Banner Boner for In Love and War by @vRSoup

Banner Boner (noun): A feeling of awe when both story and banner for said story are beautifully crafted.


The Banner

I initially discovered the banner for In Love and War after an affiliate request from The LUV'NV. What a gorgeous site I thought. So different and the graphics were stunning. I nosed around a bit and then checked out the admins. That is where I came across Raindrop Soup. Jumping to her site, I was even more amazed by the graphics.

And that is when I spotted the banner.

I am an Edward girl. I very rarely stray from canon, but the banner mesmerized me. The coloring, the choice of pics. The red in Caius's eyes. It was as though he was looking at me. The banner led me to the story. A truly amazing story.

The banner completely encompasses the story. The depth of the color and design just envelops you, draws you in. Stunning.


Review by credoroza.



The Story

In Love and War by RaindropSoup

History is what defines us, personal and otherwise. To conquer it, one must decide not what they love more, but what's more important, and where one stood—with ALL things considered—could make all the difference.

Suited up. Armor polished, gazing out at those who *gather pitchforks, saws, and flame throwers*

Yes, I have strayed from my beloved Edward. I have gone to all new heights of OCC. Rumors are true, I can not deny it. I have fallen for a Caius / Bella story. *gasps* A self proclaimed canon girl accepting Bella with someone other than Edward?

And with Caius? *breaths in paper bag* How did this happen?

Well, you see, what had happened was...I stumbled across the gorgeous banner for In Love and War and was curious. I then started following the author, RaindropSoup and her stunning blog. And you know me, the stalking commenced.

I just needed to know things about the story that had me completely fascinated. RaindropSoup was kind enough to entertain my curiosity and was even willing to answer my questions about what led her to writing this brilliant story. Yes, the story line is brilliant.

In all seriousness, In Love and War is just one of those stories where the story line completely grabs you, regardless of the pairing. And though the pairing is completely surprising, it is the story on a whole that has me.

We begin one year after New Moon and Bella this time has emerged as a much stronger person and embraces her future. A definite departure from the typical New Moon stories. But fate has other plans for Bella and she is thrown back in to the world of the supernatural head first.

We have Victoria, Jacob and the wolf pack, the Volturi, and the spirit warrior, Taha Aki. The author also enlightens us on her take of the Quileute legend and it is completely original and excitingly fraught with realism.

The story jumps right in with Bella kidnapped by Victoria and Jacob trying to save her. We are then brought in to the world of the Volturi and their higher purpose for Bella as well as why they are in Forks. I completely devoured chapters 1 and 2 with the surprising twists and turns as well as heart stopping excitement...

Oh, shit. I gaped at him and then phased back along with the others, except for Paul.


No one but the most trusted in the tribe knew the third wife's name. When Taha Aki left the tribe, he left that name to the tribe elders, along with specific instructions to use it as a safe word only. It was supposed to be used between the pack and someone we didn't really know. It was so we would know who we could trust. The name Akane was only said aloud during a couple ceremonies—not even uttered when the legends were told—and only the council elders were able to give it to someone to use.


We saw no need for it, really. But why give it to a bloodsucker?


The introduction of Caius was a complete surprise as well as his purpose. I was even more surprised at Caius' realization that Bella is his mate, something he never wanted. There is a deep feeling of sadness that comes from him and his initial refusal to believe what he feels and knows is true...


And as I gazed at her, I realized it was probably more than that. I felt the beginnings of a pull, and my priorities began to shift. That meant only one thing . . .


. . . mate.


I experienced immense jealousy while Jacob talked to her. I smashed my lips together and swallowed my growl when they uttered their affection towards one another.


Goddamn it, fate is a malicious and fickle whore, I thought. I. Do. NOT. Want. A. Fucking. Mate.

The first few chapters have some very dark content of abuse at the hands of Victoria and the atrocities Bella suffers. However, before you jump to any conclusions, RaindropSoup does a phenomenal job of alluding to the abuse without actually being graphic or even describing in any detail. But you definitely understand what Bella suffered. And you suffer with her. The writing of the darker chapters is heart felt and the emotions overwhelming. And as dark as they are, they are completely in proportion with the story line and add a necessary understanding to all the pieces of the story. And there are many. There is a cornucopia of characterizations and history going on, but again, written in way where you are not lost, the story completely flows.

