Six Weeks With Satan

Six Weeks With Satan by woodstock1969
It should have been the best summer ever: a six week tour with my choir through six major cities in Europe. Sounds amazing, right? I thought so too, until I remembered who was going with me: Kurt Matthews, my obnoxious, infuriating nemesis. Oh joy.

Banner Credit: Melissa

Amy Thinks: There's something incredibly romantic about Europe. Whether it's the beautiful cities where love can blossom or the allure of foreign men with accents that turn girls into puddles of goo, it's definitely something. And who doesn't wish for a summer romance abroad?

Lotte Leisch has hated Kurt Matthews since they first met. From telling her her lunch smells funny (although, sauerkraut does seem to have a funky smell), pulling her pigtails, to just being a downright pest, Lotte's endured it all. Even with the son of Satan (who's more annoying and enjoys picking on her than actually detesting her) on the same trip, she'd not going to let him bring her down from the high of a trip of a lifetime. As it turns out, the trip may be a good thing for the two. A new continent can mean a new start for whatever relationship the two have. Although things between the two get better as time ticks on, it seems like for every two steps forward, they take a step back. Their friends are able to track the two's moods and status of the relationship with every stop or outing they make.

woodstock1969 gives this kind of cliché a little twist by setting the entire story in Europe. Since Lotte's 100% German, having emigrated to the United States while in elementary school, German's her native tongue. The author incorporates German dialogue with Lotte and her family, giving it an extra special something while reading. Don't worry about not understanding, though, there are translations in parenthesis right after! And the way she described each city! Omigosh, woodstock1969 gave such thorough descriptions that feel like you're seeing everything with my own eyes. So when you're reading, it's almost like you get to some of Europe's finest without leaving the comfort of home and paying a fortune!

So, even if some of us are too poor to have a month and a half long trip halfway around the world (even if it's a school trip) to find true love, reading Six Weeks With Satan may just be the next best thing.

Little Less Obvious

Little Less Obvious by the64single
“There was no one in the world that Keri DeGiovanni hated more than Alexander Vidal. Which was why when she found a shirtless Alex with his arms around her bare body and no recollection of the night before, she was a bit surprised.”

Banner Credit: Alyssa

Amy Thinks: A classic tale of a night of drinking gone wrong. After a Sunday night end of summer bash, Keri DeGiovanni wakes up with a hangover from Hell. But that's not the worst part of the morning. Oh, no. That would be finding herself naked in bed with her nemesis, Alexander Vidal.

Keri always held a grudge against Alex from the time they were little kids. He's been a constant nuisance for as long as she can remember, but the breaking point was when he stole her best friend from her in middle school, leaving her alone. Come high school, his playboy, womanizing ways haven't help change her opinion of him. However, after that fateful night Alex sets his sights on her. First it's to lure her into another round in the sack, but morphs into him wanting to prove to her he isn't a bad guy. From tutoring sessions, pestering her at lunch, to being the lead singer of Little Less Obvious (the band and singer Keri's in love with), he's found a way to become a constant figure in her life; so constant that their relationship is continually evolving.

the64single manages to create characters that flaws that are a little difficult to overcome. When a person has acted a certain way for so long, it's hard to actually change, even when they want/have to. It makes the characters relatable, as we all have obstacles to overcome in becoming who we want to be. She writes scenes that literally make your breath hitch and your heart ache. With the exception of minor spelling errors throughout the story, I felt it was pretty well written. My only major critique would be the abrupt POV switches. It'll be in Keri's POV one moment and the next couple paragraphs would be her mother's, brother's, or a friend's, and then switching back to Keri. It just threw me for a loop a few times when I'd be seeing things from one person's perspective and then it's another's.

All in all, Little Less Obvious is one story you'll pull your hair out while reading, cry along with the characters, and believe that love really can strem from years of hatred.

Caller Unknown

Caller Unknown by She Had Somewhere to Go

So you find a phone, and you take it, because… it's a free phone, why wouldn't you? And it's pretty sweet until the angry owner starts calling you every chance he gets.
Banner Credit: Ali

Amy Thinks: I cannot tell you how many cell phones are brought to me at work that I end up putting into the lost and found pile. I have not, however, taken one and seen if the owner would call.

