#2018 challenge

Book Review: A Dog’s Purpose (A Dog’s Purpose #1) by W. Bruce Cameron

This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, this touches on the universal quest for an answer to life’s most basic question: Why are we here?

Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new…

Book Review: Me Before You (Me Before You #1) by Jojo Moyes

Louisa Clark is an ordinary young woman living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has never been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex-Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair-bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he’s pretty sure he…

Book Review: The Kindness Diaries: One Man’s Quest to Ignite Goodwill and Transform Lives Around the World by Leon Logothetis

The incredible journey of one man who sets out to circumnavigate the globe on a vintage motorbike fueled by kindness.

Follow the inspirational journey of a former stockbroker who leaves his unfulfilling desk job in search of a meaningful life. He sets out from Los Angeles on a vintage motorbike, determined to circumnavigate the globe surviving only on the kindness of strangers. Incredibly, he…

Book Review: His Last Letter: Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester by Jeane Westin

One of the greatest loves of all time-between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley-comes to life in this vivid novel.

They were playmates as children, impetuous lovers as adults-and for thirty years were the center of each others’ lives. Astute to the dangers of choosing any one man, the Virgin Queen could never give her “Sweet Robin” what he wanted most-marriage- yet she insisted he stay close by her…

Cat-And-Mouse...and-Cat

Dean/Cas Pinefest (Destiel | Explicit | 19k)

Dean Winchester was a grown-ass adult, so the fact that he was awkwardly watching someone from afar was unlike him. Normally, he’d stroll right up, introduce himself with a devil-may-care smile and ask if the attractive gal or guy (he didn’t discriminate) would like to grab a drink.

You didn’t get anywhere unless you took that jump, right?

Except…Dean had already taken that jump. It worked out fan-friggin-tastically, they had the time of their lives! The guy, Cas, was all kinds of gorgeous, sexy, smart…but Dean was keeping him at a distance because the next time they saw each other? Cas gave Dean that I’ll-play-along but his eyes were too fucking vacant to really recognize him.

Dean cursed the open bar at the company party, but more than anything he cursed himself for sneaking out in the middle of the night after epic sex!

How the hell did Dean re-introduce himself as the guy Cas had already banged and ask if they could grab dinner or something because he like-liked him?

If Dean had just stayed the night, if he’d just woken up next to Cas in bed he wouldn’t have this problem in the first place!

I’ll Rise with the Tide, We’ll Breathe Underwater

Sabriel Big Bang (Sabriel | Explicit | 72k) It all started because of a stupid lead Sam checked without backup. That was how he found himself caged, used and shrouded by darkness inside an omega trafficking ring. The torture continued for months, until Dean finally unearthed the operation and saved them. While Sam sought justice in court for all the victims, he unwittingly became a media sensation.

Sam wants to fade into the background. Being buried alive puts life in perspective. His dream of traveling seems impossible, so he gets creative. He's got the cash from a massive settlement.

Sam realizes he doesn’t have to ‘fly’ under the radar, maybe he could ‘ship off—raise anchor?’

Dean’s terrified of Sam disappearing again. He and his mate, Cas, decide to plant a Novak brother in Sam’s path secretly: as a hired bodyguard.

It works, Sam and Gabriel set sail, Gabriel acting as a guide, captain and (covert) watchman…but complications arise. Complications, in the way that Sam learns to trust again and begins falling in love. Complications, in the way that all of Sam's PTSD medications compromise his nose, because Gabriel is fucking positive: they’re true mates.

A normal around-the-world cruise would be too much to ask for, of course.

Who’s Keeping Count of All Our Cheap Shots

Wincest Big Bang (Wincest | Explicit | 30k)

It took six months for Sam to snap.

Six months of strategically mapping hunting routes through Cicero, stealing glances of Dean’s new life with Lisa. While Sam gave the order and his brother seemed happy, it wasn't enough.

Sam was fueled with the impulse tear it all down—to destroy it—he couldn't stay away.

Unfortunately, six months was long enough for Dean to become family. An impromptu husband, a father. A fucking suburbanite.

Yet not enough to fall out of love with Sam—nothing would be—and that was the bitch of it all. For Dean: it would always be Sam.

Once the brothers finally collided, Sam came in swinging with ultimatums that created strife. A strange game of thinly-veiled choice appeared to hinge on Dean, except Sam was pulling everyone's strings. No one was safe from Sam‘s invisible, behind-the-scenes mayhem.

Torn between his head and heart, Dean was swept up chasing after Sam, time and time again. Exactly where Sam wanted him. Sam didn’t plan to dismantle this domestic life he'd prompted: he needed to light off an explosion—one tactical move at a time. Until there was nothing left but ashes. Until Dean was finally back by Sam’s side, right where he belonged.

(Fits Like) a g(Love)

Dean/Cas Big Bang (Destiel | Explicit | 69k)

For the last five years, Dean has been great at avoiding his family. For five years, he’s been able to feed them the lie he’s found an alpha, making damn sure they steer clear of something as archaic as match-matching. He refuses to be sold off like livestock!

Dean’s luck has run out: Sam is graduating Law School and everyone (Dean means everyone) is heading to Palo Alto to celebrate. The only person Dean can turn to for help is his best friend, Cas—and thank God, he actually agrees. When Dean began bullshitting his parents, well, Cas was (and still is) the inspiration behind Dean’s ‘make-believe alpha.’

It becomes clear pretty quick...there isn't much pretending in their performance. What else starts sinking in, is that he and Cas kinda act like a mated couple already. But the one thing that surprises Dean the most: he might not be alone in his big-giant-stupid crush. Maybe the feeling is mutual.

Guess who has a posting date for their @wincestbigbang?

That’s right — @lotrspnfangirl and I! This will be my second year participating in this challenge, and I’m so excited to share this fic with my Wincest shippers! Even better, it’s less than a month away. Keep an eye out and I’ll keep you updated <3