At one point I was a prolific reader. Then real life got in the way and the rigors of work and school and dealing with a personal life started taking up all my time. It is my fervent wish that one day I can revisit those days and fuel my reading habit once again. I know that there are a lot of people who are in the same position. There's so much great work out there, but you just don't have the time to read it all. In fact, you may not even know where to start.

 

The stories that I've linked to in this section are my top picks (and it's been a while so please let me know if any of links have died). They are collections of words that have touched me in some way. Sometimes I saw myself in one of the characters. Other times, I was utterly blown away by the sheer talent that went into creating a particular piece. These authors are truly gifted and their characters live and breathe.

 

This is by no means an exhaustive list, nor is it one that is meant to judge anyone's skills as an author. It is merely an indication of my own liking. You may enjoy the stories as much as I do, or they may be entirely unsuited to your particular tastes. Still, there is no harm in exploring the world of the written word. You never know which hidden gems might reveal themselves to you.

 

ADVENTURE:

 

'Daughter Of Egypt'  (Shadowriter)
There is very little that I can say about this without sounding like a gushing fool. Suffice to say that if you liked 'The Mummy', you will love this. It incorporates mysticism and romance and adventure. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from the innocence of Daryl to the world-weary appeal of Ashayt. Do not miss this one. You will be sorry.

 

'The Road From Kilimanjaro' (KG MacGregor)
This story takes place against the backdrop of a trek to the top of Kenya's Mt. Kilimanjaro (like you couldn't have guessed that). Mary Kate is on a mission to prove herself, to herself and to her boyfriend. She becomes obsessed with making it to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. While on this quest, she meets Kristen, a tall brunette who has given up on love. Little by little, she finds herself falling for Kristen and drawing strength from her to accomplish her dreams. And Kristen begins to learn what it means to be in love.

 

HORROR:

 

'Cobb Island' (advocate)
Are you a fan of the supernatural? Do haunted buildings on deserted islands and scary thunderstorms make your blood race? Then hold on for the ride. Olivia thinks that this is just going to be a regular boring trip with her brother and his girlfriend. She has no idea what she's in for when she meets Kayla, the brooding older sister of her brother's beloved. It appears that Kayla is not what she seems and their little trip is really a quest for her to understand her growing abilities...abilities that most humans just don't have.

 

'For The Love Of Irina' (Nene Adams)
Years ago, when I was going through my own awkward questioning stage, I came across J. Sheridan Le Fanu's 'Carmilla' and I was fascinated by it. I wondered what it would be like to be Laura, the object of desire for such a strong, seductive creature (was that too much information?). The heroine of this story knows that feeling, for she is the desire of Irina. The writing stays true to the original but, unlike Laura, Gabriella is no shy flower. She knows what she wants and she wants to be the eternal partner of the vampire, Irina. If you, like me, have an unhealthy obsession with vampires, do not miss this one. The ending will haunts you and tug on those heart-strings.

 

'Tasting Desire' (Shadowriter)
This story has a decidedly dark undertone and is not for the squeamish or the faint of heart. It is told from a first person point of view by Trey, who is catapulted into the world of vampirism by her friend Jesse. I must warn you that there is explicit BDSM in this one so if that makes you uncomfortable, steer clear. While the main plot of the story is the hunt for a vicious, bloodsucking killer, you may find yourself paying more attention to the tumultuous relationship between Jesse and Nix. Jesse is clearly more comfortable being dominant but is made to submit by Nix, using her vampire charms. While they genuinely care for each other, Jesse is deeply  disturbed by this experience and wary of being with Nix.

 

MYSTERY:

 

'Black By Gaslight' (Nene Adams )
If you are a fan of sappy romance, ignore this one. If you like your love stories with a little bit of a kick then this is for you. This is the first in the author's Gaslight Series so don't worry, there is a lot more for you to enjoy. Come join Lady Evangeline, a headstrong, wealthy Peeress with a thirst for adventure. One night she rescues Rhiannon, a passionate but gentle soul forced to sell her body when she falls on hard times. Slowly, Rhiannon finds herself drawn to this strange woman who refuses to be bound by social conventions. Did I mention that this takes place against a Victorian backdrop, during a search for Jack the Ripper, with a cameo by the venerable Sherlock Holmes. The author does Sir Conan Doyle proud.

