I remembered I have an account here. Shhh.

As some of you might know, you can find all of my recs here at my delicious account. At the bottom of those post will be a copy/paste thing for you to comment with if you want me to read something and maybe put it on my rec list in the future.

Some of these are older, some of them may be newer. Oh, and I made a mini-icon for the new Big Bang Theory fics:


( AtS/BtVS )

( The Big Bang Theory )

( Dresden Files - Book )

( Haven )

( InuYasha )

( Star Trek )

Again, if you have a story you think I'd love, feel free to leave a link here.

<b>title</b>: <b>author</b>: <b>fandom</b>: <b>characters/pairing</b>: <b>rating:</b> <b>summary:</b> <b>why:</b> <b>link:</b>

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My love for this book really knows no bounds. It was recommended to me by a very good friend and I can now see why. This is the kind of story other gothic romance / thrillers strive to be but fall short of becoming. The villain is crafty and cruel, selfish and truly evil. The heroine is very brave and strong without it seeming unnatural or impossible for the time she lives in. The side characters are memorable and used well without taking away from the main characters.

What I found really fantastic about the side characters were the strong women shown who weren't made out to be jealous or petty toward Rosamond, but were shown to help her be her friends. It's something you don't really see enough of in stories, so it adds a wonderful and unexpected dimension to an already deep story.

The weakest part of the story, in my opinion, is the sub-plot of Ignatius' love for Rosamond. However, even this serves the purpose of clearly defining her choices. There's Tempest representing the temptation to give in to pleasure and the easy path and there's Ignatius who, by his own struggle between love and duty, represents the more difficult but ultimately right path of forgoing temporary happiness and pleasure.

Now, while being the representations of these two choices could lead to the characters being cardboard cut-outs, they are instead skillfully given depth by Alcott. Even Tempest, who could be nothing more than a caricature, is given a bit of humanity in that he did love his son and was thankful the boy was alive. Ignatius could have been represented as almost saintly, but we do have some human moments, such as when he slips up during the confrontation in the moor and attacks Tempest for insulting Rosamond.

To be honest, the icing on the cake –what really tips this story from 4 stars to 5– is the small and subtle foreshadowing we have for the ending given at the very beginning of the story when Tempest talks about the vision he saw in a mirror. Add to that the ending which was so perfectly dramatic and dark and I can't help but love this book.

View all my reviews

Yes, I did get stuff done today besides read and post reviews, but I like the reviews! This time, it's the first three books in the 'Accidentally Friends' series.

	The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy My rating: 3 of 5 stars While this is far from emotionally or mentally deep, it's the literary form of cotton candy. Sometimes, that's all we need. The main character is a ditz, which would get annoying in a longer story, but is cute in the comedic setting.
	Accidentally Dead by Dakota Cassidy Where the first book in the series (The Accidental Werewolf) was quirky and cute with annoying but lovable characters, this book is annoying and boring with bitchy and unlikable characters. This is truly sad given that a lot of them are the same characters. And the love interested also comes off very bad and unlikable as well. The foul language is also something you'd expect to see from teens on a internet forum, not from a grown woman. I was hoping for at least mindless fluff, and I was sorely disappointed. I think what annoys me even more is that they take a character who is supposed to be strong, and let her get verbally assaulted by everyone while thinking to herself that she deserves it. Seriously? I'll still be reading this series, but mostly because I find it hard to fight the compulsion to finish a series I've started.
	The Accidental Human by Dakota Cassidy My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book made trudging through Accidentally Dead so worth it. It was slightly less quirky and exaggerated than The Accidental Werewolf, but it was so very enjoyable and I found parts of it very very moving. It also made me like the characters again. Hopefully, the next book will continue this trend!

Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I went into this book expecting a decent read and got better than what I expected. The main character is flawed and lonely and the author shows this without letting it overwhelming the story. What I also like is that there is some romance and sex shown in the book without it becoming the sole focus. What can I say, I prefer my paranormal with a touch of romance, not the other way around.

View all my reviews

Monster Island: A Zombie Novel by David Wellington
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I ended up being really disappointed by this book. It read like two different books, one trying to be Dawn of the Dead the other Shaun of the Dead, thrown together and not blended properly. It basically reads like a rough draft that could do with some major going-over. I've seen some people hand-wave this because it's a online serialized novel. However, given that I've read some really good online serialized novels and stories so I'm not inclined to forgive some of the more glaring problems with the book.

