Fades in the Summer

Fades in the Summer by dear-llama
They were best friends growing up, until that summer full of mistakes they couldn't fix. Now, he's the boy who never dates; she's the girl that all the boys cheat with. And they're both clutching onto the pieces of their sanity in the only way they know how.
Banner Credit: Arden

Ali Thinks: “Fades in the Summer” is centered around the two things I hate in stories: angst and a love triangle. Tara’s in love with Dylan, her best friend from forever who lives two doors down. But, they don’t really speak anymore— not since her fraternal twin sister/Dylan’s girlfriend at the time, Talia, died. When they do speak, it ends either in sex or a big blow-up of an argument. They know what they’re doing isn’t good for either of them, but both are still drowning in the pain of losing someone the love and they’re the only ones who understand the heartbreak the other is going through. They’re drawn together just as strongly as they try to repel each other. See, angst… love triangle…

I was hooked.

I don’t know what it was, but dear-llama caught me right from the beginning like a starving fish to a big, fat worm. And there was no looking back, much like Tara and Dylan’s… rocky relationship. A lot of times when people have that sort of I-want-you then I-can’t-be-on-the-same-continent-as-you relationship I can’t help but think just get on with it, already because their problems are easily solved, or it’s just so drawn out, but this wasn’t the case with those two at all, which is hilarious considering the length of this one-shot. Plus, both of them were so well developed that even though the whole thing is written in 1st person from Tara’s eyes, I would have understood Dylan just the same if it had been written from his point of view.

Now, when you open the page for this one-shot, you’re probably going to have the same reaction I did. You’re going to bug-eye, and I’m not going to tell you exactly how many words this has because I don’t want to take that experience away from you. I thought reading this would be a drag— so many words with only line breaks to chop it up? Oh lord. But nope, I read the whole thing at 3 in the morning and as I type this at 5:30 I have no regrets. It seems long, it looks long (mostly because it is long) but I didn’t even notice until I found myself creeping slowly toward the end. As I kept close watch of the sidebar, I wished it was back at the top so I’d have more to read, and I’ll tell you why—

“Fades in the Summer” is centered around the two things I hate the most in stories, but I’m going to read it again. When I look at my favorites to find an old love to re-read, I’m going to read it again. I’m going to do this because despite my bias toward angst and love triangles (which lessened a lot after reading this), dear-llama also managed to touch upon everything I really love about a story: flawless writing, amazing characters, realism and a lovely, original story that’s definitely going to stick around in your mind and heart for a very, very long time.

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.

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.

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.

Forgotten

Forgotten by burning in effigy
she was living in ignorant bliss but someone needed to wake her up from her nightmare: also known as romeo
Banner Credit: Marta

Ali Thinks: Forgotten was short, not-exactly-sweet, and to the point. Though it's only contains 48 words, it's a beautiful depiction of a moment in a conversation. The best part about this is that it doesn't just end with the moment. It's really easy to see a scenario surrounding it, and there are so many that it could apply to, which potentially makes every person's potential interpretation of it different than the next. It really reminds me if a picture, which is difficult to do with a poem. They say a picture's worth 1000 words, but burning in effigy's 48 do it more than justice.

sensual

sensual by his terrible beauty
the anatomy of a relationship, in five senses. 
Banner Credit: Marta

Ali Thinks: I FOUND IT.

'It' being the best poem I have ever read in my life. his terrible beauty poets like a goddess. I swear in a past life she was one of the Nine Muses.

I think instead of telling you why this is great because there is so much great to gush about, I'm going to walk you through it. So first you're going to open the page, then you're going to groan because it looks so long, then you're going to read the first line and do that weird I'm-frowning-but-happily thing more and more as you go along and then you'll add it to your favorites and read it as many times as you can for the rest of your life because it's just that good. You'll also probably want a boyfriend. And the ability to write so well.

Whether you love poetry, or prefer to stay on the fiction side, sensual will still be an amazing read. Her prose is so descriptive and straightforward that a picture still forms, but at the same time, it flows and would probably get a lot of wistful sighs at a poetry reading. Really, it's the best of both words. Plus, it's sweet, and cute, and the actual epitome of lovely. I'm in love with it, so in love.

