Cia

My dreams and plans took a 180. My life is nothing what I expected and yeah, sometimes I mourn that, but I would never give back all the experiences I've had or the people I have to love now. Sometimes life is about being flexible and not necessarily chasing an ideal of what you thought you wanted, but making your life work and being happy with the changes and new goals you make.

First the compliments then the flame! JK I read this because you mentioned it in your status update. Way to plug your story Actually it was that emotion you described in the update that got my attention. I remember it sooooo well. It was just that same bite the nails (eww) and hyperventilate feeling as I waited to hear if my first attempt to write was a total FAIL. I have to say yours is way better. Oh, at not failing, btw Anyway, I was blessed with both excellent support and feedback to help me grow as a writer so here is my attempt to pass that on. Your flow is very good. The introduction to the scenario and the characters is very smooth. We see Charlie and his distress and then your slide into his memory is darn near flawless. You show the story and let the characters tell it by dialogue and showcasing their actions in your narration. I'm all about visualization and you definitely kept me there. I can 'see' Charlie though the only things you gave us to describe him is that he was taller than Tina and he was easily tugged about by her and his roommate. To me, considering he acknowledged being a geek that brought to mind a average height, slender man with brown hair. (Not a redhead or blond since you said dark circles under his eyes as if they were something new and both of those coloring types tend to get them easily). You didn't do a physical breakdown of the character but I got to see my version of him as I read. It might differ from your's or another reader's but that lets us really feel connected when we get to make them up. Great job on that. Okay, gotta throw in some quibbles. You do have some slight errors in punctuation and flow. Check for possessive apostrophe mistakes and missing commas. Keeping them out as much as possible is a good thing but sometimes natural flow demands them. My best advice for that is to read your chapter out loud. It helps you determine where any natural pause is in the story that needs punctuation changes such as a comma, question mark, or period. My other quibble is timeline. You never tell us when Tina and Charlie meet but you make it seem early on in college with this line: It had been that way all through college and the first few months of summer and right up to the first two weeks of school. That seems like too much time for her to just now realize and decide she didn't care for his meekness in his personality. Then, her then quibble about having to ask to meet his parents 2 months in then made me question how long they had really been together versus my first impression. That distraction pulled me out of the story a bit, and not in a good way. Either some thought that she had, perhaps that if he became a full fledged working adult he would change into a more assertive person, kept her with him for years (and if so you need to let her tell him and readers that) or they haven't been together more than part of senior year and afterward as he found his job. In that case I'd change "all through college" to something a bit more specific timewise. At least, that's my take on a realistic approach to this type of situation. Overall this is a very good story. I'll be keeping an eye out for an update. You might not tell us where you are going but I saw the tags. Mature adult/young adult. Will Charlie meet someone older who will like his meekness and know how to provide him with the security he needs to grow into a quietly confident man? Hmm... can't wait to see!!

LOL. I have evil sisters too but Becca really does take the cake!!

Let's see... my hubby likes cheesecake but I usually buy it for him, not make it. We went with a very non-traditional spice cake with apple cinnamon filling and a cream cheese frosting for our wedding cake. That was super nums!! My kids just like cake and don't care about flavor so I usually make a vanilla cake and color it with gel food coloring since I make my own frosting too. They like the homemade buttercream or marshmallow frosting usually. Then I shape their cakes. I've done pyramids, prehistoric jungle with a volcano for dinosaurs, a giant pink pig (don't ask), a kitty cat... quite the variety. My own preferences for cake usually run to chocolate with more chocolate Hmm... chocolate!

Yeah, you will. You'll be focused and happy on that little bundle in your arms with super soft skin and a kissable face. Definitely a time when keeping your eye on the prize won't be too hard at all.

Yeah, I think that's the Alpha control freak in Cavel. He wants Bashta to get to know him without knowing their mates so that he doesn't spook and he can get used to them without expectations. In his twisted way he's trying to protect Bashta, though I have to agree, it didn't really work. He's only human, after all. Well... sort of Thanks for the review dear, I'm glad you're hanging with the story and still reading!!