While having a coffee date with her best friend Carrie, Alana goes digging in couch cushions for some spare change when Carrie falls short. After finding some odd cents here and there, she comes across something that definitely isn't coin, but a cell phone. A nice, expensive phone at that. Like any normal person that goes by the concrete rule of 'finders keepers, losers weepers', she keeps the phone for her to use....at least until the owner cuts off the service. Instead, the mysterious owner calls and argues with Alana multiple times, to the point where she looks forward to the times the phone rings.

Caller Unknown is a feel good read. She Had Somewhere To Go made even the secondary characters feel like someone you either know now, or have known. The phone calls between Alana and the mystery owner are laugh out loud funny and have you excited for that next call along with the main character. After reading Opposite Ends of the Spectrum by the same author, I have no doubt in my mind of the writing ability she has. She can do drama, humor, and fluff like it's second nature.

And after this one shot, I'd bet anything that readers will go on a hunt for lost phones in hopes to find their own unknown mystery caller.

Hooked on Him

Hooked on Him by lulu.lemon
Moved to a new town to live with my Dad. Went to a party. Got a tad bit drunk. Hooked up with some guy, only to find out that my Dad happens to be his football coach and he just happens to practically live at my house...Problem? Yes.

Banner Credit: Melissa

Amy Thinks: I read this before it was posted on ADoR. The summary was originally drew me in. It was catchy, and how the title played into the summary and how the two met was definitely a creative hook (hehe. See what I did?).

Sandra Hennesey is the new girl in town and doesn't get off on the right foot with the school's heartthrob and star athlete. As if getting a little too intoxicated at a party and then having a hot and heavy make out session wasn't enough, Lucas Pearson is constantly at her house. Things wouldn't have been quite as bad if Lucas was such a cocky son of a gun the next morning. Instead, he gets on Sandra's nerves. However, with Lucas always around, it's only a matter of time before the initial attraction becomes too much and lines become blurred.

When it comes to pet peeves I have when judging a story, I have to admit that Hooked on Him has a handful. There are present to past tense switches, to some iffy grammar, and a handful of spelling errors. I also thought that there wasn't as much hate/love going on throughout the story. There was some in the beginning, and towards the end with sappy couple love in the middle. However, the first time I read it, none of that truly bothered me all that much. We all, as ameature writers, make mistakes. I only had a more critical eye when I became a judge on ADoR. But, I do want to make it known that despite all my pet peeves, lulu.lemon has a way of making you fall for the characters and rooting for them to live happily ever after in the end. Besides, who could not love the obvious chemistry between Lucas and Sandra.

Before you get Hooked on Him, and wish you had your own Lucas (or Sandra) in your life, be aware that the ending may not be what you expect. It just means you'll have to go read the (COMPLETED!!) sequel to find out what will happen next.

The Art of Movie Making

The Art of Movie Making by TuneOut
“He was the new star of Hollywood. She was the industry veteran. They were the duo that burned so bright that when they burst, it was like a perfect Oscar movie.”
Banner Credit: Atramento

Amy Thinks: When I first joined Fictionpress, I was constantly seeing updates for The Art of Movie Making as I scrolled through options to read. However, I hadn't ever clicked on it to read. And I must say that I am ashamed to have put it off until now.

Although only twenty years old, Avis Portman has spent her entire lifetime in the acting world. Her sister left the industry to pursue a college degree, leaving Avis to deal with their overbearing stage mom. But no matter how many years she's endured, she was never going prepared for the new heartthrob, Wesley Finch. We first meet Avis as she's admiring Wes from across the room at an event. Despite his leaner versus bulky frame, his dark hair and blue eyes seem to captivate her. Until he opens his mouth. Just by his actions you can see how much he despises her, whether he has a good reason or not to be civil with her. Things get even more complicated when Was and Avis are set to be the star crossed lovers in a movie. Will the sexual tension that sparks between them ignite a fiery love? Or just add more fuel to the fires of hate?

The thing I greatly enjoyed about the story, was the way TuneOut made me feel the emotions. My heart ached when theirs did, to the point I had to fight tears. I would have found it interesting how Wes dealt with things after they finished filming their movie, but because of it being in Avis' point of view, I will just have to imagine everything how I wish it would be. From family strains, to relationship problems, to the ever present body image scenario, the story made all the pressures of Hollywood relatable to us normal people. Sure, there were the minor grammatical/spelling errors, but overall it didn't deter from the overall charm of the story. It even made me get back into my own Hollywood story grove.

Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty by Endless Dark
After a drunken night, Lira wakes up next to Jude, a childhood nemesis. It gets worse when they find that they're married. But when an opportunity too good to pass up presents itself, what will happen when they stay married?
Banner Credit: Ali

Amy Thinks:  There are times in people's lives where they just have one too many drinks and do something they'll come to regret the next morning. I, personally, tend to make some drunken phonecalls (some I may not even remember). However, I haven't reached the point Hello Kitty's protagonists did.

Jude Keenan and Lira O'Brien have been enemies since elementary school and continued through to their college years. So imagine their shock after finding the other in the same bed of a low rate motel after a drunken night of smokin' hot sex. The shock only intensifies when they realize they are married and have matching Hello Kitty tattoos with each others name. They both come to an agreement that the marriage needs to end as soon as possible. But, with Jude being cutoff ('suspended' as he puts it) from his parent's money, a quickie divorce is a no go. Unless, the two put on a lovestruck face, stay married, and convince his grandmother that the marriage is real to receive a hefty trust fund due to a loophole. If Lira agreed, he'd give her a hundred thousand dollars and a house she can call her own. When the lines of their relationship become blurred, are they still fooling everyone else, or themselves?

There were times where chapters were mainly dialogue, and I wished there could have been more narrative throughout the entire story. When reading on my phone, it is really hard to see the line breaks, thus when she had point of view changes, it seemed out of nowhere. It was easier to recognize via the actual site than the mobile version. Despite these, I found the heated arguments and insults Lira threw at Jude humorous. It's almost as if she swallowed a thesaurus and spat out the words back at him.

All in all, Hello Kitty was a refreshing read, making it seem that the drunken mistake was probably the best thing to happen to them.

He Punks Me Not

He Punks Me Not by slideshowI'll chase and stalk him until he is mine. I'm pretty determined. Unfortunately his best friend thinks my existence is pointless and I'm unworthy. And, well, he's pretty damn determined too.
Banner Credit: Ali

Amy Thinks: Tired of the pretty boy, jock, Greek God male interests in the stories you're reading? Want something that focuses around guys that are different and maybe (for some) isn't the type of guy you may normally look at with interest? Then look no further than He Punks Me Not.

Charisse 'Riz' Dently is a normal teenage girl. Normal meaning she's the type of girl you see everyday: blonde, a bit preppy, parents that may be a tad overprotective, and crushing on a guy from a far. Not uncommon with most teenage girls. The only thing different her crush, Oz, is in the punk/goth crowd. While the jock friends of her popular cousin have their eye on her and hope to catch hers, Riz is only mesmerized by the pierced, tattooed, smoking Oz. She even goes to the extent of getting her tongue pierced, behind her parents' backs, hoping to impress him. However, when Oz and his friends acknowledge her existence (cordially or otherwise), his viciously blunt green-haired best friend, Stine, does everything in his power to scare her away. But soon she sees another side to Stine. A side that makes her feel alive, even if she still has her sights set on Oz.

There is some iffy grammar/sentences, and spelling errors throughout the story. Sometimes, I felt like the characters where a bit immature, naïve, or downright bratty. However, it was slidewhow's first story on Fictionpress, and towards the end of the story, a majority of the characters had evolved. Depsite a few incidents, I felt there was more Riz obsessing over Oz than a developing relationship between her and Stine: and even when they were sort of a couple. Which made my heart just ache and adore Stine all the more.

Bittersweet ending and all, He Punks Me Not shows that you should never judge a book by it's cover, because you'll never know what's underneath.

Taking Down Tanner

Taking Down Tanner by i found nemo

“Warning: Innocent people were used and manipulated in getting Tanner Williams to fall madly in love with Samantha Goldstein. You know what they say - don't play games with a girl who can play better. Too bad no one told Sam the rules were changing...”
Banner Credit: Amy

Amy Thinks: There's always that one guy that you hate more than anything. He's arrogant, handsome, gets anything he wants, and he knows it. i found nemo maps out ten little steps that should knock them down a peg or two and deflate their oversized ego.

In each chapter, Samantha Goldstein uses these steps in her plan of Taking Down Tanner. Tanner Williams is the guy every girl wants, including Samantha, no matter how hard she tries to deny it. Since she has an ego to rival Tanner's, she's a bit frustrated that he ignores her and won't succumb to her whims like any other guy does. So, she maps out a plan of ten simple steps to make Tanner fall for her and break his heart. It's just too bad that the steps are much easier on paper than reality. And more than one person may get hurt.

