it’s real, it can last a lifetime.
Banner Credit: Arden

Marta Thinks: This SKoW prompt winner describes the
relationship between Rachel and Ethan. Through the use of twenty-six words, every small detail about dating and marriage is described and the result is an incredibly sweet story detailing the difficulties (‘Young’ and ‘Vanity’), the bad bits (‘Beginnings’ and ‘Lost’), and the romantic parts (‘Rain’ and ‘Gondola’). It shows the ‘consistency of real love’, that no matter what happens, as long as you’re with someone you’ll love, it’ll all be okay. And that, warms your heart.

Glances into the Minds of the Unfortunate

Glances into the Minds of the Unfortunate by DevonnyAuriel
I suddenly developed the ability of telepathy with men. But not charming men. No, I can only communication with nerds. And if that wasn't bad enough they've now deemed me their matchmaker. God, just smite me now.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Melissa Thinks: Before it's devastatingly long hiatus, Glances Into
the Minds of the Unfortunate was one of my favorite ongoing stories. Now that it's back and better than ever, I'm excited to say I can now throw this recommendation at you without feeling guilty.

Kaylehn Davies is, as she puts it, a bitch. She really only has a few friends, all of which barely can seem to put up with her most of the time, and her reputation with men seems to precedes her. After she passes out from getting her ears pierced, Kaylehn discovers she can hear people's thoughts. Of course, it's not as grand as it seems; she can only hear the thoughts of seemingly nerdy men. Why? She doesn't know. But she'll use her new found gift to help out a potential love interest and maybe fall in love along the way.

I know some people who find this story off-putting simply for the fact that they hate the main character - for me this was not true. I think Kaylehn, although annoying and rude at times, is constantly learning as a character. Through her relationship with Ray and his friends, her preformed "nerd" generalizations are dissolving. While she still isn't exactly a basket of roses, she's a funny character who deep deep deep down has a good heart.

Although, I'm notorious amongst my friends for loathing love triangles, this might be the first instance in which I truly had no preference as to which guy the main character ended up with. Both Ray and Ren compliment Kaylehn's personality in different ways and each interaction with the two brothers constantly challenge Kaylehn to be different.

In Keeping Secrets

In Keeping Secrets by ThePiracyOfHearts
"If you don't hate me, then what?" She can't quite make eye contact as he moves within inches of her. He speaks softer this time, "If you don't hate me, Abbey, then what do you do?"
Banner Credit: Annie

Melissa Thinks: Abbey doesn't want to admit it, but there's something about her roommate's boyfriend Alex that sits a little too well with her. She likes his sense of humor and his "Italy-shaped nose" and the way he laughs, even though his girlfriend finds these things annoying. So now Abbey must decide whether to honor her friendship with her roommate Morgan, or honor her heart.

I went into this expecting to read something okay at best, but instead I've acquired a new favorite. I loved this story for its simplicity and its charm. There's something about the plot and characters that reminds me of a classic FictionPress story - the kind that we all cherish and enjoy - and that's what really cemented my decision to review.

There's nothing over complicated or heavy about "In Keeping Secrets".
Mostly comprised of dialogue, the prose includes a fair amount of attention grabbing banter between the characters as well as some cutesy fluff bits to balance it out. Plot-wise, I don't think the story was lacking, although some may disagree. I appreciated the relaxing read the the author presented me with and despite my mistake of judging this book by its cover, I really really did have a good time finishing this.

The Bear and the Pecan Tree

The Bear and the Pecan Tree by Findus
If this is the last time I see you, I want you to remember that there are men who can touch without hurting. There are even those who give without asking. And that kindness might be hiding, even in the darkest of chests.
Banner Credit: Marta

Helen Thinks: I have to admit that I was giddy with excitement when this suggestion landed in my inbox. It’s a little known fact that I love stories that have an interracial storyline; A Time to Kill; Noughts and Crosses; you name it then I’ve either read it or you’ve made me hunt it down! It’s an era that you have to write about carefully and when it’s done well, especially stories of the forbidden love that occurred, then it is a real rarity.

“The Bear and the Pecan Tree” was the story that Findus came up with after SKoW released the prompt “all he asked for was one perfect day before the inevitable happened” and the storyline captures this beautifully. It is the story of a black man and the married white woman that he has fallen in love with meeting for one last time before he has to head North to find work. The highlight for me was that this story was told in the same style Uncle Remus does in the Song of the South with the use of little story, fictitious characters to get his point across hence the title. It gave you that southern feel of storytelling.