First, Welcome to GA! Use of idiomatic phrases in English is something that a lot of non-native speakers on here face. However, even within native English speakers you will find that use of phrases and flow based on speech pattern is very different. I'm much more concerned about the plot of a story and it's content to begin with. The rest can be helped with an editor. I actually work with a few people who are either English speakers from other countries or non-native speakers as their beta reader. It's different but I think it helps them as well as me to learn how things can be used differently. Your best way to find an editor on this site is to 1) put a request in the Editor's Corner, and 2)Post your story. I found my writers and the beta reader I use just by reading, reviewing and talking to those who have read/reviewed my own stories.

Aww, thanks for the topic, and the comments. I have always thought of flying, with wings or magically, as exhilarating. The freedom of it was what always drew me. The predatory birds with their streamline shapes, power, and grace, and I'm hooked. We have hawks and falcons all over my neighborhood and they are amazing to watch. Predatory animals have such a powerful aura, add in those qualities to a dominant male and we have one hot man. Make two bond together and we have flames!! To support that, since I don't want to write PWP (Plot, what plot??) stories and I needed a hook I have a lot of background story going on that will hopefully intrigue and suck a reader in. What are the dreams foretelling/showing? What happened to Velaku? Who is his mate? Is there a plot against him? If there is, who is behind it all? Will he have a mate or is he a freak of nature?? Keep reading and you'll find all the answers!!

Oh yes, reoccuring nightmares, unknown bonding, plots afoot... Lots of intriguing questions for readers to try and figure out. I hope you continue to enjoy the story as you read!! Hugs for all the reviews, I really appreciate it.

Isn't that the question!! I have always had this fascination with flying, I used to dream about it all the time as a kid. That definitely came out in this story. It just seems so freeing. Thanks for the review, keep reading, you'll get all the answers you seek... by the end, at least

Yes, this story was very emotional. The Carthera stories involve a bonding obviously but I try to have quite a bit of plot to support that. Velaku's story starts out really sad and things don't get exactly easier. I hope you enjoy where it goes anyway.

Saulle is a bit of an ass but he's not a bad guy. I always thought he had Cavel's best interests at heart, though he didn't really know how to go about it. I'm glad you liked the heat in the story, even with the instant bond of Carthera mates I like to make the relationships have some sort of natural progression. It is a bit accelerated though. Once you know someone is the right one for you it removes a lot of the complications of a relationship, though not all. I like to explore that with these stories. If you want to read about birds you should read Bonds Unbroken. The main clan in the story, as well as the main character, is a Falcon. Also, if you want to read a short story, hetero, that involves bird Carthera I have one published in a free download e-book anthology on a romance publisher website. Let me know I can hook you up with a link!

Yay! I was going for hot and steamy, they are in the jungle after all The plague and the kitlings are definitely creating a sense of tension and urgency beyond that of the interplay between my two fav black cats. If you like the images of the black jaguars you're going to love the next chapter, though I can't say any more. Thanks so much for the review!

This chapter is short on action but full of interaction. I needed to allow the characters to show the progression of their friendships, relationships, and feelings. Action will be coming soon though!! Thanks so much for always reviewing, especially afte r you were nice enough to read this for the 2nd time this afternoon to beta and then again to review! Hugs!!

Chapter 4 is posted. This one will give a lot of those details you might not have understood along with a bit of emotion and well... just go read it!! Two of a Kind Chapter 4

That afternoon Bashta and Cavel talked a lot. Speaking of their lives, dancing around their true thoughts, they traveled along the river until they reached a tributary that led up to a jutting headland in the distance. Cavel looked at the cliff and worked his hands as he thought. "Are you sure we will reach it in time?" He glanced worriedly at Bashta who nodded. "Yes. It is closer than it looks. There are only three major curves in this river and there are places to cross on two of them th

LOL. I use just about everything on the site other than the blogs. I read, write, comment in the forums, and of course use the gallery to brag about my pics My life and thoughts are soooo not interesting enough to blog anywhere though. I read the hosted on-site before I joined and it wasn't until after that I actually found e-fiction. I joined and chatted and was primarily a reader at first. I went from member to chat mod at 2 months, forum mod to admin recently so that I can be part of the WST lead team. In this way I am still mostly focused on the writers on the site which is a bonus for me. I'm not the biggest reader/commenter all the time but I am still present just about everywhere and I try to get to know the newer writers and offer the pearls of wisdom shared with me. It was here I first got the confidence to show my writing to others, who encouraged me to post my first story ever. Thanks, Lugh, Nephy, and Paya. From there it's just gone on to GA being a very big part of my life. As long as it's here I don't think you'll see me leaving.