The introduction of Taha Aki and the Volturi connection is a key point to the story. There is a lot of history there. I love it. Being brought in to their worlds with such a different understanding than you are used to is somewhat, dare I say, empathetic. You will view the Volturi in a completely different light. They are definitely not shiny and bright, not even close, but they are definitely different than what we are all used to reading about them.

And Bella. She goes through some serious trauma culminating in a turning. And she is not happy about it at all. She is down right pissed off! And it shows spectacularly in the writing...

Isabella's eyes snapped open.


She was off the bed in a second, immediately cloaking herself.


Before any of us could finish our gasps of surprise and awe, I was knocked back with so much force that she and I went through the door, into the hallway, before hitting the stone floor . . .


. . . and dropping four stories below.


Oh, fuck.

And let's not forget about the Cullens. They are a definitely part of the story. As is Edward. I am going to leave you with that, you'll have to read the story to see how they are involved. I know, evil of me.

In Love and War is well rounded and beautifully written. RaindropSoup pours her heart and soul in to every word, and it shows in her story line. A story line completely unique and filled to the brim with excitement, heart ache, despair, trauma, surprises, and dare I say it, love.

You will be hooked on the originality and the characterizations. A brilliant story. And....*whispering*... rooting for Caius...

And a special thanks to RaindropSoup for not doing the typical *bashing* of my beloved Edward as so many do in order to incorporate the OCC pairing.

This is a writer who can definitely weave a story without the usual cliche.


Review by credoroza.


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Banner Boner for Don't You Remember by @Nabstew & @teamhptwilight

Banner Boner (noun): A feeling of awe when both story and banner for said story are beautifully crafted.

The Banner

All I had given Nabstew was the quote that I wanted to use and she turned it into a beautiful banner for my story! I was so thrilled with it and that I ended up having a complete tumblr theme created off of it! :) I love the eye contact that Bella and Edward have and how heart wrenching the quote is. It really achieves the feeling/emotion of the fic.


Review by BellaClary.

The story

Don't You Remember by BellaClary

Bella & Mike are getting married in two days but she can't let go of her past and the secrets within it. What happens when someone comes back for one last dance? AH, AU, Lemons, Rated M


This fanfic is FUCKING PERFECT. From the first line I was in love with it. It's an Edward and Bella fanfic, but it's one of a kind. There's not a fanfic like this, not even close too. I love that. Actually it's very hard to describe how amazing and good it is, but it's exciting, unpredictable, sweet and lovely. I bet everyone who reads it will love it.

Very short: The fanfic is about Bella and Mike and they're about to get married soon, but at their party two days before their wedding someone (Edward) comes back for a last dance. And maybe it turns out into something else? Edward is Bella's ex, but he left her. The problem is that they're obviously still in love with each other. So what will Bella do? Leave Mike or leave Edward?

So so amazing fanfic. If you love Twilight, romance and just tension READ THIS! Also the author BellaClary deserves this attention. All I can say is: I love it.


Review by Stine.


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Banner Boner for The Machine Shop by @candykizzes24 & @angela4148

Banner Boner (noun): A feeling of awe when both story and banner for said story are beautifully crafted.

The Banner

Marianna aka candykizzes24 has made a banner for every story that I've written from the very beginning. After over two dedicated years, she has outdone herself and made my favorite banner. I adore her skills in putting pictures together and making it look flawless. She took everything I sent her, since I wanted to use Justin Timberlake and Kat Von D, and made this beautiful piece of art. Also the logo for the real Machine Shop was a must as the title because I just couldn't picture a banner without it. The colors are vibrant and I think that it just captures your attention from the very first look. She arranged in it such a great way, grouping the characters to perfectly for the storyline. You can check her out on her blog: www.candykizzes24.wordpress.com

Review by angela4148

The Story

The Machine Shop by angela4148

College graduate, Bella Swan, needs a job to pay for the student loans on a useless degree. Owner of the famous Machine Shop, Edward Cullen, is looking for a waitress, but there's a lot more to their stories. AH OOC

The Machine Shop is so far within its 13 chapters shaping up to be a pretty damn good story. Bella is best friends with Rosalie, who ends up bringing her to The Machine Shop; a bar in Michigan. Bella had just graduated from college with a degree in business managment but because of the unforseen circumstances of the economy, hadn't been able to find a job in her own career field. Enter her best friend and essentially sister Rosalie who brings her to the bar because she knows the bouncer, Emmett and could help get her a job.

