In the mirror fiction universe, there are writers who have astounding talent. Their stories are woven and spun so beautifully, creating a symphony of words and tone. If you enjoy thoughtful, romantic literature, I encourage you to get comfortable and check out these stories and authors.

Please note: These recommendations are for a select genre of readers who enjoy the established characters from their favorite books. Many authors play with these characters when developing their writing skills and exploring the art of storytelling. The following recommendations are for adult fiction readers only.

Twilightzoner – My favorite writer. She’s not even trying that hard and her word play is unparalleled, pithy and smart. An uncanny approach to crafting the male mind and the sexual tension between two future lovers. Her writing is remarkably exquisite given the subject matter covered. I could never say enough. Oh, and “The Monster”…

Art After 5 by SleepyValentina

A beautifully written, adult-themed story for mature readers only, Art After 5 takes the subject of May–December relationships and turns it on its ear. But be careful—this story is vastly different from what you might assume it to be. Socially isolated and intellectually brilliant, the sixteen-year-old protagonist has never found a person outside of his family with whom he could connect, until a chance encounter at the art museum changes everything. Also recommended: Counterpoint, which is Art After 5 from the hero’s point of view. No mere retelling, this is a full-fledged exploration of human nature in its own right.

I Hate You, Kiss Me by Stacy Bumblebee

This story is so fascinating. I can’t get enough of the clever wit and very elegant style that author utilizes to transition the characters from one thought or emotion to the other. Highly recommended for any author who has a love for interesting, character-driven stories and unique narratives.

Midnight Desire by TwilightZoner

“The Monster” is my muse. The best parody story I’ve ever read. It’s smutty and dirty and the best comedy covering the themes of Midnight Sun ever created. In fact, perhaps the only parody! Highly recommended for sarcastic wit, the sweet, love sick tension, the failed plans, the blue bra, the water tank, and again…”The Monster”.

Recapitulation by Wickedcicada

Anonymity is a dream. Lost in the woods, a girl with a secret encounters a famous musician with a past she cannot ignore. But is she who he thinks she is? Is she different from all the rest? And just how far will he go to find out? Recapitulation is a story about the power of opening oneself up to possibility, hope, and trust after years of cynicism and loneliness. AU-Human, OOC, ExB

The Office by Tby789

The hottest adult story on the internet, this one caused legions of readers to reconsider everything they thought they knew about working for “the man” and singlehandedly made La Perla the most coveted lingerie brand in the world of online fiction (torn or otherwise!). A true literary phenomenon.

As introduced at fanfiction.net: Edward Cullen is a beautiful bastard. Period. At the top of his game, he has everything, money, cars and women. Bella Swan is his gorgeous assistant, and for nine months he’s made her life miserable. One night changes everything. Welcome to the office. It’s time to get down to business.

The Price of Balance by Averysubtlegift

A clever twist on vampire canon, this lovely story is ethereal and so well written. An impoverished young woman with a tragic past leads a sad and lonely life in the cold city. A mysterious man enters the picture, seemingly intent on balancing out some of the bad in her life. Can love truly heal deep emotional wounds and give her something to live for? Is he more than what he seems? What is the real price of balance?

Volition by Rochelle Allison

It’s 1972, and Belfast, Ireland has been affected by The Troubles for decades. A bright young woman has always been close to her brother and his best friend, but as the political climate grows more unfavorable to the Irish, she worries about the boy’s involvement with the Irish Republican Army. Is everything going to change now? Is it really wise to fall in love with a rebel? Equal parts love and intrigue, Volition is about trying to find your way when your view of the world is invariably altered.

Wide Awake by AngstGoddess003

Never before have I seen an author singlehandedly desensitize thousands of readers to the “F” word. Oh, her protagonist is deliciously angry and complicated. Tragic and yet covertly sensitive once the shell is broken. A romantic interest of equal tragedy who redeems her man despite her own trauma. Two juveniles dealing problems beyond their maturity with force. An excellent work in progress. Beautiful style. Something different.