Poor guys. This is a real shame that her irresponsibility and actions have such high emotional and possible monetary costs. Honestly it sounds as if she has committed the fraud here and should be held liable for the outcome, as such. However, this isn't a world where things always fall so neatly into place. I'm not up on legal details so I'll not speak to that. I do hope that you are able to find a way to work this out so that Mike is not feeling left out, because that is not just your baby, it is both of yours. Babies might be made with 2 people biologically but parents are not made by that process. Parents are those people who are excited, loving, eagerly wanting and waiting for that child in their lives. He is just as much a daddy as you are. Also, at this point in pregnancies there isn't much testing or anything else being done. Most of the major testing and care begins around 25+ weeks. You have a little bit of leeway to get this worked out. Don't stress yourself out too much and remember to breathe.

LOL. Have you been watching Alpha and Omega, the cartoon movie? Huh... that actually is quite pertient to this subject actually, and is funny to boot. The cg sucked but the plot was funny as the alpha wolves got schooled by the omegas til they realized what they were really doing wrong.

Now that would be telling I can't be doing that!! There is a lot to come in the story but that's all I'll say, sorry. Don't kill me! I know the whole concept of mates/instant bond lets me get two characters close very quickly but I still like to add some bit of natural progression to the story with a good amount of interplay between all the characters, just as if it were 'real'. That's always my goal to keep the stories from seeming unnatural. We all come in contact and interact with many people throughout the day, I like to make sure that happens in the stories I write as well. Thanks for another review, there will be a new chapter tomorrow for you to read further.

I am a write what you know type Sex is and should be fun when it's with the right person, with lots of room to explore if you trust your partner. There are certain things I can't know as a woman but others, well... Yeah, that's where that comment is going to end. And Cam, no I am not going to write any sex manuals so don't ask again!

I have to say I prefer completed stories, just so I know it's done. I read so fast it's hard to keep a lot of stories ongoing and keep my interest because I have to keep them straight. It's why I have a hard time keeping up with ongoing stories, even if the author posts regularly. It's one of the reasons why I enjoy beta reading for my authors, I get to read much faster than posting schedules usually. As an author I usually post as I write though I try to keep enough material written that there are no delays as I post. I feel guilty if I don't post regularly.

The biggest part of this story is the mystery in it. Right now it seems like the basic vampire legend we all know but I bet things change The story has great snapshots of scenes, vivid moments that stand out as the action moves along. We get to see the story behind the story but it flows so well it's not distracting from the characters and what they are enduring. Damian and Vik are an interesting mix. I really want to seem more of Vik and get to find out more about him. He's uber mysterious!

A big thing with using alternatives to lube is to make sure they ARE condom safe. Safe safe safe! Again, positions and what works depends on the partners for the most part. Body size, support surface being used, athletic ability Those are just about the only limiting factors. And yes, sometimes if you aren't careful about stretching or using lube whoever is 'bottoming' can get torn, usually microtears that are just uncomfortable but not dangerous. The best way to treat those is to just use a warm sitz bath (hot water enough to sit in, you can use soothing bath salts or not at your preference) and ointment will usually have you right as rain in a day or two.

Well that's a blunt question. Honestly, just about anyone can answer it though Not just gay guys. The short answer is, if you're not careful, yes. Even then for some people it always hurts a little, at least at first. Some say it doesn't hurt at all. Depends on you and your partner, I guess. Lubricants are very helpful, the slippery-er the better. Usually if you relax the pain goes away, but that takes time to learn how to do. Sex of any type, especially for beginners, can be uncomfortable and make you tense. That's not conducive to a pain-free encounter. Then again, practice makes perfect Just be safe, be with someone who cares to make things feel good for both of you and you'll be fine.