This review was written by the funny and delightfully beautiful 107yearoldvirgin
I would say that this sums it up, but that would be a lie. This is obviously a vamp story, and our Edward is nicknamed Bitey here. Because this Edward actually wants a taste of his Bella Swan, in more ways than one. Which is what makes this story so multi-layered that it makes me never want to stop reading.
Laid Bare is a little gem in the Vamp Fic darkness. What I love most about this story is that Brit23 writes beautifully, and the voice that she gives Edward is incredible. You can still believe that he is a tortured, emo, 90 something year old vampire who has never done the deed. He’s self-loathing and tormented, but in this story, he knows that the place he belongs most in this world is with Bella. And he will do what it takes to make it work.
That’s right, readers. No pansy-ass Eddie here.
This Bella is living a double life of ‘perfect daughter’ for Charlie, and Rez Boy groupie on the weekends. It’s clear from the start that she is not even vaguely aware of who she really is. But once she and Edward meet and partake…in each other…her purpose is revealed and her whole life suddenly makes sense:
“He pushed his head harder against mine and I winced, running my fingertips along his temple. "Easy," I soothed, urging him to lift his forehead from mine. His frantic eyes met mine, like he was desperate to make sure I was okay. "I'm fine. Just….God…keep fucking me, just like this," I moaned, clawing at his back in a frenzied attempt to get him closer, and knowing if he did, my body would be crushed into nothing. I realized this would be the sweet torture of giving myself to him…never knowing what it felt like for him fully let go. I couldn't think about it now. I just wanted to close my eyes and feel the coolness of his body sliding inside me, gliding on top of me, squeezing me tightly. He soothed me to the very depths of my soul. I groaned unevenly as he placed soft kisses on my bite over and over, shaking as the tingling sensation of his venom spread across my body. This was the closest to heaven I'd ever get…and probably the closest to hell, but it didn't matter anymore.
I listened to the steady breathing of the boy, the man, the monster above me, fighting with himself in order to keep me safe. Forfeiting to his conscience in his need for me. Nothing made sense…fucking nothing did. I needed him like the sky needed the sun and the moon needed the stars. The realization was horrifying. It was life-altering. I began trembling violently against him, a deep sob building in my chest and threatening to burst its way through. I didn't know myself anymore. I don't cry like this, I don't fucking feel with this intensity and smolder with this life. But if I didn't know me anymore, then why was I alive for the first time? Why did I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I ever had before? Why did I look at my body in the mirror and feel like I was beautiful? Why was this happening to me?”
Brit weaves a lovely tale of love, desperation and a lot of naked times in her story that leave me thinking, and riled up, ready for an update. If you are a fan of vampire fics, then you’ll want to try this one out. And even if you’re not a huge fan of Vamp Edward, you may just change your MO for this one. I know I did.
Caution: This story is heavily steeped in sex, there is a bit of drug use and the characters are in High School. None of these things should deter you from heading over and checking this out, though. You should read for beautiful little moments like this:
“This morning was a beautiful space of contradiction, bright sun and dark clouds making the atmosphere seem unworldly and mysterious. Placid raindrops fell from the sky, the air heavy with the smell of moisture and comfort. I curled up on the floor against my open window, folding my arms on the sill and watching in wonderment as the beads slapped against the wooden frame and splattered across my skin. I smiled and lifted my eyes to the sky, shaking my head as the thin purple clouds moved rapidly, as if staying another moment in this environment was too much to bear. The dark blue sky of morning lay underneath, promising a rare and beautiful day. I squinted as the bright orange sun shed blinding light over the tops of the trees, making the world ignite in vibrant colors of yellow, pink, and blue. It was breathtaking.”
Those are the descriptions and paragraphs that leave me in awe of Brit23’s beautiful imagery and storytelling abilities. I hope you’ll give it a try and that you agree.
FF link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5541886/1/Laid_Bare
Brit on Twitter: http://twitter.com/brits23
So, what did you think? Are you reading Laid Bare - I know I am, and I LOVE IT! Leave us a comment and let us know what you think of the review and of the story. Thank you for reading Southern Fan Fiction Review!
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