However, I do want to give it two stars because it has some definite potential not only with the basic premise, but also with the glimmers of characterization that can be seen in places.

View all my reviews

"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun."

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I began reading this, I wasn't expecting to actually like it all that much. Given the time period it was from, I expected to hate most, if not all, of the characters. Instead, what I found was a lead character who was strong and independent without being anachronistic. I loved the language and the flow of the story itself, and can see how it has stood the test of time. It doesn't fall back on the easy crutch of people just not talking, but actually uses the character's personalities to create drama.

I've heard a lot about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, however, what really stuck with me is the lovely relationship between Elizabeth and Jane. In the early part of the story, I only felt Elizabeth's love for Jane, and how she acted toward her saved her from being a totally arrogant and self-congratulating character.

Speaking of, I actually enjoy that Elizabeth started out that way (IMO). She was shown with this major flaw, shown to not even realize it, yet it was acknowledged (in a very loving and soft way) by Jane. It was very satisfying to witness Elizabeth's evolution, as well as the evolution of her relationship with Mr. Darcy.

While I'm very happy Elizabeth and Darcy got their happy ending, I'm also glad that there wasn't a magic 'everyone's happy' ending. I'm also glad to see that, through Charlotte and Mr. Collins, we're shown that there is more than one way for a marriage to be happy.

All in all, I get the hype and find that the book is more than worth it.

View all my reviews >>

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Had this book's main character been just about anyone except Lincoln, I probably would have given it 4 or 5 stars. While the way his losses and reactions to those losses as written were very moving, the story cheapens his role in freeing the slaves by making it all about vampires and not at all about the slaves themselves.

As I said, if it had been about anyone else, I probably would have adored this book.

View all my reviews >>

We have a first time happening on LJ here: velvetwhip is posting Spuffy fic. More than that, it's Spuffy fic that I'm actually enjoying. Scary, huh? Now for the details:

Come Pouring Down Unified [locations: livejournal or personal archive]

author: velvetwhip
pairing: Angel(us)/Willow, Buffy/Spike
rating: FRAO
summary: *Set post NFA* In the aftermath of the final battle, Willow, Angel, Spike, and Buffy are faced with the challenge of what to do when the war is over.
why: I have the privilege of beta'ing this, so I've read ahead of what's been posted. Trust me, this a realistic and mature look at all four characters and both pairings. It's Spuffy that could be lasting while keeping both characters, IMO, in character.

In other news, two days until my birthday!!! For a refresher to any planning on churning out something quickly for me (or giving me a late gift, which I love as well), here's my list again:

( My list: still very long. )

Do something, I'm bored! I also can't write because every couple of minutes my children come and bug the ever loving crap out of me.

Is it almost time for school to start up again?

Y'all are going to get tired of hearing from me soon.

I'm thinking about taking Kirk/McCoy and all incarnations there-of (save in threesomes) off my subscription list on delicious, simply because it overwhelms my list. Seriously, I love the pairing as well, but can we get some variety?

Does anyone else listen to music when they write? If so, what music do you listen to?

In other news, I'm kinda having fun with the notes feature on LJ, I just wish that the notes didn't show up on my comment page. It messes up the layout a bit. I like long notes. And now, a scene (unbeta'd):

Tonya strides out the back door and deep into the unkempt field beside her grandfather's house. She stops when she believes no one will be able to hear her, firmly plants her feet shoulder-width apart, and raises her two middle fingers to the sky in a gesture of rage and frustration, shaking as she screams, "Fuuuuuuuck yooouu!"

Dropping her hands to her sides and taking a deep breath, she turns and heads back into the house, bound and determined to finish the damn chapter and chop out some of the unnecessary smut. It's the wrong damn ship for the story.

Just playing with the crossposting feature on Dreamwidth.

Also, while going through stuff at my grandpa's house, I found a deck of UNO. It's been so many years since I've played that game. I'll have to see if I can find the rules online so I can play it with my daughter.

As some of you might know, you can find all of my recs here at my delicious account. At the bottom of those post will be a copy/paste thing for you to comment with if you want me to read something and maybe put it on my rec list in the future.

And, no, I still haven't updated the main lists with the rec's for the last update. I will, I promise! Some of these are older, some of them may be newer. Shall we begin?