The story is only 11 chapters long: ten and a prologue. The chapter lengths are not crazy long either, making the pace of the story go by extremely fast. The way the two fall in love seems unrealistic, but given the short story aspect, it has to be a bit. But, there were buried feelings for each other that both characters refused to acknowledge until they got together. Although the story is Samantha's point of view, I wish we got to know a bit more about Tanner. What it was about him that made her fall.

So, if you're looking for a quick, short read where hate turns to love, definitely check out Taking Down Tanner. It's one that will prove to you that even the best plans of attack can go astray in the game of love.

Drunk on Love

Drunk on Love by natmarie

“Something old: her ex-boyfriend Casey. Something new: his gorgeous wife Julia. Something borrowed: a slinky black dress. Something blue: eyes staring at her like she's crazy.”
Banner Credit: Amy

Amy Thinks: In the beginning of the story, Becca is definitely not Drunk on Love, but rather the Amaretto Sours she's downed while watching her ex-boyfriend marry another woman. It would be hard enough for any young woman attending an ex's wedding. But when the ex was the one they thought was The One, it's only that much harder. Thank goodness Becca has a handsome groomsman Nick to distract her and make her head fuzzy with thoughts that don't surround happily married Casey. But, if he's so happily married, what right does he have to be jealous of Nick and Becca?

It's an easy read. Not too much dialogue or narrative. A decent balance with only a few missing words or misspellings that can easily be overlooked. The only thing I can say that aggravated me was that the story is on wattpad. That may not bother other readers as much as it does me, but the layout is just a bit too complicated when reading. Chapters are broken up into pages, which I found to be a bit of a pain. Or it could stem from my laziness when reading online.


However, despite my obvious dislike and how I've made it known I'm not a big wattpad supporter, I urge others to give it a read. Nick is a true gentlemen and with Casey caring more than he should about Becca, it's definitely a love triangle I want to read more about. With humor infused in the not yet heavy drama, it's a refreshing and feel good read. And maybe.... you'll end up like me and just may follow the story through to it's end. Wattpad or not.

Steps

Steps by jeepers09

For years now, it's just been me and Mom. Now I'm getting a stepdad, a stepbrother, and my best friend's hot older brother is starting to look at me funny. Maybe he's finally noticing I'm not twelve any more?
Banner Credit: Anita Darling

Amy Thinks: The best type of love triangle is when both potential pairings are ones you want to root for. Ones that you are constantly changing your mind on who you want the MC to end up with. Steps does just that.

It's only been Kris and her mom for as long as she could remember, so it was no surprise that having a new stepdad and (quite good looking) stepbrother – who just so happens to also be named Chris – was going to be a bit of a shake up. Let alone having to move to a new town and leaving everything she's known behind. Including her best friend and said best friend's older brother, Peter. He's finally noticed that she's growing up, only as she's moving to the town a half hour away. They find a way to make the long distance relationship work, giving something Kris can look forward to as she starts her new life. Especially when it seems like her and C-H Chris may never get along. But, tragedy strikes, making them the only two that fully understand what the other is going through. Cue in some not so step-sibling like feelings and you've found your love triangle.

There's a handful of times where I just wanted to bang Chris and Kris' heads together because of their selfish, immature, and occasional bratty attitudes concerning their situations. Then I think of how I would have felt going from being an only child and being the center of attention from your mom or dad, and then have to share that attention with a new sibling. Although there were cases of flashbacks that would have better been shown with italics, jeepers09 did a wonderful job of proving that either one of the guys would have been perfect for Kris in the end. I repeat, it's the best kind of love triangle when you can't seem to pick a side.

One forewarning? The ending will have you wanting to curse jeepers09 for pulling a Suzanne Collins and leaving you with a cliffhanger. And praying she posts a sequel!

Getting Malcolm

Getting Malcolm by pinkmist

He stared down at me, eyes dark and unrelenting. "Do you want Malcolm?" Stupid question. But I nodded anyway. "Then kiss me." Talk about getting caught between a rock and a hard place. 