The bar is owned by Edward Cullen. Edward is broody as ever in this story. Edward is an Iraq vet who's having some issues. For years, he's been dealing with the death of his best friend and fellow soldier. Edward blames himself and of course doesn't feel like he should or have the right to move on from that and deal with his pain.

When Edward and Bella meet, of course there's the immediate connection and 'spark'. Bella wants to get him better but Edward is keeping his distance. Things are starting out slow with these two, slowly Edward is letting Bella in and trying to let go of his past.

If you are like me and like the 'military Edward' in ff stories, then you'll definitely love this one. With other drama surrounding the other characters; Rosalie, Emmett, Alice & Jasper, this one will definitely keep you on your toes.

Review by @Ellie6986.

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Banner Boner for It's All On You by @nabstew & @teamhptwilight

Banner Boner (noun): A feeling of awe when both story and banner for said story are beautifully crafted.

The banner

Nabstew (on tumblr/twitter) is one of my best friends online and she is an AMAZING editor! All of the things she creates are so beautiful and inspiring for me as an author. When she made this banner for my fic I just about cried at how beautiful it is! I mean..LOOK AT IT! Its soft and romantic and lustful and just straight up perfection. I dont know what I would do without Nabstew and her insane skills. All Hail QueenNaby!

Review by BellaClary.


The story

It's All On You by BellaClary

Tyler is still damaged from his brothers death & can't get through the darkness he's consumed by. Aiden invites prostitutes over in an attempt to make him feel better. Tyler is instantly intrigued with Mallory. Rated M for a reason. 

I first heard of "IAOY" on tumblr... as soon as heard about I was hooked. It is so well written, and it captures every single emotion you can imagine. IAOY is a cross over between Remember Me & Welcome to the Rileys. Tyler Hawkins is a damaged young man who has many demons in his closet, but when his roommate & best friend introduces him to a young girl named Mallory his life changes. Mallory is also damaged and she settles for stripping and prostitution to numb herself from feeling the pain she suffers from after losing her dad. When Tyler meets Mallory he is instantly drawn to her just by her piercing green eyes. He felt instant chemistry to her. Through the fic Mallory & Tyler become closer to the point that they are both scared to leave one another.

While reading it I was drawn to the emotions that took place. I felt like I was sitting in the room next to Tylorry listening to them talk, & watching them fall in love. I think Tyler was in love with Mallory the first time he set his eyes on her to be honest but he never realized it. Mallory felt like she was incapable of loving someone or anyone loving her. The drama that is IAOY comes from Mallory's mission to keep Tyler safe from her past, mostly her boss/ pimp Max. When Tyler asks Mallory to quit her job at the club she does, but Max wont let her off the hook, turning her into a drug dealer. When she agrees, Mallory decides keep Tyler safe by not telling him what she's doing. When Tyler figures out what's going on he confronts Max and Max ends up telling Tyler the truth, for the most part. Tyler confronts Mallory and breaks up with her & breaking her heart into a million pieces. Along with mine and everyone else who has read this fic. Mallory admits her love for Tyler in her last ditch effort to stop him from from leaving her... "I love you, you cant leave me. I love you & you love me." It doesn't stop Tyler from leaving and they are over...sadness. Mallory doesn't give up and she writes Tyler a letter expressing her love for him & her side of the story.

By the end of this fic i felt like I have gone through all the emotions at least 15 times each.

"It's All On You" was the first the first fan fic i have ever read and it introduced me to the legions of creative writers on this planet. I am hooked on them now, & i have IAOY to thank for this. It takes a fantastic writer to capture the emotion and write it on paper & this fic has done so with such grace, & courage.

Review by Allison.

