Ever find yourself unable to turn the pages of a book fast enough, the feast is that good? Well, you'll find quite a delicious meal with this story.

It takes place in the present time in a world we all have witnessed on the 6:00 news: an important figure has a family that needs protecting from the 'crazies' that want their 15 minutes of fame. In this story, a senior secret service agent is tasked to guard the daughter of such a man. Both seem to have quite a bit of emotional baggage as they enter their very strained relationship. Neither one seems willing to give any more than they have to, fearing to do so makes them vulnerable. As time passes and their constant exposure to one another is intensified because of death threats, both women see something they need in the other. Although originally manifested in sexual attraction for one of them, the other is feeling something very akin to love; something neither one ever thought they'd feel again. Suddenly a duty becomes an honour, and honour a liberation.

I don't think I've ever read anything so enjoyable since Lucifer Rising or Persistence of Memory. The action is fast paced, the characters well defined, the language and syntax flowing, and the plot riveting. The images created by the author literally jump right off the pages, drawing the reader in until we care about each and every one of the characters.

My only complaint? It ended much too soon.

Verrath presents a sense of nostalgia as Sina and Gabby become Xena and Gabrielle. Transforming daily life to mythical misadventures. These feel good stories bring a smile to your face as you watch the girls take on all that life has to throw at them with typical childhood enthusiasm, drama, and friendship. Sina and Gabby possess many of the traits a familiar mythical duo possess, yet they have their own unique personalities. Above all, they are best friends who risk everything important - being grounded, missing desert, extra chores - for each other.

Words from the author herself on this piece of original fiction that caught my eye (the disclaimer alone is recommended reading).

Julianne Franqui is the star of her own television show, and soon to be released movie; young, beautiful, rich, successful, and so far in the closet she can't see the light.

Kris Milano is a student/aspiring artist, trying to get by in New York with her best friend Leigh. It's when Julianne goes to New York on a round of publicity for her movie that she spots a painting being peddled on the street, by a certain artists' best friend, a painting that she decides she must have. A painting that will ultimately set her on course with destiny. This story is full of witty dialogue, unique characterisations, and a quick paced plot. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this piece of original fiction, so I think you should just go and have a look for yourself.

Faith, a private investigator with a specialty in missing persons, is called when a woman with amnesia, and terrifying nightmares, materializes on the doorstep of the convent where Faith was raised. Just as this is an Uber within an Uber, so is it a story within a story. A scandalous, love-gone-wrong murder involving a famous actress (Blythe Dawson, and her lover Josephina Wright) that rocked Los Angeles some fifty years previous, seems to be the key as to why Gabrielle (yup, that's what they decide to call her until she remembers who she is ;~) is having night terrors. And, believe me, these pesky dreams are as bloodcurdling as they are real.

Soon the question begs: Did Josephine kill Blythe? More importantly, will history repeat itself? These are not idle questions, but ones that actively pull us through the story at a crisp, clean pace. You'll care about the back-story as much as the present one because they are so inextricably intertwined.

This story reminds me a little bit of an old-style, mystery-thriller, detective story, especially because this genre has always utilized the Los Angeles landscape as a sort of secondary character. So, especially fun is Rooks taking us around the city. I loved the thrift shop named "Surrender Dorothy"; a fun wink at those of us who know the real "Dorothy's Surrender." Okay, now that I'm done with my little self-indulgence <g>. Do take a peek at this story, it's a terrifically entertaining read.

No. For a really good uber, you need a cute but mischievous Dorothy, a tall, dark and grumpy Cowardly Lion and a gangling, Abba obsessed Tin Man. Then, to start it off, you dump our three intrepid heroes (two of whom hate each other on first sight - guess which two?) in the middle of a small Welsh coastal town, with strict instructions to "make your way back here - without using maps or money - in three days time." What could possibly go wrong??

Barbara Davies tells us as the story unfolds, through believable characterisation, great dialogue and solid plotting. Starting off their journey rattling around blindfolded in the back of a transit van, our trial bound threesome painfully make their way through three days of gently humourous adventure as they cut across Snowdonia national park in full fledged Wizard of Oz costumes in the pouring rain. You will have to read the story to find out how they manage to spend a night in a police cell/get squashed three in a bed in a haunted house/end up at hospital with a near fatal case of wasp sting.