( AtS )

( Glee )

( Star Trek )

Again, if you have a story you think I'd love, feel free to leave a link here.

<b>title</b>: <b>author</b>: <b>fandom</b>: <b>characters/pairing</b>: <b>rating:</b> <b>summary:</b> <b>why:</b> <b>link:</b>

I'm going to be leaving for Ohio February 8th. Given how much short notice this is, and that I only have about a week or so to prepare (including paperwork and switching my daughter's schools), I'll be going on a hiatus. This means no Write Every Day posts. Check out my calendar:



This means that the first eight [8] challenges submitted to my site will get filled (hopefully) by the end of February. There are some rules:

1. In the summary list [characters not listed that you want];[possible word prompt];[possible quote/lyric prompt]
   1. ex: Willow; black; Winter that year was strange and gray.


2. You can only use the categories all ready listed at my site.
   1. The exception is for Crossovers. Those can be between any two of the categories list, including original. Just list it in the summary if a crossover category doesn't exist.
   2. I cannot fill prompts for co-writing, obviously.


3. Feel free to add any characters you need to in the summary if they are not listed.


4. There is no 4.


5. If you are absolutely opposed to a romantic pairing with the characters you listed, please state so in the summary.
   1. Any prompts that list only one character will be viewed as character study/gen prompts.
   2. It is up to my discretion if I want to write a romantic pairing for your prompt.

It was a hellacious weekend, thus the lack of W.E.D. posts. I missed writing Saturday, Sunday I wrote something that depressed the hell out of me, and Monday I wrote something personal that I never intend to share. Today, I worked on part of my Federation Series (regular 'verse companion to my AOS mirrorverse series). This is as of yet unbeta'd because it's not fleshed out enough for even my beta to see. However, you get a snippet!

Where his people repress passion, her people often use passion as a tool to express and deepen intimacy. He is aware she would be willing to forgo sexual contact out of respect for him. However, he is also aware she would not thrive in such a relationship and would eventually leave because of it. It is not an outcome he would prefer.

As usual, check out my writing:writing every day tag for my other W.E.D. posts.

Wrote some more on my Chapel study. One day, you'll actually get to read it!

There'll be a surprise at the end of the month, as well. Oh, since you asked so nicely, I'll go ahead and tell you. At the end of the month, I'll put up a link to where you can put in challenges in my personal archive. You don't have to sign up, it takes anonymous challenges. However many red squares I end up with, that's how many challenges I'll take! It'll be first come first serve. I'll let you know specific details when the time comes.

As some of you might know, you can find all of my recs here at my delicious account. At the bottom of those post will be a copy/paste thing for you to comment with if you want me to read something and maybe put it on my rec list in the future.

Some of these are older, some of them may be newer. Shall we begin?


( Doctor Who )

( Glee )

( Heroes )

( Smallville )

( Star Trek )

Again, if you have a story you think I'd love, feel free to leave a link here.

<b>title</b>: <b>author</b>: <b>fandom</b>: <b>characters/pairing</b>: <b>rating:</b> <b>summary:</b> <b>why:</b> <b>link:</b>

This list will be continually added to. However, after the initial posting, I'll be making separate postings with all the updates. Feel free to give me the links to any McCoy pairing fics you feel that I should recommend.

New additions are marked by the symbol .

TOS = The Original Series. For this category, I also include the first six [6] movies in this.
AOS = Alternate Original Series. This will include any stories based out of the eleventh [11] Star Trek movie and any future sequels with this particular Enterprise crew.

Ratings/Warnings:

FRC — Fan Rated Suitable For Children

FRT — Fan Rated Suitable For Teenagers

FRM — Fan Rated Suitable For Mature Persons

FRAO — Fan Rated Suitable For Adults Only

Stories

( Chapel/Kirk/McCoy )

( Chapel/McCoy )

( Chekov/McCoy )

( Gaila/McCoy )

( Jocelyn/McCoy )

( Kirk/McCoy )

( McCoy/Random Object or Alien )

( McCoy/Spock )

( McCoy/Uhura )

Again, if you have a story you think I'd love, feel free to leave a link here.