Additional Recommendations for Talented Authors—For Adult Readers Only:

Ars Moriendi by Vanilladoubleshot

The author explores the darkest aspects of the relationship between two lovers, one an immortal undead and the other a young human woman. The elements of the protagonists obsession with virtue and purity, despite being a dark creature who both murders and loves is darkly erotic and yet horrifying. An excellent read. In the words of the author: His masochistic obsession with purity and virtue when he believes that he has no soul, and much of the basis of his love for her being in the sheer transcendence of her humanity, made me want to showcase just how much their worship of things fleeting served to hurt them both.

Come a Little Closer Baby by Tinkermegan68

First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes…a baby carriage? Isn’t that what everyone wants? A newly married couple cherished their love, their freedom, and their mobility; neither felt the need to be encumbered with children for a few years. Suddenly one of them has a change of heart and is ready for some baby-making. Will the other one go along with the idea, just for the sake of their marriage? Or will they truly find that what they wanted all along had been right in front of them? This is a story about deciding what is most important in your life, and doing whatever necessary to get it.

Disciplined Breakdown by Ahealthyaddiction

Recommendation by nicnicd: A young woman leads a carefully regimented life; she’s hard-working and successful, outwardly put together and on the surface seems to be completely in control. Inside, she runs both literally and figuratively from her demons. The inner pain and yearning that Bella portrays is tangible. Read the rest of nicnid’s recommendation on The Fictionators.

Edward and Isabella by Cassandra Lee711

In the theme of one of the greatest tragedies of all time, this is a story of a hero and heroine living in a world torn by hate and misunderstanding. After meeting at a party, both experience love at first sight, but all too soon, they realize their families are rivals. Isabella has ties to the Black family and Edward is the youngest Cullen. Will the feud between the House of Black and the House of Cullen end for these two lovers? Or will tragedy take place instead? Sure to intrigue and captivate.

Finding Home by Jennde

It’s 1941, a young woman lives in the US territory of Hawaii with her Admiral father. Her childhood friendship with a handsome man once shattered, is rekindled on the eve of war.  Just as their passions are coming to fruition, tragedy strikes and the United States is thrust into World War II. The hero, already bound for the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, is duty-bound to fight and defend his country.

Making the Cut by ShearEnvy

Recommendation by sunshine_00: Soon after relocating from to attend the Police Academy, the hero of the story finds himself in the chair of sexy, snarky hairstylist. Intrigued, he quickly learns that this woman is the daughter of the Chief of Police and the sister of his recruit class instructor.

Unique and compelling, I was drawn to this fic originally because of its unique setting; however, I wasn’t expecting to fall for these characters so quickly.  Right away, one feel a connection with the heroine, who is definitely not the average, mousy character seen frequently in this genre, which is very refreshing.  So far, this story is entertaining, interesting, and a must read for anyone seeking an undervalued story.

Six Silent Goodbyes by VivaViva

Recommendation by letmesign and inside-the-disarray: Ever wondered what the other Cullens thought of Edward’s choice in New Moon? VivaViva has composed an amazing peek inside the minds of each family member after Bella’s life-altering birthday party. Every chapter is from a different perspective, a recollection of how the atmosphere has changed since the human stumbled into their lives, and what Edward’s leaving will do now that the relationship is over. I have never seen an author get so thoroughly entrenched in a character’s mind, and VivaViva does it with all six, giving them each a superbly unique voice and motivations to explain the flat characteristics dealt to them in canon. I was beyond impressed.

The Darkness of the Cathedral by Jazz2305

The writing is lovely, with a mixture of sadness and humor, the narrative is unique and well-written. This story is a gem, a treasure. The heroine is trying to move on after a personal tragedy, while the hero looks on in want and waiting. Highly recommended.