And if that wasn't enough, you've got the hesitantly blossoming romance between Charlie (Dorothy) and Jen (the Cowardly Lion) as they fight mutual antagonism, their own libidos, three in a bed romps and communal showers. And not even a kiss in sight..........<g>

Cassiel is fleeing a resent personal tragedy which becomes exacerbated when she discovers a dangerous family secret. On the run, she finds herself at a quaint restaurant on the beach operated by a mysterious woman named Jael. Jael agrees to hide Cassiel and soon they are beginning to discover each other.

I look forward to more of this story, and I hope readers who find it as intriguing as I did will encourage the author to post more.

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.

"Cape of Fear" By Jam is an endearing story about two souls that come crashing together in the worst possible set of circumstances. I'd love to give you a synopsis but the intrigue that sets the tone of the story is there from the onset. The only disappointing thing about this story is that there isn't more of it. I sincerely hope there is a sequel coming soon.

...I've hear from the Author, there is a sequel in the works!

Ryshta is a land of the ruling class and the slaves that serve them. When Lord Athol sends his only daughter to meet the man he has chosen as her husband, she is caught in the middle of a slave rebellion. Lost and alone Roslin tries to find her way home.

Brice is the chosen one, foretold to be the leader who will set his people free. He finds a dying young woman and brings her to his mother, a healer, to save her life. This sets in motion a tale of love that will that will make your heart soar.

The characters are so full and rich, and the crafting so skillful that you'd swear you just watched a movie. I do hope that some day Verda decides to breathe life into the yet another tale of Ryshta and the friends I met there.

I started reading this story because of the title alone-it's from a Walt Whitman poem. In fact, Anon uses-quite liberally and to marvelous effect-many passages from Whitman's "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" as well as "Leaves of Grass" in this small tale of an emotionally traumatized woman who is riding the ferry just to forget her troubles, her destination unknown even to herself. But once on board she meets a kind yet familiar stranger, someone who may turn out to be the best friend she's ever had.

Whitman's lyricism really infuses this story; rather than detracting or distracting one from Anon's graceful, moving writing, his poetry seems to inspire it. It's like a dance, done with consummate skill as well as both love and empathy for the characters.

While in seven parts, the reader won't mind a bit because this piece is that good. Although not terribly graphic, the reader should be aware that there is nudity and sexual situations. This is a finished uber novella with a second story lead in called Crimson Snow, by Advocate.

Nikki Takis spots two bouncers trying unsuccessfully to oust a nosey PI from the club she's patronizing.  Impressed by the spectacle, she tries to hire the said PI when extortionists threaten her employment. The PI doesn't take her seriously until she collapses on her front step.

Terri Farmer is a Jane of all trades Private Investigator, She wants for nothing and has a strong love of her own personal space.  She takes what she thinks is going to be a simple Body Guarding job only to find herself nose deep in Blonde Greek/American trouble.

It's not too long. It's not too short. No, it's juuuust right.

During this engaging story, Advocate effectively shows us with humor and compromise how Amanda and Claire are learning to deal with their relationship. Including most of the same characters from "Connections", Advocate has created a riveting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Though fully utilizing familiar aspects of Xena and Gabrielle, Ryan continues the welcome trend in recent uber fiction of creating original characters and situations, as opposed to simply updating or re-telling X:WP canon. Kaz and Chris are both smart and likable, and their personalities are well defined; even better, they are supported by well-developed secondary characters. Most impressive, however, is Ryan's ability to make the plot and storyline surrounding the lead duo every bit as interesting as their moving romance. Whether it's the frantic pace of the newsroom, the ins and outs of golf, or simply an accurate look at life in a small town, first-time author M. Ryan makes each aspect of her story credible and compelling.

When Taylor Williams is sent out to work as an assistant to the reclusive Jack McDermott the last thing she expected was the most stubborn person she ever met. As she struggles to fit in with the large McDermott clan, life steals up behind her and grabs her by the heart. Though it's not finished it's definitely one to watch for.

