Logan, who has been mysteriously out of circulation for a few months, must call upon her old friends (and possibly her enemies) to find out what is going on behind the gates at Tall Trees. This doesn't seem to be an easy task because everyone seems to have their own secrets, nor are they readily willing to share them. As the story unfolds, information is uncovered that points to something larger than Logan, and perhaps even Frith, can imagine.

From the very beginning, Karen Malevich keeps the reader guessing with this erotic thriller. Karen manages to draw together a very captivating plot that combines sex, suspense, and intrigue in a story that will hold your attention throughout.

“Learning to Trust” is a wonderful story. It’s not set in some exotic location or time period. It doesn’t have main characters with secret connections to the mob or some other spectacular “Sword of Damocles” from a deep, dark past hanging over one of their heads driving the action of the plot. It’s about very realistic people, with very realistic personalities, dealing with very realistic problems. Jace and Taryn both have their own set of problems (some of them quite unpleasant), but during the course of the story they somehow manage to work through them in order to find themselves and each other. In many respects, it’s a journey of self-discovery for them both.

I truly enjoyed spending time with these characters, watching them grow and evolve. The story is well paced and extremely well written. Fans of Matthews’ story “Download” () may also be pleased that JJ and Cory have strong supporting roles in “Learning to Trust.” I don’t hesitate to recommend this story to anyone who likes a good, character-based lesbian romance.

The tension is kept high throughout the story, as one might expect given the circumstances, and Mayt doesn't pull any punches when it comes to the emotional impact of the situation. She also doesn't let it turn into a thirty-three part exposition in mush. No, this story goes deep; it occasionally gets ugly, and it is very believable. Mayt's writing style is unique, but she establishes a rhythm with her word choice and grammar that is delightful in its brevity. She even manages to make the reader care profoundly about the supporting cast of characters. This story is a great read, and while you're at it, check out her other classic stories: "Silences," "Silences II," "The Chamber," and "Mediations." In fact, you might appreciate "Natural Causes" even more if you've read them in advance.

Fate has it's hand in all the lives of the characters in SX Meagher's successful "I Found My Heart in San Francisco" series, and Book 11, "Karma" is yet another example of fine writing, of which the author is in a class all her own.The continuing adventures of Ryan O'Flaherty, her partner Jamie Evans, and a cast of parents, siblings, cousins and friends combine to make this installment literally, one hell of a ride. Ryan finds that playing sports isn't always fun, while Jamie deals with trouble between her parents. Love blossoms between old friends, while others are afraid to admit their true feelings towards one another. Will Ryan sacrifice all, for a chance at a long forgotten dream? How will Jamie be able to balance school, golf, and a relationship?? And lastly, I guarantee the finale of this installment will have you on the edge of your seat. Reading anything that SX puts out makes me aware that I have been witness to greatness, to something that comes along but once in a lifetime. The words, images, flow movie-like into your consciousness, and I have found myself affected by them long after "The End." There is enough going on in this book to curb your appetite until Book 12, of which I know I can hardly wait. So I suggest you get comfy, and have a truly mesmerizing read with "Karma."

In a way or another, the rebel-poet-slave Gabrielle is always defeated-captured-sold and faces the mighty-cruel-brooding Conqueror. After some (how much depends on the Bard) time and/or angst-torture-crucifixions, Xena is reformed by Gabrielle's love and they live happily ever after.

Well, in Conquered you won't find *anything* in line with the Conqueror bardic canon. First of all, Xena is not ruling. She's been defeated by Alexander, and is prisoner in Shark Island, at the mercy of the sadistic warden Thelassa. Gabrielle has lost a leg as a consequence of her crucifixion, and is bitter and angry. She wants to hate Xena, and the former Destroyer of Nations helps it in their first meeting insulting her and hurting her with her words. But Gabrielle doesn't leave, and slowly breaks the defenses of the Conqueror... and her own at the same time.

Conquered is a story *not* for those who hate to see the main charachters mistreated. There's a lot of suffering (both physical and psychological) for Xena and Gabrielle in this story, but boy, the story couldn't be as good without it. And Conquered IS definetly a very good story. Grammar and spelling are flawless. The characters are wonderfully outlined, their actions always have a reason, and while at the beginning you obviously side with the hurt, resentful Gab and her hate, but bit by bit you can't help but becoming sympathetic with Xena.

Leslie embarked for a really hard journey, trying to change both Xena and Gabrielle, and in my opinion she's made a wonderful job so far. Conquered strengthens my belief that the Conqueror genre can still give us many, many hours of wonderful entertainment. This story is absolutely a "do not miss."

Xena's first lesbian kiss apparently overwhelms her so much, that her blood rushes somewhere other than her brain and she passes out. Ares finds his wife's head in Gabriella's lap, and the requested explanation prompted me to spray the computer with a mouthfull of coffee yet again. With a potentially ugly confrontation out of the way, feminism gains another warrior and Xena's idyllic 1956 lifestyle is changed forever.

I highly recommend "Warrior...Princess...Housewife". While you read it, I think I'll go out and get a moisture-proof cover for my computer. Just to be ready for the next funny tale Emily Mills shares with us.

