Sais story moved me with this short tale. It fills in the blanks as to what the characters were thinking when we were viewing other things.

How did the proud Warrior feel about being disabled?
How did she feel having Gabrielle protect her?
How did she feel seeing her friend take lives to save hers?
Did watching this cause her horror, sorrow, or disbelief? To know that someone could love you so much to do that?

Any story that shows how strong the Gabrielle character is, gets props in my book.

So this gets a good rating from me, the only thing I might ask is that the bard not make further references in the disclaimer. Cut down with the 'Not like that,' sort of crap. If you're straight and writing for a gay audience, leave things to the reader's imagination. Don't ruin the moment.

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.

"Keystones in Tapestry" by Ambyrhawke Shadowsinger is the sharpest piece of speculation on the up coming season that I've seen so far. Explanations about how our heroes will return are very savvy to the point that this could almost be considered a spoiler. Read if you dare. I know you will enjoy it. Warning this is a two hankie tale.

I recommend a cup of tea (or the comfort beverage of your choice) and box of tissues when you read this one, a sad, feel-good story. Despite the relative briefness, the reader is left with a feeling of closure that denotes a truly well written short.

Baffled by the unusual but undeniable fighting skills of the strange woman, Xena and Gabrielle join the Light and go off to fight Marrat and his slavetraders. Unfortunately, the Light in this story is a little worse for wear. Several hipflasks the worse for wear actually, and after mumbling about "fags, curries, sing-songs and last night's kebab" Najara welcomes "me new best mates" into her fold. Especially Gabrielle, whom she folds with relish. Discovering the source of Najara's "powers" - her Gin hipflask - Xena hatches the perfect plan to stop her, using the perfect bait...

Not for the delicate (it's filled with filthy language), this story is a raucous parody of "Crusader" and if you like your comedy naughty, tasteless and ripe - this one's for you. Personally, I loved it <g>

Prose that has moments when it reads like poetry, Smitty remains true to the back-story of XWP, which is sure to please Uber fans. At the same time, she creates something totally original that is compelling reading in or out of the ff realm. This is a book I would pick up off the shelf of my local bookstore for the drag king aspect alone.

In addition to the finely depicted, gradual warming of Mel's and Janice's relationship, this piece of fiction stands out as an excellent piece of literature that only gets better in the sequel. I'm not a great friend of the Mel/Janice scheme, but this story is an exception.

The story begins where "The Pappas Journals" left off, with Mel and Janice still in Greece. The Gabrielle effect kicks into action and the dynamic duo gets involved in the war. When Mel is captured and Janice becomes privy to a dangerous secret, the world around them teeming with the cruelty and genocide of the Nazi and the horror of war's remorseless nature, all they can do is to try to survive and hope for a better tomorrow.

Sword'n'Quill does an exceptional job weaving all the Uber-character relationships together as events unfold. This is a novel well thought out, and worth the time that will be invested in reading it.