<b>title</b>: <b>author</b>: <b>source</b>: <b>characters</b>: <b>rating:</b> <b>summary:</b> <b>why:</b> <b>link:</b>

This list will be continually added to. However, after the initial posting, I'll be making separate postings with all the updates. Feel free to give me the links to any fics you feel that I should recommend.

New additions to the list will be marked with this symbol:

Ratings/Warnings

FRC — Fan Rated Suitable For Children

FRT — Fan Rated Suitable For Teenagers

FRM — Fan Rated Suitable For Mature Persons

FRAO — Fan Rated Suitable For Adults Only

Stories

( Multiple Pairing )

( Elle/Sylar )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Again, if you have a story you think I'd love, feel free to leave a link here.
<b>title</b>: <b>author</b>: <b>characters</b>: <b>rating:</b> <b>summary:</b> <b>why:</b> <b>link:</b>

Today, again, I wrote more on my episode by episode breakdown of Chapel. Again, you get no snippet. I'm evil like that!


For my past WED posts, check out my writing:write every day tag.

Backdated, because I'm anal and don't want this to be marked as posted half hour after midnight.

This one is from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I know, you're shocked it isn't more Star Trek! This is something I had started work on a long time ago, and I just picked it out again today and started reworking some of it. Unbeta'd, so be warned. Here's just a snippet:

Her eyes are completely black as she rides him, hands pressing against him where his heart used to beat.

“You'll always be mine, right? I won't let you leave me.”

He's not sure when it all started to change, when she started to get lost in her own spell. Maybe he had simply found the one girl who he could make fall for him just by loving her enough. Either way, he was going to do everything he could to bind her tight to him.

He rolls them over, hand slipping unnoticed under the pillow. Bracing himself on one arm, he drags his free hand down the bed along side her, concealing a dark emerald gemstone under his palm.

For my past WED posts, check out my writing:write every day tag.

I'm getting this one in early. Ha! This is not in the same verse as the others. This is from my Federation Series. Hey, I have to keep my two storylines straight somehow, right? Anyway, this one has gone through countless re-workings and my beta and I finally hammered it into submission. In celebration, I present you with a snippet:

Christine Chapel was 18 years old and the daughter of Drs. Lauren and Patterson Chapel, a very ambitious and hard-working couple. She had no doubt her parents loved her, but she knew they felt it was more important they push forward with their scientific advancements than raise their child when nannies and tutors were more qualified for the job. That left Christine's marraine, Caroline, to fill the role of mother as best she could. Her dear godmother, however, was not very good with discipline or boundaries.

Christine refused to use her parents' careers, or Caroline's lack of disciplinary skills, as a crutch, however. In the end, she ended up a strange mix of responsibility and entitlement, love and loneliness. She had her faults, and she was well aware of them, however, she also had the will to correct them.

For my past WED posts (all one of them), check out my writing:write every day tag.

Still in the Empire series. Unbeta'd. Again, Jim's POV Tomorrow, I post the story!

Kirk wasn't sure what the other captains had received in that second message, but what he'd been given was not something he wanted to even think about again.

For my past WED posts (all one of them), check out my writing:write every day tag.

I would have gotten more done, but there was re-writes, then posting to do. You know how it is. So, since this is incomplete, you get the snippet. Unbeta'd, so don't look to velvetwhip when it looks like crap.

Yes, this is still from my Empire series. And, this one is finally from Kirk's POV. Small warning, Kirk had a potty mouth. Bad Kirk!

It took a while for Kirk to figure out what his first officer was doing with their newest Head Nurse. With anyone else, the small touches would have been thoughtless gestures, but with Spock they obviously had a purpose. It wasn't until the Vulcan had stared straight into his eyes as Chapel slightly, and unconsciously, leaned into the touch that he knew for sure.

That fucking Vulcan bastard.

And, someone asked me how this series differs from the TOS mirrorverse enough to make it AOS. Just to let everyone know, that will be addressed.

For my past WED posts, check out my writing:write every day tag.

Unbeta'd, because it took so long. This is only a snippet, because of the non-beta'd status.

Again, Star Trek: AOS, Mirrorverse. I will be posting this as soon as it's finished and has been beaten into submission by my beta.

Everything about her seemed designed to present a challenge, and Kirk was well known to love challenges. Her presence on board the Enterprise would provide the perfect opportunity to remind the Captain that anything he had or wanted could easily be taken away.

For my past WED posts (all one of them), check out my writing:write every day tag.