Lariel is a master at surprises as well as setting. No matter how many times I read this, and I've read this piece many times, I still feel the cold dampness as if it were soaking through my own coat. I can feel the rain, the roughness of the stone, and Emmy's heartbreak at her situation. Most of this short story is dialogue. It's natural, everyday language, and well done. Lariel lures the reader into a false sense of expectation, and lets us make a conclusion about the outcome of the meeting on the bridge. But you're in for a surprise. By the time you have finished reading "Deep, Black Water" you'll think twice about Sara. This is a character driven story with realistic dialogue, a simple setting and atmosphere that you can't help but feel. Lariel has delivered a tale with a power packed ending and characters you feel for, proving once again that she really is more talented than she'll admit to.

As her nameless characters offer few details of their ordeal (one woman, asked how they survived, replies only that "they did what needed to be done"), so does the author reveal her clues sparingly. The economy of words, however, suits the story, and enhances its appeal.

If "The Edge of the World" were a painting, it would be a collaboration between artist and viewer; in sure, swift strokes, Wishes has provided the canvas and the characters, while leaving the viewer (or reader) to complete the portrait, filling in the shadows and adding the background to his or her satisfaction. Though "Edge" takes only a few minutes to read, you'll likely ponder its characters and your own interpretation of them for some time.

Bailey has spent nearly all of her life in the pocket of a government agency because they hold a sword of Damocles over her life. She has found some measure of peace for the past few years when the beast stirs again and she must demonstrate to them why she 'always' wins. In the meantime Piper sees a side to this 'Princess of Darkness' that no one else can and with gentle care, helps her boss to see new possibilities.

This long tale is a bit disjointed in the beginning but if you can stick with it for the first few pages and especially if you read the whole thing; the beginning will make perfect sense. The plot is complex and clever, the characters are multifaceted and interesting and the villains are original and believable. The ending was solidly satisfying, unlike the thing that had bummed me out in the first place. Excellent read, thank you Kiera!

I was proved wrong. Anna has written an intriguing story about heroes who have become slaves to their adorers and it hits close to home. It really made me sit up and think long and hard about what I’ve done to Xena and Gabrielle in my own fiction, and what I’ve read in others and I have to say - she’s dead on. Sometimes, it seems we delight in abusing our heroines. It’s just as well they’re not real.

Well, in this story, they are, and Xena’s narration - although more verbose for the Warrior we’ve grown used to - is poignant and touching, as she reflects on what she and Gabrielle are put through on a regular basis by both fans and producers (yes, maybe in some cases we’re just as guilty as TPTB for the way we mistreat them - I’ve read stories which are ten times worse than FIN). Her depiction of what they both go through - an the changes it has wrought in Gabrielle in particular - are quite heartbreaking.

And yet amidst all the pain, there is home and togetherness and peace for these two as they snatch a rare moment of privacy before their next ‘assignments’. It’s a lovely story which somehow manages to convey all that has been best and worst in the show and fanfic of Xena;Warrior Princess.

Allison Kendell was hard core, stone cold lawyer. Life tried to make her crash and burn but she took a ninety degree turn away from the power and the money into the sedate and quiet world of a small college. She didn't want or need any complications in her  existence but fate has other ideas that end up twisting her around like a cork screw.

This is one of those wonderful stories that I could cheerfully crawl into and live. The characters are so full of life that they burst right off of the page/monitor. The plot is intelligent with a secondary counterpart that could easily be a delicious story all on it's own, and the love scenes are steamy and breath taking. I could go on and on, but I doubt I could do it justice. I don't just recommend you read it, I insist.

Stash is a paranoid, sneering, experimental artiste. Carson is a horny, neurotic, hair consultant. They both have skeletons in their closet that no one in their right mind would claim! Immediately their paths cross and the stalking, er, I mean the hair consulting begins. Underscore this with a supporting cast which includes senior stylist Paolo (bitchy and too fabulous for anyone's own good-God, I love Paolo) and a cameo by Linda Fucking Tripp, and what do you have? Oh my dears, you have pure pop-melodrama of GIGANTIC proportions! A must-be-read-to-be-believed story that left this reader yearning for Chia art, tatted undies, and "down there" hair art.