When I first got a link to “It’s All On You” I thought: Wauw, this looks very interesting, I’ve never seen anything like this before. The fanfics I normally read were ALWAYS about Edward and Bella (Not that they’re bad), but it was nice to see something different. Especially when you love the characters Tyler and Mallory from the movies. Then I read it, and I have to say: I feel in love. Not only with the story and the characters, but also the writing. Everything in it is just perfect in its own way. Since the fanfic wasn’t done when I started reading it, I was always waiting for more. When a new chapter came, it literally saved my day. This story takes you out of your own life for just a couple of minutes and into a different world – with characters who’re fucked up. But still you end up caring so much about them and their life. Everything in the fanfic just felt right. You can feel the love from the author in every sentence, it’s amazing. In every line, every chapter and every act I could feel the story – see it like a movie playing in my own head. I could see the characters and their love for each other. Everything. That’s a part of why I fell in love with it at the first place. All I can say is love, but there really are no words to describe how good and fantastic this is. It’s got everything: Love, action, emotions, drama and of course excitement. This fanfic opened my eyes to a whole new world and I loved stepping into it every time. If I had to describe how I feel about this in one word I would say: Love. And I know I’ve said that many times now, and it properly sounds sappy, but you just have to read it and experience it yourself – with your own eyes. Then you’ll see what I mean.

Review by Stine.


It's All On You is an amazing fic crossover. I had never thought about these to characters being together in a story. I love the story, it's unique and brilliant. The author (Bella Clary) really put herself into the mind of each character. I especially love how every chapter has a different point of view, you get to enter the minds of Tyler and Mallory. The plot is very original and there is always that sexiness in between, but there is also heart felt and sad moments which really make you feel and that's what I describe as a good book.

Review by Erika.

IAOY is one of those stories that has you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning. The pairing of Tyler Hawkins and Mallory from Welcome to the Rileys is undeniable perfection. This author combines angst, passion, and drama into 40 chapters (including the outtake chapter) of epicness. The endless amount of steamy lemons has you drooling and wanting more! This was the first fanfic I read, and it's got me absolutely hooked! I can't thank Clary enough for opening my eyes to this wonderful world.

Review by maf2632.

So to start off this was the very first fic I read. It was the most amazing introduction to the fic world that I could ever ask for. It is VERY lemony and VERY angsty. Lots of drama and twists and turns. It's a tyllory fic so it's a sexy stripper Mallory and a torn and depressed Tyler that meet at Mallory's club and then the drama/love/angst ensues.. IT IS A MUST READ! Please check it out. You won't regret it. :)

Review by corinnakt.


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Banner Boner for A Love Like Yours by @mandy52799 & @FemmeCullen

Banner Boner (noun): A feeling of awe when both story and banner for said story are beautifully crafted.

The Banner

Mandy52799 created this banner for a contest; as soon as I saw it I asked her if I could adopt it. The banner was perfect for my new story, A Love Like Yours. You just take a look at the picture and feel my story. Bella has lost everything, her parents, and her home. She then drives to Seattle, for what she hopes is a fresh start and finding herself trying to survive the adversities any person might encounter. The manipulation made by Mandy on Bella face, resembles what the story is telling. You can not only see the hurt, but really feel the character’s emotions. Further into the story, Bella sees a couple and is intrigued by the way the two lovers interact. The banner shows you a couple walking on the street behind Bella, she is standing in the darkness but if she turns around she will find what she is looking for without even noticing it. Can’t say more for now, as the story is still developing and I don’t want to spoil it.

The merge done by Mandy is flawless; the contrast is perfect, as you can really see the light at the end of the tunnel. The same way Bella needs it to find her path and find herself again.

Finally, the fonts, Mandy uses a very romantic and extravagant font, I liked it because, after all, this is a love story and the way they interlace makes you note the way a story is told. This is a story of a girl that is hoping to get a better life, trying to find love and searching for her happily ever after. This is also not a fairytale, it’s based on real life events and accurate troubles a girl in her situation must face.


Review by FemmeCullen.

The story

A Love Like Yours by FemmeCullen

"Alone. Away from home. Only one glance at a mysterious man... their love intrigues me. Is it possible for her to love someone who hasn't acknowledged her? Would she be willing to risk anything for love... her love? Or would she love from afar?" AH

A Love Like Yours starts off with a brief sad history. Bella has lost both parents in a car accident. The bank repossesses her parents home. She is left alone and homeless. Dark. Dreary. Sad.

