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Dysfunctional Family Stories Tales about families that are more screwed up than your own Just in time for the Holidays - a special group of
stories about dysfunctional families. Reading about these folks will make you
feel a little more thankful about your own family. Some of these people make
Jerry Springer's guests look normal. If your Thanksgiving blessings include
being thankful no one in your household went to jail this year, then these
stories are for you. They're all pretty high on the Hurt/Comfort scale, so
proceed with caution. To help ease you into these family time bombs, I'll
start you off with a Missy classic: Home Is Where the
Heart Is by Melissa Good Novel - X/G Family Dysfunction Missy Style (so ya know it's
probably gonna be ok at the end J). Xena and Gabrielle return to Potadeia to visit
the bard's family. While visiting, some painful family secrets are revealed.
It's an intriguing look at an area left unexplored by the series. Great
drama, great emotion, great romance - you know, a typical Missy story. No big
surprise here, it gets my highest recommendation. These next few works take a more serious turn, but they're really good stories. Warlord
Metal by Redhawk Novel - O/U Warlord Metal is both a story about a rising rock
band and a love story between the drummer's sister and the troubled but
musically gifted guitarist. As the band becomes more successful and their
relationship intensifies, guitarist Jordan finds herself spiraling out of
control. She's on the road to self-destruction, and when her past finally
catches up with her, it could be the end of everything: the band, her
relationship, and even her life. In addition to Jordan and Sonny, there are
some nicely drawn secondary characters. An emotionally powerful story with an
intriguing exploration of a woman with some intense inner demons. It's well
written, plus ya get your choice of two endings: Original or Extra Uber!
What's not to like? Highly recommended. Crystal's Heart by B.L.
Miller Novel - O/U Crystal's Heart is a classic 'opposites attract'
love story. When
smoker/toker/all-around slob Crystal becomes roommates with anal neat freak
Laura, can anything but true love result? While there are some comedic
elements, it is a serious story about overcoming personal demons and
childhood abuse. Both women bring plenty of emotional baggage to the
relationship. There's dysfunction here, but there's also a strong romance and
a serious look at some deeply emotional issues. Recommended. And who says dysfunction can't be funny? Vivian
Darkbloom's White Trash series will make you feel better about you own demon
kin and provide a break from the serious stuff. Love
And Death In The Trailer Park by Vivian Darkbloom Short Story - O/U The first in the hysterical White Trash Series.
Didja ever wonder what the Xena gang would be like if they were a bunch of
White Trash? Vivian Darkbloom has, and the results are laugh out loud funny.
Purdy, Callie, Effy - the 'Zina' gang's all here! Praise the Lord and pass
the Doritos! These folks put the "fun" in dysfunctional. The series
gets my highest recommendation. Ready for more families from hell? How about these
dysfunction tales? Starry
Sky by Bibbit Long Short Story - O/U Julie and Kimba were childhood best friends despite
their 5-year age difference. But when Julie gets pregnant and marries her
boyfriend John, she cuts Kim out of her life. When she finally leaves her
unhappy marriage many years later she returns to her childhood friend. But
husband isn't ready to give her up, and Julie might not be prepared for the
consequences of having a relationship with a woman. There are some nice
relationship moments in this well told emotional hurt/comfort story.
Recommended Broken Homes by Lois
Cloarec Hart Novel - O If
you're looking for a nice, long read for your summer vacation, then Broken
Homes is an excellent choice. Marika and Rhiannon both come from broken homes
that have left them emotionally scarred and uncertain about relationships.
Fortunately for them, they have insightful and supportive friends who help
them overcome their pasts and find the courage to live and love. Broken Homes offers well-defined,
layered characters, a satisfying romance, and enough thrills and chills to
keep you entertained. It's the perfect novel to take with you while you soak
up some rays in the sun. Definitely recommended. Halfway
to my Heart by Brigid Doyle Novel - O/U Halfway To My Heart is a departure from your usual
Uber-esque story. Reagon McAllister is a young girl who has recently been
orphaned. The only family she has left is a half-sister she barely knows.
Payton McAllister is a cold-hearted businesswoman with no desire to become a
surrogate mother to a stranger. But when Reagan is injured under suspicious
circumstances at her boarding school, she is brought to live with her older
sister. There are some touching relationship moments in this story, as Payton
struggles to open her heart to the young girl and find the familial love she
never had. There is also a suspenseful mystery to be solved, as the sisters
learn to trust each other and work together to find out the reasons behind
the abuse at the school. It's a different kind of love story, but it works
well and is sure to entertain. Recommended. After all that angst, I could use a breather. How
about a nice coming out story that's everyone's fantasy? Family
by Magenta Short Story - X/G The Coming Out story everyone wants to experience!
New lovers Xena and Gabrielle return to Potadeia to tell her family about
their new relationship - but it seems the cat's already out of the bag and
the family's reaction is anything but what they expected. A funny and cute
story that is definitely recommended. |
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