Now, just because I am president of the Stash and Carson Fan Club does not mean I have *no* objectivity in this matter. I can honestly say, with complete detachment, that like Stash's Chia art, this story will grow on you. So, let us all join hands and sing of Stash and Carson. Let us light our Uber candles at the altar of LN and Viv. Let the cult begin.

OK, we have here two of the funkiest, funniest writers in Xenaverse, switching into parody mode, sowing similes that absolutely defy the grammar of the English language, creating two characters as wild as their creators. Read this story, just for the heck of it, or for a mind ride no amount of good weed can provide; this is all I can say to do justice to this story. Bring your own Cheetos.

Fab, darlin'. Ta.

Lorelei does a wonderful job of taking us through the days and nights of these two officers while showing us how their lives slowly intertwine causing them to become reliant on one another. While letting the main relationship develop, Lorelei also creates a story that encompasses outside relationships with friends and family, evoking an atmosphere that has a wonderful sense of comfort and belonging.

Xena and Gabrielle pursue a warlord in true "Cops" fashion, and it's a chase for your funnybone, believe me. There are so many gems in this story that I can't share too many without giving away the story, but here is just a glimpse of Joanna's sense of humor...

Xena (shouting): "We're in pursuit! Do your thing Gabrielle!"

Gabrielle starts imitating a siren as they chase the warlord.

With Joanna's bardic record,she could probably take a grocery list and have it emerge as a side splitter. With a foot chase, a helpful warlord who appears to be a henbane dealer and a dumpling stop for our heroes, I feel I should warn you not to drink anything while you read this. So put down the danish and coffee and enjoy Joanna's "Heroes".

Leave your proud sensibilities at the door when you read this wild and woolly, warped version of all things Xena. There are no sacred cows in this piece, every cliché is laid bare to it's gooey mush_filled center.

[As soon as they stopped walking, the sun set and they found themselves sitting around a campfire on their abundance of furs and blankets. Xena stared at Gabrielle with her baby_blue orbs, their azure brilliance and sapphire quality like cerulean cobalt. Xena took Gabrielle into her arms, kissing her tenderly and stroking her long_red short_blonde hair. The bard responded to the kisses.

"Oh Xena, I love you so much, but I don’t know what to do."

"Gabrielle, I am very experienced having about seventy_two lovers before you, but I know you won’t be jealous of that and I will teach you everything."]

...and that's just the beginning.

Warning: Do Not read while drinking hot beverages, especially if you have sensitive sinuses.

Yoshima Miakoda is a Hunter, protector of the innocent, slayer of vampires. The product of nearly a millennium of living after being adopted by Japanese parents. All that she has come to believe in is rudely turned upside down in the form of a Gallery worker named Clarion Larieux. Their meeting is unusual to say the least, as Yoshi saves Clarion from the grasp of a gang of vampires. Yoshi has a hidden past... but so does Clarion.

The subtle dance these two weave around each other is fun, fast paced, and enthralling. Even non-goth fans will enjoy this one.

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."

A lonely girl ( Holly ) in a small town bumps into ( Robin ) a Gypsy trucker, who steps in to rescue her from a abusive father and a unwanted suitor. Well written on an original theme. This is a sweet little Uber that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I for one, hope there's going to be more!

Be prepared. Don't eat anything and especially don't consume Miller Lite while reading this baby here.

I loved everything about this story, it's originality, the easy comfortable way that it is told, and the way everything is left more or less to faith. There are no big secrets laid bare, no truly violent events; rather it is the tale of a redemption without all the usual trappings, although no less heroic.

A light, enjoyable tale that left me, entertained and satisfied.

I loved everything about this story, it's originality, the easy comfortable way that it is told, and the way everything is left more or less to faith. There are no big secrets laid bare, no truly violent events; rather it is the tale of a redemption without all the usual trappings, although no less heroic.

A light, enjoyable tale that left me, entertained and satisfied.

“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.