Heading to Seattle for what she hopes is a new start, Bella is somewhat hopeful, even with all that has happened in the past 2 weeks.

She keeps a hopeful attitude. Even the hope of possibly finding love.

A hope sparked by the observance of a handsome man's interaction with an attractive brunette.

Hope is a good thing. We all need that. But Bella definitely has that black cloud looming over her...

It's the same car, and I start to laugh at my stupid joke. It passes by my side; there is a puddle on the other side of the road and the fast car splashes all my truck; leaving me with absolutely no visibility. I panic and hit the brakes, but my truck just keeps going and starts to spin. I must have hit the side of the road because now I am starting to see everything going upside down. As I keep turning, I lose all track of what is up or down and left or right. It seems to be taking such a long time to stop. Suddenly, my head hurts like the worst nightmare. Furthermore, I cannot get enough air into my lungs; I try to breathe but nothing goes in.My world is now very dark and I forget where I am.

And even with all the dark Bella experiences, there is still some peaks of light....

She somehow reminds me of my mother; she has this beautiful smile and seems to be a very warm person.

"Yes, my name is Bella," I answer.

"Well, I'm Esme. Nice to meet you, Bella."

"Nice to meet you too, Esme."

"I haven't seen you before today. Is this the first time you've come here?"

"Yes, I'm new in town."

"Bella, feel free to come here as often as you'll like."


A Love Like Yours is definitely a Promising new Story. There is darkness, angst, mystery, intrigue, and most importantly...hope.

And the fandom agrees. A Love Like Yours has received nominations in both the The Torch Awards as well as February's, The Rose Awards.


Review by credoroza.


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Pilfered by @XquisiteProdigy

Pilfered by XquisiteProdigy

One night, one secret, many pawns. Bella Swan finds herself trapped in a family maze of lies and deception. Edward Cullen seizes her for her own protection. How will she feel when she finds out the only one she trusts has betrayed her the most?

I am amazed in all of years of reading fanfiction, that I have never come across a story of mystery. And it's written very well in the form of a drabble. XquisiteProdigy is a new up and coming author who you should definitely be on the lookout for.

My first thought about this story was "Oh no, ANOTHER kidnapping story- no thank you." This was anything but. Bella Swan is a college student who recently finds out she is adopted. In an attempt to get out of her mom and dad's good shadow, she goes to a nightclub one night, only to end up being kidnapped. The napper himself? Edward Cullen. Only this story is not so cut and dry. It has many twists and turns and the author has you feeling emotions for both characters.

I don't recommend Pilfered. I am slamming it down your throat and making sure it is the only thing on your computer screen. This story captivates you from the very beginning. You will not be disappointed!

Click here to read Pilfered.

Guest review by Unknown. Did you write this review? Let us know in the comments and we will happily give you credit :)

Anti Social Behavioral Order by @SoapyMayhem

Anti Social Behavioral Order by SoapyMayhem

A group of juvenile delinquents are sentenced to spend their summer doing community service. When a freak lighting storm gives them super powers they are forced to stick together, no matter how much they hate each other. Misfits Inspired/Drabble E/B POV's

I'm always looking for new fic's with non-vamp supernatural themes, like witches, ghosts, gods, aliens, and monsters, and SoapyMayhem doesn't disappoint with this story. ASBO combines teenage angst a la Breakfast Club with fun super hero powers in the vein of shows like Heroes. The characters are diverse and edgy and you can tell that among all the action and excitement there will be plenty of romance and character growth which is essential. Having read Soapy's other fics I am sure there will be tons of juicy lemons as well.

The premise of the story is based on the BBC series Misfits, but you don't have to be a fan of the show to enjoy this story since aside from the basic premise, Soapy has gone in a different direction with the plot so far.

I am totally in love with this story and even more so since she is posting it as a Drabble style fic with 600-1500 word daily updates. So definitely check this story out! You won't be sorry!

Click here to read Anti Social Behavioral Order by SoapyMayhem!

Review by @LaBellaLolita69

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