Cooler By the Water

Cooler by the Water by PoppySeeds

Journalist Mara Gibson likes to get at the heart of a story. When local farm hand Elliot is less than accommodating, she becomes determined to figure him out. Until their tentative friendship,and undeniable attraction, begins to mean more than his past.
Banner Credit: Ali

Brittany Thinks: I think it says in my judges bio that I wanted to
be involved with ADoR to find those stories that would keep me up until 3 in the morning, gasping with anticipation, and anxious to get to the end. Considering it is 3 am as I type this, Cooler by the Water by PoppySeeds fits that bill to a T. I am so in love with this story. The characters are brilliant, the plot is thrilling and exciting, the conclusion is exactly what I wanted it to be from the moment I started reading. PoppySeeds writing is passionate and beautiful, giving the reader no choice but to get entirely lost in the world she's created. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, cursing the internet for not working instantaneously.

Mara, the heroine of the story, is an eager journalist who once dreamed of a high stakes career in New York, but discovered a passion for writing local interest stories for her small town newspaper. She's assigned a series of articles about local farms which brings in an adorable couple - Jack and Evie - and their sullen, stone-faced farm hand Elliot. Jack and Evie are great supporting characters and everything you'd imagine a pleasant farm couple to be. PoppySeeds introduces Mara into their lives and she shakes things up with her kindness, curiosity, and genuine interest in the people she encounters. Through seemingly innocent interactions, Mara unravels the story of Elliot and his mysterious past. Elliot's characterization was my favorite. His arc is flawless, his actions so well developed and planned to the smallest detail. I was as eager to discover him as Mara was. Another strong point of the story for me was the information about private farm life. I grew up in the suburbs of a major city and, while I driven past dozens of farms in my life, I'm naive to the realities of that existence. I found the information PoppySeeds provided interesting without being overwhelming.

This is another M rated story that warrants it's M rating, but the chemistry is so palpable. I'm warning you because, ethically, I have to, but this story is really too good to pass up. Believe me on that. I honestly have no major criticisms. The ending felt a bit rushed and I wish the story had been longer (because I selfishly hated having to stop reading it), but the conclusion is definitely satisfying. This is an intense, hot, beautiful love story worth the time spent reading it (and the inevitable exhaustion if, like me, you stay up all night to finish it).

Happy reading!

Waffle No More

Waffle No More by Lenni

Wendy the Waffle Girl is now Wendy the I-Couldn't-Give-a-Crap Waitress at a local Italian restaurant during the summer before college, and her quirky sarcasm seems to have caught the attention of cute coworker Vincent. He just might try to ask her out… but not if her wayward boyfriend Max has anything to say about it. 
Banner Credit: Rory

Brittany Thinks: Waffle No More is the delightful one-shot follow up to "Leggo my Eggo". I, like the author, suggest you read the original before Waffle No More as it really helps to establish the relationship between Max and Wendy!

Wendy is the kind of character who walks the delicate balance between sarcasm and true emotion. It's difficult to craft dialogue where sarcasm also carries the weight of genuine emotion, but Lenni is a master at this. I found Wendy as endearing as Max clearly did. Max is the kind of guy who will probably look back on his high school self one day and wonder why he behaved the way he did sometimes. He's a good guy at heart, but cursed with the unfortunate high school experience of being too attractive and popular to clearly know how to navigate social interaction at times. They are a great balance for each other as Max allows Wendy to come out from behind her harsh sarcasm and Wendy keeps Max a little more grounded than he would be without her. They have a sweet, easy chemistry that makes reading their back and forth incredibly fun.

As with most one shots, Waffle No More is a pleasant snap shot of one event in the complex realm of human experience. Still, there was just enough for me to fall so hopefully in love with Wendy in Max that I'm crossing my fingers that this two shot might become a trilogy. Lenni pens a great one-shot and you definitely won't regret checking this one out.


Happy reading!

A Touch of Sight

A Touch of Sight by cu-kid

For Lia, solitude equals safety and the past is best forgotten. A chance entreaty pulls her into a tangled web where nothing is what it appears to be and she can no longer hide from the one thing she fears the most.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Brittany Thinks: In high school, I devoured Anne Rice's vampire novels and became obsessed with the idea of mythical beings. Lately, vampires are a bit overdone and cliche at times for me and the repetitive story lines and character arcs can make modern day vampire lore a daunting read. However, if you're a lover of good vampire stories from back in the day like I am, A Touch of Sight by CU-kid is such a refreshing twist! As the author said herself, A Touch of Sight isn't a story about vampires, but a story with a few vampires thrown in for good measure.