 

ROMANCE:

 

'A Fresh Start (Nurturing Souls)' (DS Bauden)
Sometimes tragedy leaves you starting your life over. Such is the case with Alicia, a young woman in emotional turmoil after experiencing a devastating loss. At hand to help her pick up the pieces is her beloved Aunt Edna, with whom she goes to live . Enter Sydney, the tall, dark-haired ranch hand who manages to set her heart on fire. But Sydney is wrestling her own demons. Will her insecurities doom their budding relationship or will Alicia be able to break down her walls? This is a beautifully crafted story and the suspense of 'will they or won't they?' keeps you engrossed until the very end.

 

'At First Sight' (Colleen)
This is a favourite among my favourites. There are so many twists and turns that you can't help reading it a second time...or a tenth. In summary, it follows the journey of Jamie and Erin, from their first meeting to the consummation of their relationship. One of them is blind. The other has been alone for a long, long time...too wrapped up in the mistakes of her past to let anyone share her future. Together, after some heart-breaking misunderstandings and obstacles, they help each other heal.

 

'Courageous Hearts' (T. Stratton)
Years ago, Sydney thought that her relationship with Dell was going nowhere so she made the biggest mistake of her life and left. Now, by many twists of fate, they meet again and Dell is understandably hostile. Sydney vows to try to make things right but she has no idea that she walked out right before the worst time in Dell's life. Now the killer who stole Dell's family and almost ended her life is back to finish the job. Will he succeed? How far would you be willing to go if you thought you had lost the love of your life forever? Keep some hankies nearby. You'll need them for the ending.

 

'Endgame' (Meghan O'Brien)
Sex had always been a game to Delaney...a game of power and control...a game in which love had no place. Hannah was just to be another conquest for her until she learnt the terrible truth...Hannah had been brutally raped. Determined to redeem herself, Delaney decides to try to keep the relationship completely platonic. But soon it becomes clear that Hannah wants more and, despite her best intentions, Delaney finds her will beginning to crumble.

 

'Heaven Can Wait' (Minerva)
Sometimes it takes almost losing the one you love to really appreciate what you have. Nica had to learn this lesson the hard way. Although in love with Sandy, somewhere along the line she made the decision to stray. Perhaps it was easier knowing that Sandy would never leave her, that is, until the accident. It is only then that Nica realizes the gift she has in Sandy's love but will things ever be the same. All I can say is that this is an inspiring, heart warming tale that makes you believe love can conquer all.

 

'Mended Hearts' (Alix Stokes)
Dr Alexandra Morgan, better known as 'The Breathtaking Bitch', is young, talented...and alone. She has never been able to let anyone in, much less experience physical intimacy. Enter Bryn, a nurse at the hospital where Alex works. Bryn's understanding and patience chips away at Alex's self-imposed barriers and she begins to accept the touch of another person for the first time. Little do they know that they are each a part of a shared past and it is their destiny to mend Alex's broken heart.

 

'None So Blind' (LJ Maas)
'None So Blind' explores the theory that it is better late than never. In college, Torrey and Taylor were the best of friends, and that was a lifesaver for Torrey when she became pregnant. Taylor effectively stepped in and became a 'father' to baby Jessica but never thought that she had a chance with her straight friend. For her part, Torrey found herself falling for Taylor but didn't think that her feelings were returned. This misunderstanding lead to Torrey leaving, under the guise of having met someone, in order to let Taylor live her life. Many years later, Jessica is a troubled teen, who is out of her mother's control. Desperate, Torrey turns to an old friend who can understand what Jessica is going through from first hand experience...Taylor. Can Jessica be a catalyst for a second chance at love? Or are Taylor and Torrey destined to remain blind?