Banner Credit: MajordlyFantastic

Amy Thinks: Some people (cough*Rosie and Melissa*cough) cannot stand love triangles. Moi, on the other hand, loves them. And when one happens to also have a bit of hate/love along with it? Well..... I am one happy judge.

You see, Adelle is in love with her best friend Malcolm, and the only one that is aware of her true feelings is his best friend. And Brent Mendoza is right at the top of the list of people that Adelle abhors. The two cannot stand to be in each others presence for any length of time. If they happen to be, then insults and condescending remarks ensue. So what happens when the man that can't commit to a relationship longer than two months and refers to “girlfriends” as “bunnies” admits to her he's head over heals for a girl? And then kisses Adelle? Oh, just concoct a plan to date each other and make the object of their affections realize what they're missing. Now, what could possibly go wrong?

Pinkmist has created a story fueled with sexual tension between Brent and Adelle, fully cementing that there is a fine line between love and hate. Her writing is addicting, and her characters all have flaws that make them human and relatable. With very few minor errors that are hardly noticeable. Getting Malcolmdeserves that SkoW award, and I will be anxiously awaiting an update....trying not to pull my hair out as I yell at my laptop/phone screen for more.

Opposite Ends of the Spectrum

Opposite Ends of the Spectrum by She Had Somewhere to Go

"Hatred comes from the heart, contempt from the head, and neither feeling is quite within our control." Bullshit, she thinks. Then she meets Matthew Valentine.”
Banner Credit: Casey

Amy Thinks: On AdoR's Formspring, someone asked what we would rate Opposite Ends of the Spectrum on a scale of one to ten. My response? A twelve. If you've read it, you'll agree wholeheartedly. If not, well...then you better up your game and click on the link above.

As every good Hate/Love story goes, the two main characters despise each other. And OEotS does just that. Right away in the first chapter, we see just how much ruler of the school, Matthew Valentine, detests the nobody, Aaron Blare. Everyone in the school follows Matt's lead, thus outcasting Aaron. When the two are paired up on a school field trip, Matt tries to ditch her and meet up with her druggie brother, only for Aaron to follow him and tag along. But, the two get back to the bus an hour late and the principal, tired of their animosity and attitudes toward each other, gives them a punishment that they must do together. And the rollercoaster of their hatred only gets more complicated and confusing as the story goes on

There isn't many things I had to nitpick about while reading this. Minor spelling or grammatical errors (if any). Aaron gets into many, many, many sticky situations. It makes you wonder how much bad luck one girl can have. Like it wasn't enough that her brother was into drugs and left her alone with her alcholic mother that seems to blame her for her husband leaving her with his secretary, having no friends, trying to keep good grades in school, deal with hate from Matt that stemmed from God knows what....and just trying to be a normal teenager. Even with all the dramatics, She Had Somewhere To Go still manages to make it seem like it can happen in real life. And sometimes you just want that drama read. I that's what you're hankerin' for, then this is definitely what you want.

The Matchmaker

The Matchmaker by StormDancer

It is said that if you put your name in locker 420, the Matchmaker will find you your perfect match. So what happens when the arrogant spoiled brat is captivated and the matchmaker meets her match?
Banner Credit: Anita Darling
Amy Thinks: The Matchmaker was one of the very first stories I read when I joined the Fictionpress world. Since the first time (yes, FIRST time... meaning I've read it multiple times) I enjoyed this story, it's become one of my all time favorites. Although there are numerous spelling errors (she's admitted it isn't edited), it doesn't detract from the overall amazingness The Matchmaker is. Granted, I understand that spelling/grammar errors are some people's biggest turnoffs. But if you are able to look past them, I can assure you you won't regret it.

When you're unlucky in the lurve department and just want a date, sometimes you wish you had someone to help you find that perfect match. If you happen to stick a note into locker 420, Emma Laycha will do just that. As The Matchmaker, she's managed to become this enigma around the school. Someone that everyone loves and respects. Except Darien McGavern, the ever so arrogant, wealthy, heartbreaker that has a personal vendetta against Emma's secret identity. So things get interesting when the girl he's paid no attention to for the past three years of school, witnesses him slip a note into locker 420. Even more interesting- he asks for The Matchmaker, hoping to make her fall for him so he can break her heart.

What makes this a wonderful read is that StormDancer has managed to create a wonderful balance between the arguing-turned-friendship between Emma and Darien with the The Matchmaker's workings. Add in Emma's secrets and Darien's change from the little rich boy...and you have one hell of a read. So go enjoy--let the emotional rollercoaster and mental head bopping ensue.