This story has a bit of everything: old feuds, lost loves, magic, clairvoyance, mythology... the list goes on and on, but anything further would be a spoiler ;). Ophelia, our heroine, has legitimate fears and phobias brought on by her mysterious condition and past, but manages to seem strengthened by them rather than weak and needy. Rade, the male lead (kind of. There are a few to choose from), is so far removed from the obsessive, controlling bad boy character you expect him to be upon first meeting him. I loved that his character arc surprised me so much. I think my favorite part of this story honestly was the quirks developed in Ophelia from events in her past. It was fascinating to me how CU-kid played with the dilemma of psychological scars. Her characters were interesting, complex, and each one received equal treatment, which can be a challenge in a character driven story with so many important characters. Also, the mythology behind the plot was unique, well developed, clearly researched, and exciting. It comes to a satisfying conclusion that leaves few holes which impressed me to no end.

A warning before you jump into this enjoyable read: the story is quite graphic. It's rated M and it earns every bit of that rating. The most explicit chapter comes with a warning at the beginning, so if you're still wanting to read, you can avoid the most graphic bit. There is an age warning and I would be remise for not telling you of that ahead of time. I personally wasn't bothered by it, but to each their own.

My own issue with the story is that I do have some questions. While the plot of the novel was resolved, I find myself wondering what will happen after the story ends. I don't know if CU-kid is ever planning a sequel, but there is certainly room for one. However, I also kind of like the idea of an uncertain future. The future is always uncertain, after all. Also, there are a few instances where I was wanting a bit more information, but I think that came from being so deeply invested in the characters. I wanted those extra details to better understand their motivations and needs. This is a character driven work, in my opinion, with a detailed, enjoyable plot. If you have a few hours to escape into another world - one a bit more dark, sinister, and exciting than your own, I think A Touch of Sight is a story for you.

Happy reading!

Finding the Word Hate in the Thesaurus

Finding the Word Hate in the Thesaurus by Daydream Nation
He told her he loved her hair. She chopped it off. Yeah. She hated him that much.
Banner Credit: Marta

Ali Thinks: There's bittersweet, and then there's Finding the Word Hate in the Thesaurus. I'm not entirely sure whether Daydream Nation is a sadist or a genius or a bit of both, but I've never reacted to a story that took less than 90 seconds to read. It's just under 300 words, and it's perfect. I was so expecting to feel like it was missing something due to its length, but everything was just right.

Seriously, this story is brilliant. The ending is not what I (or anyone else, according to the reviews I looked through) expected. But we all loved it, and I think you will, too.

The Red Carpet

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

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The Wingwoman

The Wingwoman by White Rose Blossom
Jace spread his arms. "I'm right here, Lex." My heart skipped a beat. "Uhm, no thanks, you probably have cooties and other diseases." Jace, man-whore that he was, was one of my best friends, not to mention my house mate. So falling for him probably wasn't a good idea, right? Shit. This is why I needed a dog.
Banner Credit: Marta

Ali Thinks: "The Wingwoman" is the epitome of everything that's great about the best friend cliché. And, let's be real honest here: who doesn't love a good best friend story? (If to this question the voice in you made an indignant cry of "me!" get ready to rethink that notion.)

Lex is the perfect wing woman for her best friend and roommate, Jace. Except for the fact that she likes him. But, you know, other than that, the arrangement is perfect. Girls come up to her when the two of them go out to bars (with the same not-so-subtle line, "You're so lucky!") and she calls Jace over so said girl of the night can throw herself at him.

Because of this, there's obviously going to be tension between the two. And sometimes, in girl and best friend stories, this tension can be overdone with all of the "omg he spoke to me which is so weird because we're best friends. I'm currently naming our four children but I don't like him, obviously, that's crazy but my heart stops whenever I look at him." However, White Rose Blossom knew how to handle this and Lex's and Jace's relationship panned out fantastically and realistically at the same time.