Though it seems a bit rushed at the end, it's only because the story has become so large that another novel couldn't encompass it all. Despite this, this novelette keeps the reader interested, educated and entertained from the opening disclaimers through the pageantry and countryside of the thirteeth and twenty-first century France right to its closing lines.

L.A. Tucker's comedy/drama "The Light Fantastic," is definitely one of my favorite stories this year, heck..maybe even my top 5 for all time. It's a wonderfully written tale revolving around Chloe, a librarian in a small township near Lake Erie, PA, who also happens to be volunteer director of the high school play with her best friend Marcy in tow. The lead in the production is Nelson D'Amico, son of Dave D'Amico who is Marcy's latest flame. Dave is a simple guy, following his dream of opening his own golf course, with the help of his reclusive, once famous actress sister, Sara.

Sara is gorgeous, prone to panic attacks, and wants the world, save for Dave and Nelson, to go away and leave her alone. Of course, in this tight knit community, it is only a matter of time before Chloe and Sara meet...but that is where the predictability of this Uber ends, and their journey towards like and maybe even love, begins.

L.A. Tucker's characterisations are lively, fresh, and as a result I found myself enjoying all of the minor characters as well as the major. The story itself is panning out to be often times humorous, sometimes sad, but never dull. Trust me folks, this is one tale that is not to be missed.

This is mainly a comedy, but it's got romance thrown in, of course. The list of characters is as follows:

• Chloe, the town''s librarian slash part time drama teacher, who is also directing the senior play, Oklahoma.
• Sarah, the elusive Hollywood star who is back in town after hiding from the world. She is still trying to come to terms with her own emotional set backs after an accident took her looks, and career. That with the help of her loving family, and a cute little librarian she just might be able to do.
• Marcy, the art teacher who is trying to give Julia Robert''s in Run Away Bride a run for her money. She also happens to be Chloe''s best friend.
• Dave, the UPS man that dreams big by starting his own golf course, Sarah''s brother and the man that just might have won over Ms. Marcy.
• Nelson, the football star that wants to follow his Aunt Sarah''s footsteps and become an actor, and who just might be the only adult in this fine story at times.

Now, put all these characters together, in a small town, with small town gossip, and you have the setting for one fine comedy.

This is still a work in progress, but I do believe LA Tucker has been added to my list of favorite bards. Although I can give you my word that it will have you laughing out loud, it does have its more serious topics, which you will find when you read it right? Good, now go forth and read!

You won't regret reading this one!

Gem #1 - Susan Hettinger, the reserved, introverted, extremely competent entertainment industry accountant who has carefully organized her life to provide the maximum amount of order and control. Susan is a bean counter, and proud of it. In her own words, “I can read a Profit and Loss Statement and instantly analyze the business. Ask me about the above the line costs of a particular film or the financial liquidity of the backers for a particular venture project and I spout out particulars. Ask me about the breakeven point for a theatrical production and I will provide production costs and income.” Spontaneity is not in this woman’s vocabulary. Magic is not a part of her analytical world. That is, until she meets…

Gem #2 - Margaret Carson-Baxter, also known as MJ Carson, the charismatic, chaotic, rock-star extraordinaire turned actress with a troubled past. Yes, it really is as cliché as it sounds, but this story is a modern fairy tale and Maggie is the mystical enchantress. Go with it. Eventually the reader gets to see not only the illusions that Maggie surrounds herself with, but also understand why they're there. Harte does a good job of making her character a believable human being in the enchanted and sometimes sinister land of entertainment superstardom.

Gem #3 - The clash of realities: order meets chaos, yin meets yang, and Maggie the human tornado meets Susan the control freak. It’s a classic case of opposites attracting, but, with the exception of a powerful physical attraction, these two don’t click together with the neatness of magnets. It’s a bit more like mixing elemental sodium and water - volatile - with serious consequences for both. Susan has difficulty dealing with Maggie’s energetic whirlwind; Maggie has difficulty understanding Susan’s stoic inflexibility, and Harte is skillful enough to make the reader wonder just exactly how this one will wind up with a happy ending.