The Champagne Gang

The Champagne Gang by punkturnedwriter
..."Does that kiss have anything to do with why we're on a train to New York in the middle of the night?"

Amy Thinks: I can sum up my feelings about The Champagne Gang in six simple words: STOP. GO READ NOW. DO IT!

However, this story deserves so much more than just that simple declaration. I cannot tell you how much I love it. It's everything in one: heartbreaking, frustrating, captivating, drama, romance... I could go on and on. We follow Summer Ward as she's trying to not only trying to find a place at Thornton – a private school that is home to the most beautiful and wealthy of Linbury's inhabitants – but also as she tries to keep her already torn apart family from completely destructing. Things aren't easy when she manages to get on the Queen Bee of Thornton's bad side before classes even begin. And when one of the It boys, the ever charming and devastatingly handsome Nathan, starts taking an interest to her, the torture from Queen Roxanne increases. Then comes in mysterious, quiet, brooding Zach Gellar, and the flip flopping of going from favoring him to Nathan and vice versa begins.

Nathan wants nothing more than for Summer to open up to him, be his friend, and ultimately his girlfriend. He wants to prove to her that he isn't the typical panty chasing, womanizing, rich boy he was when they first met. She brings out the knight in shining armor in him. As the story goes on, he's seemingly perfect and the polar opposite to Zach. Zach and Summer feud constantly, but it's because of that a friendship forms. It's a no bullshit type of relationship. He tells her when she's being a pain in the ass scholarship girl, and she tells him when he's being an arrogant asshole.

There are some typos and missing words here and there throughout the chapters, and the last few chapters may feel a bit rushed, but overall, it is truly an amazing story. Although twenty three chapters isn't long, beware, for it's over two hundred thousand words. It's worth it though, because punkturnedwriter manages to create this wealthy environment one can only imagine, yet still manages to keep Summer down to earth as she discovers who she is, that everything is not in her control, and she isn't the one to solve everyone's problems. If you're like me, you'll be pulled to both sides of the Nathan-Summer-Zach love triangle: one minute wanting Nathan, the boyfriend fairytale princes aspire to be and the next wanting Zach and his passionate, raw, and challenging persona. Even if he is an ass.The Champagne Gang is a Fictionpress classic, and after reading, you'll see why she deserves the almost four thousand reviews.

Now seriously, if you're still reading this, take the advice I gave in the beginning. I can guarantee you'll be as enamored with it as much as I am and will go back and read it again and again and again.

Pseudocliché

Pseudocliché by xoxluurve
What's the cut-off gap where a girl is allowed to like someone younger than herself without losing her mind over it? Never mind. Amelia was pretty much doomed from the moment he said hello.

Banner Credit: Marta
Amy Thinks: You know what sucks? When you find a guy that is cute, funny, charming, and everything you'd be attracted to only to find out that he's a few years younger than you. Little bit of a buzz kill, right? Wrong. xoxluurve makes every fear a person could have go away. Amelia is a smart, independent college woman that first meets her prince in disguise, Harvey. Turns out, he's going to attend the same college as her. What makes the story believable, is that their relationship evolved from friendship. They really were the best of friends, and saw them go through everything two people would have to deal with when they like each other, but neither make a move. The writing is impeccable, as can only be expected from the awesomeness that is xoxluurve. It has a way of just drawing you in that doesn't make you think about the length of the story (which is long, but also a trademark of hers.)

I thoroughly enjoyed this oneshot, and highly, highly, highly, recommend it. As fellow judge Melissa knows, I've become quite the puma for Josh Hutcherson. Who just so happens to be three, almost four years my junior. The same difference in age our lovely protagonists just so happen to be. And although I have a very, very, very, slim chance of ever dating him (or hell, even meeting him), this oneshot gave me hope that if the impossible should happen, being a “Puma” may not be so bad.

The Apocalypse

The Apocalypse by Weeping Duck
Hannah Ayers and Jake Allen had hated each other for longer than they could remember. But when a car accident leaves Hannah with amnesia, she can't remember him at all. Jake could use this to a nefarious advantage…or enjoy a clean slate. Tough choice.