It's a bit lengthy for a one-shot, since it is almost 12,000 words, but it goes by in the blink of an eye. Those that do love girl and best friends stories are probably long gone by now, already immersing themselves in "The Wingwoman," so for those that still need a bit convincing, I say: there's fun characters, great writing, and it's happy... why would you not read it?

agora and

agora and by CuriousContradiction
and we'd sputter-speed down empty freeways toward arizona or new york or iowa cornfields, and we'd pass by gasoline stations all sad and dark and oil refineries all sad and bright and motels all sad and lonely
Banner Credit: Anita

Annie Thinks: This story hurts. Bad. There are no big fights or heartbreaks, but it has this faint aura of melancholy weaved
throughout the narrative, strong enough to leave me feeling hollow. That being said, you should totally read it!

It's about an agoraphobic girl named Evie and the boy who's in love with her, Corey. Between the individual scenes, Evie's stream of consciousness reminds us that she's a real live person (in the story, at least). Her exterior is impermeable and almost cold, but her thoughts are frantic and rambling, revealing her dreams and wishes. Corey tries his best to help Evie, but there's a thick invisible wall separating the girl Corey loves and the girl she really is.

agora and has a simple, slow kind of sadness to it, the kind that you feel when it's 3 am and you're the only one awake. You can feel how desperately Evie wants to change, but it's almost impossible for her. I, personally, could relate to this, which is perhaps why I so strongly recommend this story. Otherwise, it may seem kind of bland and confusing. Corey is patient and understanding, but his frustration and humanness definitely get the better of him once in a while. He is a believable, likable character, who so clearly loves this girl who's at once terrified by and awed at the world.

I love quietly painful stories like this, but if you're having a really great, cheery day then you should steer clear. However, if you aren't afraid of or opposed to an introspective, almost bittersweet read then I definitely recommend agora and. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

Our Algebra

Our Algebra by A Perfect Sonnet
I live for hours as a cathedral when you breath your confessions into my skin until they fill me up and I become a sin balloon.
Banner Credit: Marta

Brittany Thinks: Our Algebra, to me, is about soul mates. It's about that first love; a person you are so connected to that you'd give anything if they could be with you forever, tucked in your pocket like a secret or a promise. At a short 150 words, I found myself swept away by the first line. I remembered those desperate moments when you somehow know everything is going to change and you cling even harder to the things that matter most. My favorite aspect of poetry is how open it is. A poem can awaken so many different emotions in people. Our Algebra, for me, is a world I want to live in, a time I miss.

The imagery and descriptions in this poem were simply breathtaking. I read it five times before I could even click away from the page. Poetry is a medium I can't touch, I've never been able to, but A Perfect Sonnet accomplishes what so many people can't: She weaves an entire world - deep, rich, and vibrant - with such clarity that it is awe-inspiring. There are no words to do this poem justice, - it's something you need to experience - but definitely, definitely read it.

Prince of Pain

Prince of Pain by unicorndisco1977
His soul came around once every one million years, riding on a comet. He never much wanted it back, until an angel showed him something more than pain.
Banner Credit: Marta

Helen Thinks: Not even going to lie, Dolorum has the coolest job in the world. A morbid job, yes, and a job I don't think anyone would want to have, but a cool job, nevertheless. See, he's the Prince of Pain, and he controls when people die. He does his job well, and for the most part it's pretty fun. However, whenever his soul flies by every million years, it's a little bit different. Especially since he meets Solia, an angel who makes him want to be with his soul in a more permanent manner.

A lot of times, just under 6,000 words isn't enough to properly develop a supernatural story. But thanks to unicorndisco1997's amazing prose, everything worked out exquisitely. There was a perfect mix of dialogue, characterization, and description. It's hard to get all of those elements to work well in a full-length novel, and the fact that she did this in such a short piece is astounding.

No matter what type of one-shot you're in the mood for, happy or sad, "Prince of Pain" definitely one to read. It's slightly bittersweet, but it leaves a lingering sense of hope that anyone could appreciate.