Nicely mixing just the right amount of humor into this tale of angst makes it a worthwhile read, as does her willingness to deal with less than ideal endings-highly admirable.

Picking up where the episode The Xena Scrolls left us, the story sees our intrepid, butchy archaeologist Janice Convington pair up with Mel Pappas, the seemingly fragile southern belle with fire in her veins (well, hey, she's Xena's descendant). Xena's and Gabrielle's legacy is in danger of being auctioned off to the four corners of the world and thus the dynamic duo whisk themselves off to great adventures as they try to save the scrolls and other Xena paraphenalia on sale.

I read this story ages ago, even before I saw the episode that spawned the characters, and thus it was my first foray into the world of Uber. And what great, rollicky fun it is! The dialogue is superb, with witticism I greatly envy, and of course the story has the only dog I tolerate in fan fic -- Argo.

OK. If I don't have you convinced yet, picture this: Mel Pappas in a tux. 'Nuff said.

I enjoyed this story tremendously. The plot is gripping, the characterizations excellent. I'm not a big fan of Eve, but I liked her in this. I especially loved the glimpses we get of Gabrielle through Mira's eyes, and I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series.

The author of such brilliant works as Mortal Trade, The Judgment of the Gods, and the perfect short story After the Volcano, Mary’s forte has always been imaginative creations that highlight the bond and relationship between the Bard and Warrior. This story does exactly that. Though there is no explicit sex, and the story might be considered Gen, their commitment to each other could not be stronger.

Set in other mythical kingdom once taken by the Destroyer of Nations, Xena is asked to play a dark role in the upcoming transfer of power, the details of which he is sworn not to reveal to her inquisitive and worried Bard. Gabrielle soon realizes that nothing is as it seems, and that Xena’s life and soul are in the balance.

The story is possibly handicapped by a somewhat slow opening, and by a narrative style different from her usual work. This is not a fanfic bonbon to be scanned. It is one to be read slowly so that the rhythm of the prose carries you with it.

The story is rich in detail. She combines the actual character of Hesiod (circa 720 B.C.) with a mystery, a supernatural backdrop and an hidden curse, and moves them with some spectacular sequences and brilliant dialogue. The exploration of the minds and hearts of Gabrielle and Xena, their fears and obligations to the greater good and each other, is discerning and moving.

"She was coal being burnt, and the ash flame left after. She was water warped into ice and locked in her coldness. She was darkness with no hope of light, for she was the heart of the rock. She knew all this, and knew why she knew it."

How Gabrielle finds her soul and confronts a very real destroyer of self is not the happy creation of most bards within this universe, but it is a resolution that will uplift the heart. Along the way are insights into the relationship and the familiar characters that will resonate within the soul of any fan. Hard to read sometimes and yet emotionally and intellectually satisfying, this is a wonderful piece of writing that I must recommend.

Both characters are drawn beautifully; we have our Xena, continually struggling against her violent nature, forced to try for a life of peace and desperate to reaffirm the relationship that she had with ‘her’ Gabrielle, yet astonished and almost reluctant to find the feelings she is having for this particular Gabrielle are very different to what she was used to. And we have Gabrielle. Just like the girl in the episode, she is fearful, subdued and subjugated; afraid to stand up for herself, mistrusting Xena’s motives, cynical and hopeless. Yet somehow, Xena manages to break through the girl’s shell, and the two begin to build a deep and trusting relationship.

It is interesting to see the switch in roles in this story; it is Gabrielle who becomes the warrior as a way of dealing with the psychological damage done to her. The girl flies into uncontrollable rages or crying fits, and can only purge them through physical exertion and violence. Xena, on the other hand, must keep to her path of peace if she is to stay with this Gabrielle, and it is the former warrior who helps Gabrielle to at last find happiness within herself.

Beautifully written, joyful and tragic by turns, this is one of the most moving pieces of fanfic I have ever read, and it still makes me cry now.

Harper McFadden, professor and poet, has little in common with Adrian Xanthakis, a tattoo artist with a penchant for rough trade. With a dark history and a take-no-prisoners attitude, Adrian has the worst reputation in town, so much so that no self-respecting dyke wants to be seen with her-though secretly they would all give their left (insert favorite body part) to sleep with her. Coming from completely different worlds, the only things they have in common are their more carnal needs. In essence, Adrian and Harper are drawn together for purely sexual reasons sans any emotional attachment. The suspense that lures the reader along in this story isn't when will they consummate but rather when will they fall in love?

Michal and Joann have written a romance walking backwards. Since sex is what brings the two characters together rather than a more orthodox set up (a shared setting or mutual dilemma), sex is no longer the end, but a means to the end. Approaching it this way is intriguing because the sexual tension is continuously satisfied, leaving the emotional connection between the two characters the thing the reader yearns for. Because the story's very foundation is built upon the desires revolving around BDSM play this won't be to everyone's taste. However, if you're feeling adventurous, the subject is treated with a welcome above-board sophistication. And if this is your cuppa tea, you'll be oh-so happy!

"The Speed of the Beat of My heart" By Michal Salat & Joann Muscolo, brings together two people who couldn't be more different if they tried; the delightful part is when they start to discover startling similarities they didn't know existed.

Warning: Not recommended for reading at work or while visiting Grandma.