Banner Credit: Sarah

Amy Thinks: The Apocalypse's summary is what first intrigued me. It let me know that the generic hate/love cliché had a bit of a twist to it. Hannah Ayers and Jake Allen have known each other since they were newborns. And have loathed each other for about as long. Now seniors in high school, it seems as if their never ending feud will be just that: never ending. That is, until, one stormy night when Hannah is in a terrible car accident leaving her with no memory whatsoever. Jake can either use this to his advantage in the ongoing war between them, or use it as an opportunity to truly befriend her and end it. He's truly torn. Because they've never got along before, Jake is very reluctant to be all buddy buddy with her. Although he tries to keep his distance from her, he looks out for her while she recovers as a favor to Hannah's family and to his mother. Amnesiac Hannah is a complete one-eighty compared to pre-accident Hannah regarding Jake. Overtime, it seems that Jake doesn't mind her company and actually befriends her, although he denies it. While at times, I felt like there was more dialogue than explanation, it wasn't overpowering. I still experienced all the feelings the author was portraying. I do wish the ending was a little more fluid. To me, it seemed a little thrown together. Despite minor typos, The Apocalypse was definitely a feel good read that left me with a fuzzy feeling in my stomach and a smile on my face.

Caught in the Crowd

Caught in the Crowd by rosieroo
They used to be best friends until her betrayal tore them apart. Three years later, he's back, only to discover she's become everything they used to despise. But that's not the only thing that's changed over three years.

Banner Credit: Jacky

Amy Thinks: When I got the suggestion for this story, I did a little dance in my seat. Although I had to reread before adding it, Caught in the Crowd only managed to reel me back into the drama fellow ADoR judge, rosieroo, creates. The two main characters, Astrid and Ezra, used to be best friends, until their ninth grade year when Astrid beytrayed Ezra and he left. Three years later, Ezra comes back and wants nothing to do with her, despite her best efforts to become his friend again. In Ezra's mind, since she's the Queen Bee of the school, she's changed into the type of girl he hates and she swore she would never become. Instead, he doesn't see that his preconceived view about her is wrong. Astrid is nice and makes an effort to befriend everyone, depsite if they aren't as genuine as her. There's more to the story than just the rift between the two. rosieroo's writing has the ability to pull you in and make you feel like you're watching all the drama first hand. The few bits of Aussie slang threw me the first time reading, but it doesn't deter from the story. With it being well written and the characters able to make you feel their pain, it makes this an incredibly addicting story that will make you want to read over and over again.

Inheritance

Since the posting of this review, this story has been removed from FictionPress by the author.

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A Lifeguide to Prolonging the Inevitable

A Life Guide to Prolonging the Inevitable by EruptingFender9
Video games and comic books are not cool. Charlie Moyer knows this. She doesn't need a constant reminder—especially from her worst enemy. But when she comes back five years later without the glasses and braces, Shane Griffith is first on her list.
Banner Credit: Casey

Amy Thinks: A Life Guide to Prolonging the Inevitable is a prime example of the theory “When a boy picks on a girl, it means he likes her”. Shane Griffith has done nothing but make the seven years Charlie Moyer lived in Hills Ridge a living Hell. Five years after she's left for New York with her family, Charlie's back – looking unrecognizable from the nerdy girl she was when she left. And what's the first thing she sets out to do? Why, seek revenge and bring down that ever-so-arrogant manwhore, of course! When Shane figures out who she really is and what her plan has been, he surprises her by not being angry but by offering a truce. Too bad Charlie and her best friend devise a plan to break his heart.

The way EruptingFender9 alternates the chapters from present day and flashbacks from their childhood makes you understand why Charlie hates Shane. It shows the reader just why she hates him so intensely, but also he was just trying to get her attention the only way an eight to thirteen year old boy knows how. As the story progresses, and the two are around each other more often, EruptingFender9 illustrates Shane's feelings towards her more and more, while feeling Charlie's frustration and confusion when she's informed of said feelings. Spelling and grammar mistakes are minimal, which is lovely. The pace isn't too fast nor too slow, but just right. The characters aren't “I hate you” one minute and playing tonsil hockey the next. With chapters just the right length for you to cruise along, but also enjoy the story, makes you not want to stop until you're all caught up and on the edge of your seat for the next chapter. So hang tight with Charlie as she takes a stroll through memory lane that leads to the Inevitable.

Keeping the Peace

Since the posting of this review, this story has been removed from FictionPress by the author.

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