It was a pure stroke of genius that Findus wrote in the first person because the reader can imagine listening to the gruff tone of a man but also the underlying hope and love that he has for the woman. Writing in first person has helped build empathy for the situation because I sure know my heart was in my throat while breaking as I read every single word. Twice. I read this lovely story twice and could have happily read it again.

“The Bear and the Pecan Tree” is a rare gem on fictionpress that I would read time and time again thanks to Findus’ fabulous writing, perfect characters and a story line that really is a treat to read.

lost cause

lost cause by citrus scented
you made me believe I could fly just to watch me hit the ground. You are not an excuse, you are just the reason.
Banner Credit: Marta

Melissa Thinks: lost cause starts out very "in your face". Aggressively, we are told a love story - one of friendship turned romance turned heartache. The lack of grammar throughout conveys the urgency and pain the narrator feels.

The clear semi-autobiographical nature of this poem is, to me, the most compelling part because you become aware of just how real the feelings are and that makes it all the more emotionally raw to the reader. Through the author's sorrowful experience, a beautiful piece of prose has been created. The soulful writing, stream of consciousness styled formatting, and the use of figurative language succeeds in drawing you in, so that by the end of the fifth stanza, it's as if you are the narrator.

Lunch atop a Skyscraper

Lunch atop a Skyscraper by justmaybe
"What's wrong, Vi, is that you've got the hots for your boss. Your admittedly delectable, but emotionally unavailable, supermodel-dating, completely inappropriate-to-fall-for boss."
Banner Credit: Ali

Ali Thinks: Violet is as the summary says: extremely attracted to Andrew Williams, her (ridiculously hot) boss. And hey, I don't blame her! What started out as a call from her best friend Marina about a assistant job for a photographer turned into a lot more than Vi was ever expecting. She was warned about the last assistant, who was fired for constantly making a move on Andrew, and Violet would never dare be the same, but constantly convincing herself that she doesn't have any feelings for him is futile, especially with him treating her the way he does. This is the geek and hot guy cliche at its best, and I'm not gonna lie, I'm head over heels.

What I love the most about 'Lunch atop a Skyscraper' is that I can tell how much thought justmaybe put into it. Violet and Andrew both have strong distinctive personalities, but so do the supporting characters like each of their siblings, Marina, and even Abigail, Andrews mysterious ex-something (who you'll probably want to not like but actually have no animosity towards). She makes the plot as interesting as her characters, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who happily spent her Saturday afternoon smiling at how cute Violet is and how cute Andrew obviously thinks she is.

Though probably around halfway finished, this story will reel you in, and you won't be able to stop reading until there isn't anything left. But don't worry, I'll be right there with you waiting ever so patiently for the rest of Violet and Andrew's story to fold out, because I'm sure it's gonna be fantastic.

Playing with Fire

Playing with Fire by misswonderlnd
Leah had gotten pretty good at being invisible. Her older brother Luke, however, decides it is time to rekindle the friendship they once had. And he isn't the only one- his best friend Cameron seems determined to rediscover Leah too. But in what way?
Banner Credit: Ali

Melissa Thinks: Leah is a year younger than her popular brother Luke who seems to overshadow her at every opportunity. It isn't until his senior year that Luke begins to take an interest in his sister's existence again. With him comes Cameron; the caring best friend who's always had a soft spot for Leah. How will the two handle their attraction to each other without letting Luke find out?

Those who liked So Much to Learn will find this story delightful and fulfilling. The author has a natural, smooth, and funny voice which helps add to the believability of the characters. Leah and Cam are adorable and their character development over the course of the story makes everything ten times more interesting. There's enough drama in the story to keep you utterly engrossed in the story, but it never gets to a point where you're annoyed.

The "brother's best friend" plot device is a cliche that never gets old, so Playing With Fire fits right in with the other fantastic stories in the category.

Back in the Day, When Being Was Unbearably Light

Back in the Day, When Being Was Unbearably Light by SophieInPink
She never thought she'd be the type of girl to end up in one of those oh so forbidden student-teacher relationships, yet here she is. But there's a twist: she's the teacher. And he is her defiant, charming, disarmingly attractive student.
Banner Credit: Ali

Marta Thinks: The best part about Back in the Day, When Being Was Unbearably Light is the ending. It's open-ended, satisfying and not at the same time, and not at all expected. Ironically, not in the way you'd think. And no, you're not allowed to just skip down to the bottom and read it because you'll miss the amazing story attached to it (and it probably wouldn't make much sense anyway).

As the summary states, this is a story about a teacher and her complex relationship with her student (aka 'Beautiful Boy'). It starts with the two during the school dance he is supposed to be attending and she is supposed to be chaperoning. They're in his car, and she 'recalls the path to [her] own destruction,' which started five months ago.

