This story while short, is full and rich and the author had left lots of room for further tales of Alaina MacKenzie and Lindsey Carrington. (Yes, damn it! that's a hint)

Got a few minutes and you've a hankering for a love story with a little 'bite' to it? Then this one is for you.

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.

"Only One" seems at first glance to be a harsh tale if the warning above is taken literally. But for those who are willing to venture further, it soon becomes a captivating read. Its central character is an immortal Xena who makes a living as a private investigator in Portland, Oregon. Not where I would expect Xena to be. But the setting is not as important to the story as the characters. The Xena portrayed in "Only One" is a complex, mysterious individual. She is deep, fierce and lonely, with an ages-old yearning for a soul mate that passed over long before. She is just as strong and determined as we have seen her painted by other fan fiction writers, but in this tale she has a cockiness about her that only adds to the character's depth But with that depth comes a frightening darkness that rings true to the never completely vanquished brutality of RenPics Xena.

We find a reincarnated Gabrielle in a street kid named Ricky. She looks like Xena's beloved, has an appetite of similar caliber and can find trouble just as easily as the bard of old. This golden haired storyteller however, is a witness to not one, but two murders and while under Xena's protection finds herself drawn to the ageless warrior. They both have their own demons and attractions to overcome and accept, and throughout the tale find themselves drawn to one another.

Discovery, trust and renewed faith are the truly captivating elements of this tale, and what kept me reading long into the night when I knew I should have been asleep in bed. The two women must battle much more than what they expect when someone from Xena's past comes calling. Once again Xena must pull off the impossible and unexpected, and I was impressed by how smoothly Redhawk accomplishes this. No jerky dialogue, no over-use of flashbacks, just a well-written solid tale that was a joy to read. Yes, "Only One" does have it's darker elements, but this a Xena tale after all. Because the tale is set in modern day Oregon, and focuses to some extent on the life of a street kid, it is not all roses and chocolate. It is gritty, has nasty moments, down right blood chilling scenes at times but is very much worth the read. If you've got the constitution to get through the darker moments and enjoy reading "Immortal" tales, (which are quickly becoming a genre all their own in fan fiction) then this is the story for you. When you come to the end and realize you want to see more of these two characters you may breathe easy, there is a sequel. Redhawk has been kind enough to write "Oktoberfest", in which Xena and Ricky go to Europe for the famous festival. But that is another story, and another review! This tale should not be missed!

This is a refreshing portrait of two women who have to deal with age and the side effects that come with it whether it is a few extra pounds, gray hairs, or weakening eyesight. Jenah shows how during the process of discovering a relationship, a person can become comfortable with someone else beyond their own expectations.