I'm in Love with a KissWhore

I'm in Love with a KissWhore by Emdea
“Well at least I don’t hook up with every blonde bimbo who crosses my path,” I say venomously, which was so, so stupid. Allison James isn’t even blonde – I’m a blonde. I just called myself a bimbo! Aw, jeez. I really need to work on my comebacks.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Annie Thinks: Emedea is quickly becoming one of my favorite one-shot authors on FictionPress. I tend to gravitate towards goofy female characters (hello, Sophie Kinsella) so her stories are right up my alley.

I'm in Love with a KissWhore is about Belle, who's visiting her father and stepmother in the town she grew up in with her soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend Richard. Richard happens to be the cousin of Belle's ex-boyfriend, Will, who she broke up with a week before his eighteenth birthday and has avoided ever since she moved away for college. While in town, Belle comes into contact with him more often than she would have liked, even kissing him in one of their first encounters. She's happy denying her feelings and quitting while she's ahead, but he's determined to call her on her bluff and get her to open up.

Belle is a truly likable character. Silly and emotionally distant, she floats through life in a gleefully oblivious way. She emphatically denies ever having feelings for Will, but he's up front and even forceful from the start. The story has a cute, simple plot, though things do happen a bit fast. Belle's inner monologues are hilarious and adorable--the way her mind works made me laugh out loud.
I'm noticing a common theme in Emedea's one-shots--the female main character is the remarkable one, not her love interest, as it so usually is. The characters all balance one another and respond to their quirks in an easy, natural way.

This one-shot is almost 9,000 words long, but it's very readable and easy to get into. If you're craving a funny, fluffy read, then I wholeheartedly recommend I'm in Love with a KissWhore.

Turbulence

Turbulence by sunshinedoll

Note to self: If you hate flying, don’t sit next to a ridiculous cute boy with a hitched smile, a freckled face, and an obnoxious laugh… especially if it’s a boy you dropped a suitcase on.

Banner Credit: Marta

Brittany Thinks: I've been fortunate enough to travel rather frequently and Turbulence is the fantasy I have every time that I'm bored in an airport. The story takes place entirely on a plane from Denver to Los Angeles. The protagonist is an unnamed speaker who has to be the clumsiest, most anxious person to ever exist. However, I found the predicaments resulting from how accident prone she is to be very endearing. I laughed each time she did something to dig herself an even deeper hole. The unnamed boy seated next to her on the plane is the unfortunate bearer of all of her mistakes and a huge source of comic relief.

There isn't much dialogue in this story, which I sometimes find daunting, but sunshinedoll does an impeccable job of establishing character connections through actions. The story is easy to relate to as sunshinedoll creates a narrative that is very human. Everyone has made a mistake before and become so frazzled by it that chaos erupts around them. The humor that is the end result of the speaker's tumultuous day makes the story, in my opinion. I still have a smile on my face. If you're interested in a cute, funny, one shot before school or work, give turbulence a try. May we all be so lucky the next time we're on a plane.

It's Lucky Charms Time!

It's Lucky Charms Time! by Emedea

I go into the kitchen and pour myself some Lucky Charms. I know, they’re not vegan. But I simply can’t resist them. They really are magically delicious.
Banner Credit: Marta

Annie Thinks: Every once in a while, a girl needs to read a lighthearted, cute romance story that doesn't rouse any existential quandaries. Sure, big, heart-wrenching novels are great, but little fluff pieces like "It's Lucky Charms Time!" by Emedea are what really keep us sane.
Mostly-vegan-animal-lover Charlie is neck-deep in a tragedy when the story begins: Her hamster, Mario, has died. She's frantic with concern for her furry friend, and no one will help her out--not her germaphobe roomie Phoebe nor her weirdly stressed out boyfriend Jason. Jason is trying to take Charlie on a date, but her grief for Mario and his lack of understanding cause the date to end in heartbreak. So, Charlie spends the next day lying in bed crying--because of Mario, of course. She's determined to deny her sadness over Jason, but he's not letting her go so easily.

Throughout the story, the narrator maintains a lighthearted voice. I laughed out loud several times because of Charlie's oblivious antics and inner musings. It's nice to read a female character who's not cynical and bitter all the time. I admit I'm not a completely objective reviewer; I may have a soft spot for her non-meat eating animal-loving ways. Jason's a great character, too. Though cliche at times, he perfectly embodies the role of a rational man in love with a madwoman.