Narrated in 2nd person, this one-shot is written so well that 'flawless' isn't even close. But it wasn't only SophieInPink's prose that made her story so great. If I had to give an award for character portrayal, this is the story I'd give it to. They're interesting, and at the same time consistent and realistic, which is a hidden gem if I've even seen one.

My Favorite Scooper

My Favorite Scooper by Noon Breeze
So what if I like ice cream? I happen to like it a lot. That's the reason I go to Freezle's every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night at a time between five and ten. It has nothing to do with the fact that those are the hours Tony Valinti works. Nothing. 
Banner Credit: Marta

Marta Thinks: Utterly adorable and dosed with a humorous narrator, "My Favorite Scooper" is a compelling read. The structure is formulaic, but it works, and works incredibly well, especially considering the lack of dialogue. The only thing that caught me off for a moment was the different wording of the last two paragraphs, but I think it hardly matters. "My Favorite Scooper" was still as magical as ever.

You Should Be Shot

You Should be Shot by i call it laughable
what really goes on in the darkroom during photography class.
Banner Credit: Marta

Helen Thinks: The first thing that jumped out at me about "You Should be Shot" by I call it laughable is the almost gritty edge to the prose that the author has chosen. Despite still being a poem that has a romantic undertone to it, the rawness towards the emotions portrayed seen to remind the reader of how awkward a time it is to have feelings for someone at high school. There's chemistry there but at the same time there's the sickening, confusing feeling of is this right? Through the use of bending literary rules like using the symbol '&' in text and by putting short sentences in parenthesis, the author creates a layout that just adds to the rawness that they are trying to put across. It makes the sentence come to a standstill, almost as if the narrator is having a little afterthought in their head about the situation and it just provides another glimpse into the confusion of a teenage mind. With beautiful yet almost gritty prose, a killer last line and stunning layout, "You Should be Shot" is a bittersweet read.

Almost Lover

Almost Lover by Chelseamuffin
It's a dance, darling, and we're both amateurs. Soon enough, we're going to fall. Hard.
Banner Credit: Ali

Melissa Thinks: My heart is breaking after reading this. The author has combined poetry and prose in this 6K word beauty. A SKOW challenge response, "Almost Lover" starts as a cute comfort and transforms into a small piece of melancholy. I don't quite know how I feel about the characters and the plot, except for the fact that I love them/it. It has so much meaning, and tells a beautiful story.

Crash into You

Crash into You by i found nemo
The number one reason to avoid coffee and donut shops: the ex-boyfriend you never got over is a cop, and you can never be too sure where or when you’ll run into him. 
Banner Credit: Brenda

Melissa Thinks: It's cute, it's funny, it involves a hot cop ex-boyfriend - what isn't there to like? I'd actually read and enjoyed this before it was suggested. You have no idea how excited I was to see it in my inbox!

Like my ex-judge friend Amy, I adore a man in uniform, so it really is a treat to find a story involving one [winky face]. I like the characters and the way the story shows a quick snapshot into their relationship; the reader really does want to know what happens after the ending. Although slightly predictable, it was crazy sweet and tugged at my heart the way only a fluffy one shot can.

Stellar

Stellar by clockwork kiss
we're all made of star(dust).
Banner Credit: Marta

Ali Thinks: Stellar is pretty stellar. (I promise that's the only joke I make.)

But I'm not wrong. And it's not my fault that the title of this poem just so happens to be the best word to describe it. Some of the phrases clockwork kiss used were nothing short of perfect. My favorite: "Even your sentimental side was violent." How… what's the word… oh right, brilliant is that? Answer: so, so brilliant. I'd even shorten it to 'brill' and that's when you know it's real.

Her words were beautiful and the poem itself was beautiful, but what I love the most is its personality. I can see the exact person who the speaker is talking about, and I can see the relationship the speaker and the 'you' have. It took me a time or three to actually understand the story in it, but once I got it, it because so much more than just pretty words strung together for the sake of pretty words being strung together. And those are truly the poems worth reading.

Ones and Zeroes

Ones and Zeroes by Measuremylifeincoffeespoons
The greatest love of all; that of a boy and his computer.
Banner Credit:Ali

Melissa Thinks: Taking place a little while after "Half Your Age Plus Seven" is the sequel in one shot form entitled "Ones and Zeroes". Here we see our two favorite characters, Jude and Gracie, as they... well I probably shouldn't tell in case there's a few of you who haven't read the prequel lurking about.

What I can tell you is that it's the perfect follow up to one of the cutest stories of all time. You can see that the author hasn't lost her touch when it comes to hilarious fluff featuring amazing characters. If you enjoyed HYAP7, then you would have to be absolutely mad not to give this one a go.