The Tortoise and the Hare by Helliex88

This story is about learning to see oneself and others clearly, but it’s never heavy-handed or preachy. The characters are deliciously imperfect. Withdrawn horoscope-writer heroine lives in Chicago with her charismatic, successful older sister and brother-in-law. The sisters have a difficult relationship, details of which are revealed as the story progresses, but things between them are not improving. Enter the world-weary hero, recently returned to the city after having traveled the globe for several years under mysterious circumstances. The two meet at a party when she finds him half-naked on her bed, atop another guest. Drama and misunderstandings ensue, but they are far from typical. Enhanced by the must-read companion one-shot collection, The North Wind and the Sun.

This is What Apologies Are For by Relative

From the author: A soldier will die on the field of Gettysburg and wake up a stronger, faster, more dangerous version of his nineteen-year-old self.  He will vaguely remember a name, and a place, and demand to know what happened to the girl he left behind.  He will not understand the consequences of a choice until it has already been made.  He will stand in the shadows of New York, watch another war unfold in the middle of a century he should not have lived to see, and he will remember.

The Heart of the Matter by SereneCaffeine

Life is many things. Simple it is not; especially where the heart is concerned. When Edward Cullen receives news that his fiancée died in a tragic accident, he’s distraught. But when he finds out that her heart was given to a dying patient, the insistent need to meet her overcomes him. Will he be able to move on from the one he lost and the hurt he’s suffered and find love again? And what will this patient do when she finds out that the heart she was given ripped a couple apart? Two lives suddenly thrown together must conquer obstacles in search of what they desire. How it all turns out is a journey they may have to partake together in order to discover what matters most.

Stories I’ve recommended to affiliates:

Bonne Foi by Amethyst Jackson

Jackson’s style is delectable and full of colorful descriptions, eloquent language and emotional intensity, which is shocking considering that she’s essentially painting a fascinating picture of a sinister, disassociated mind. Given the title and introduction of philosophical themes in the first chapter, Jackson is setting up the reader for the inevitable struggle within the heart and soul of this unique male protagonist. But in the meantime, until he figures out that he can redeem himself, his quintessentially psychotic and shockingly titillating internal monologue is incredibly appealing.

From Chapter One onward, the reader follows the dark thoughts of this cynical anti-hero as he uses his charms to lure and seduce the unsuspecting (but willing) girl to a secluded spot with designs on killing her. And then, where most authors dangle the fruit of consummation throughout a woven storyline, Jackson jumps headfirst into intense and very gratifying instinctive sex. That first scene between the two lovers is rich in vulgar-yet-poetic wording. The struggle begins as Edward battles with dual wills, the very message of this philosophical tale.

Much like her canon self, Bella’s mind is silent to Edward. Although he wants her blood, he concludes that she could useful for future sexual encounters given that he can actually concentrate on sensation and not the chatter of her thoughts: “Alluring little thing…I wanted to have her again and again until her innocence was completely corrupted…and I could, couldn’t I? If I could take my pleasure and leave her undamaged, I could have her again…”

As the story progresses, intense encounters continue to make an appearance as character development unfolds. For the jaded Edward, selfish curiosity morphs into selfish possessiveness and by Chapter Three, Edward is fully entrenched in the charms of this innocent girl. He’s slowly forming an attachment, unable to hunt and kill without seeing her face.

WARNING: THIS SITE IS FOR ADULT READERS ONLY AND CONTAINS EXPLICIT ADULT CONTENT: Read the rest here …

On the Inside of Love By MusicJunkie and nicnicd

Loose interpretation of the 80’s cult classic Pretty In Pink, set in the Twilight fictional universe.  The female protagonist is a fun, snarky girl with a past that’s left her leery of people’s intentions.  The male hero of the story is an outgoing medical student who is unsatisfied with the people around him.  They begin a fun, sweet courtship, but will the outside influences succeed in keeping them apart?  Or will they find out what it is like to be On the Inside of Love? Read the recommendation featured on The Lazy, Yet Discerning Ficster.