So while this one-shot won't be breaking any barriers or changing lives, it's the perfect read if you're looking for a little pick-me-up or just have a few extra minutes.

In the Shadow of the Obsidian Empire

In the Shadow of the Obsidian Empire by Katie-Maude

Entering her final year of high school, Kaitlyn Anderson has everything going for her, but it isn't easy being perfect. As her life starts to fall apart, she turns to the least likely person, Ash Stevens.

Banner Credit: Majordly Fantastic

Ali Thinks: The first time I read this story, I was thirteen, awful, and strange. When this appeared in my inbox a few weeks ago, I recognized the story, and I remembered really liking it. I was a bit nervous though, as there seemed to be a commonality between my thirteen year old self, the stories I wrote as my thirteen year old self, and the stories I read as my thirteen year old self: awfulness and strangeness. Not the case with In the Shadow of Obsidian Empire, I'm proud to report. In fact, liking this story may have been the one good thing I did in my "Dark Age."

At first, I wasn't really sure how I felt about Kaitlyn; she seemed kind of mean. At cheerleading tryouts, she was pretty callous, and no matter her justification for humiliating one of the girls, it wasn't cool, and it kind of pissed me off. I thought she'd be this horrid cheerleader creature, whose father just so happened to have been in a famous band. Then, she grew more complex, and I grew more interested. She kind of lives her life in the role everyone has assigned her: she's a delinquent at home, a great girlfriend to Chris, an upstanding student/cheerleader/class president to everyone else, and a self-centered (w)itch to Ash Stevens and company. I kind of felt bad that she had to live in this little preconceived notion box, and I was intrigued to see how she would try to break out of it.

My criticism for this story would be that there were quite a bit of typos, which could have probably been fixed by a quick look through or two. Other than that, I really liked how everything came together. It's always fun to have musicians (let's be honest, once a guy picks up a musical instrument he's automatically 34% more attractive), and it's even more fun to have someone related to a famous musician said guy is obsessed with. The bad boy musician type story may be cliché, and Katie-Maude makes it clear as to why guys like Ash appear so often in stories: they're really freaking cool.

In three years time, my taste in books may change, and I may label my sixteen year old self as the "Dark Ages pt.2," but I have a pretty good feeling that if I stumble across In the Shadow of Obsidian Empire again, I'll love it just as much I did at thirteen and sixteen. Now, I know you all have those moments of "How did my parents let me walk outside when I was young and stupid," but I promise that if you read this story, something good will come out of those times, just like it did for me.

High and Dry

High and Dry by rosieroo

Kira planned to spend the summer sunning herself on the beach, not being dragged back home by her mother to work on the farm. The gorgeous farmhand, however, might make it all worth it, even if he does think she's a city brat.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Ali Thinks: Well, I may get accused of favoritism, and maybe I should, because High and Dry is one of my favorite stories. I will not be blamed for knowing the author, but I promise that we've never said a single nice thing to each other, much like Kira and Tristan in the beginning of their relationship (though I hardly doubt mine and Rosie's relationship will blossom like theirs. Sorry, Rosie).

Though Kira was raised on a farm in her younger years, she is probably the most city a girl can get. When she first gets yelled at by the hot farmhand for leaving the gate open, she's hardly phased by his anger and instead chooses to revel in how well he fits his jeans— very well, in case anyone was curious. In the midst of admiring all of Tristan's great physical features, she has to do all of this gross farm work, in which she doesn't try to hide the fact that she's far less than thrilled about it. To make matters worse, Tristan is probably even less happy about the arrangement than Kira is, seeing as he has to listen to her complain about every job they do.

High and Dry is a pretty short story, and usually hate/love stories need to be long in order to avoid having the characters hate each other one chapter and love each other the next, but Kira and Tristan's relationship unfolded steadily and not at all rushed. There was also a good mix of strong supporting characters, and they were just as loveable and just as real as the main characters, a great aspect to any story. And, to top it all off with a nice, red cherry— it's so funny.

It's always a weird thing, writing a review for one of the other judges, and it's always kind of scary because there's always a chance of being called out for nepotism. All I have to say on that issue is that when— not if— you read High and Dry, that notion will fly out the window because it's pretty obvious that this is a genuinely amazing story.