Gem #4 - Susan first falls in love with Maggie’s hands. What a delightful detail!

Gem #5 - Susan’s mother, the leprechaun. (No, really, it IS a fairy tale.)

There are other gems scattered throughout, but for me, the real gold was to be found in Susan’s first person narrative. I love her reactions to having her orderly world turned topsy-turvy. It’s an internal battle of, “I don’t believe in magic. I want to believe in magic. I'm scared sh*tless by magic.” And through that internal battle, I found enough magic and humor in this story to want to recommend it to others.

(Suffice it to say that you should read the entire "White Trash" series, and for that matter, read the entire Darkbloom "canon", which ranges from the insane humor of the "White Trash" series to the poignant musings of "Venezia".)

Jen is the stage manager for a chaotic production of Shakespeare's "Much Ado about Nothing". She wins the right to take Lauren ( an actress ) home, in a poker game. These two dance around each other until Jen's crew decide to give cupid a hand. Poto's style is easy on the eyes and fun to read.

Wilder has created a story with sexy characters and a provocative predicament. Set in the distant future and in another world altogether, Uber Gab is Princess Sarika and Uber Xena is Major Ramsey. There is intrigue aplenty, as the evil Elder Tai-Po sets out shortly after the suspicious death of Sarika's mother, to usurp the Princess' position by marrying her and taking over the empire as her Protector.

Onto the scene comes Major Ramsey, an outsider from a distant world, who is immediately enslaved by Tai-Po. In a world where slavery is a common part of life, Ramsey is a rebellious troublemaker that Tai-Po sees as an enemy. And escalating matters, Princess Sarika, upon her first heated glimpse of Ramsey, believes the dark woman is destined to be her true mate and Protector.

Deliciously compounding the situation, Princess Sarika is entering her time to mate and has a real, er, *need* to bond. <g> To not join with her mate by the prescribed time, would be physically dangerous for the young princess. So, she must find a way to convince Ramsey, the proud outsider who has been forced to wear the collar of the slave by the Princess' most persistent and powerful suitor, to become her mate and Protector.

Wilder has imagined a world that is romantic, sexy, colorful and loads of fun. Truly animation for the mind!

Is Uber? I've read it twice now and I still can't be sure. What it is, is excellent! Wakar's "The Mystery of the Forbidden Attic" is a one sitting read in that once you start you won't want to stop. So take the phone off the hook, lock the door and enjoy this engrossing tale of love in many forms.

Vanessa has just lost her best friend and begins to question where her life is headed. What started out as boredom relief in the form of charity coils steadily down into a mystery that not even peeking to the last page will help, you simply have to sign on for the whole ride.

For many of us, this incredible feeling of the magnificent possible of the world of written language -- that feeling of clarity -- comes very rarely. We read voraciously, hoping, amid the mountain of letter and sound, grammar and syntax, verb, noun, adjective, and adverb to experience that moment of unadulterated beauty once more. I, as a happy sufferer and lover of words, am pleased to announce that I have experienced that fleeting moment of beauty in the most unlikely of places -- fan fiction. And the name of that glimpse into the possible is, "A Narcoleptic's Guide to Romance" by Vivian Darkbloom.

Darkbloom's use of language has always astounded me.  She is best known for her comedic writing -- the oft-praised, "White Trash / Trailer Park" series. However, it is with her more "serious" and "thought-provoking" work that highlights her immense talent for the written word. "Narcoleptic" is a bittersweet reflection of the possible, the "might haves" and "should haves" that permeate life. Readers will note that the tale is tinged with a sense of paralyzing bitterness and fear indeed, this sense of paralysis -- reflected in the title -- is manifested by its two main characters, Danny and Kate.  Both characters are thoroughly complex and infuriatingly human. Their faults and foibles are laid bare on the screen for all the world to see.

The brevity of this tale, this brief glimpse into the lives of two very flawed individuals, is in part, what makes it all the more extraordinary. Readers are thrown into the midst and mindset, of the attitudes and insanity, of the world of Danny and Kate, with such a force, speed, and beauty that boggles the senses. It is catharsis -- the purging of passionate emotions through art -- at its very best.

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.