1: Carefree Highway by StangStar06 With any prolific author, it will always be hit and miss. This offering from StangStar06, for me, was a hit. It wasn't due to the plot or its squick of a twist. It was due to the incomparable Evie, a foul-mouthed slip of a girl who quickly worms her way into your heart. To be loved that fiercely is every man's (at least this man's) dream.
2: Fifth Place by RPSuch Rich emotional depth, both positive and negative, revealed through powerful dialogue is what keeps me coming back to this story. I wouldn't have made the choice the protagonist makes but I can't help but be sympathetic during this ride along. A really great read.
3: Fool Me Once by Longhorn__07 Not usually one for cheating revenge stories, this one slipped past my barriers. Perhaps it was due to a precocious little Belinda who was wonderfully characterized by Longhorn__07. A pretty Latina leading lady didn't hurt, either. Here's hoping this talented author gets back in the saddle and provides us with more stories of this caliber.
4: Garlic Salt? by Jay Cantrell I know most are drawn to Jay's epic "Daze in the Valley" but this much shorter tale is probably my favorite of his. Real characters in a real marriage that's falling apart around them. I'm a sucker for emotional angst and turmoil in a story and this one has it.
5: In My Life by Harddaysknight Any offering from Harddaysknight is going to be a good read but this one, for me, rises to the top. The western genre and spitefire of a female lead are a tough combination to beat.
6: Loose Cannons by Lazlo Zalezac Everyone gets what they want in the end--a pretty remarkable premise for a story, considering the circumstances and turmoil of the four central characters. A tip of my hat to Lazlo for this one. Very unique storyline and very compelling characters.
7: Pelle the Collier by Argon I love the medieval texture and feel of this story. Argon does a wonderful job getting us to care about a lowly collier and his reluctant bride, Ingeburg, as well as all the other supporting characters. A genuine tour de force tucked away on SOL.
8: Rich Man, Poor Man by woodmanone Strong characters are woodmanone's forte and he does not disappoint in this story. The dramatic ups and downs of Jamie and Rebecca's lives are compelling, particularly the downs. The heartache and redemption make this one definitely worth reading.
