The Athenaeum's Index Of Fiction

Dust by Ann McMan     

Original / Uber | Modern | Alternative | Romance (alt) | Novel - 225 pages | Finished | May-11
When it comes to finding dirt, Evan Reed is the best in the business. She's a "dust-buster"-a paid operative hired by political campaigns to vet candidates for national office. She's also a foul-mouthed and cranky ex-Catholic-attempting to raise a 14-year-old daughter on her own. When she is hired to investigate the background of a squeaky-clean and charismatic junior senator who might just be the next president-the last thing she expects to uncover is a murder. Evan's life is further complicated when she meets the senator's reclusive wife-who seems to be hiding a few secrets of her own.
Simply fantastic. Clean, fast-paced, and engrossing. Incredible dialogue. A great story from one of the best writers out there. - anonymous - May-28-2011    Looking forward to reading this, so I'm patiently stalking this author's page until this story changes from "Unfinished" to "Finished". - Anonymous - May-29-2011    i really love the story - ebby - May-29-2011    Note to readers: This novel is complete, but is being posted in installments. No worries about it never being finished! - Ann McMan - May-30-2011    Really great second novel by one of the most talented authors on the net. Highly recommended. - anonymous - Jun-01-2011    Super writing; clear and concise. Intriguing plot with lots of twists and unexpected turns. Unlike so many fanfic, I find myself unable to predict the end with any certainty but am looking forward to each further instalment. Please keep on writing Ann, your novels are a joy to read. A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS A WELL WRITTEN NOVEL WITH FULLY DEVELOPED CHARACTERS. - CoolNik - Jun-01-2011    Love this story so far..."Evan was every bit as shocked as she would have been if Julia had suddenly whipped out an accordion and started playing top hits from The Lawrence Welk Show." This made me laughed until my face hurt. - Ramsey - Jun-09-2011    love this author, can't wait for the rest of this story. - Silver - Jun-11-2011    Ann McMan you are one of the best author's out there. Thank you for giving us another fantastic story. I just can't seem to stay away until the last chapter is posted... they say patience is a virtue but I'm a instant gratification reader ;-) Please, please post faster - ha. - colorado fan - Jun-14-2011    Ann McMan, you just getting better and better. The humor, the action, the excitement and the words written is high class. Well done..cant wait for the next episode. - zieta - Jun-18-2011    What a wonderful story, and what a talented writer! Highly recommend, though please, please finish soon! - Southerndrawl - Jun-19-2011    Great story.....can't wait till its finished!!! :) - Anonymous - Jun-19-2011    a fantastic read! So many twists and turns - can't wait to see how it turns out. - gillian - Jun-19-2011    Absolutely great plot! Clean reading, no errors. Great story!!! - Another CO reader - Jun-20-2011    Really good, didn't notice it was unfinished till after I started reading, now I hate myself cause I can't wait for the next part. Please, please continue soon. - ~M - Jun-26-2011    Great mystery! I'm hooked and ready to see where these ladies end up. - Anonymous - Jul-05-2011    For those who can't wait for Dust to be completely posted here at Athenaeum, its all up at the academy of bards. This is the link to part8 which is not yet here. http://www.academyofbards.org/fanfic/a/annmcman_dust8.html - Anonymous - Jul-05-2011    One Word-FANTASTIC!!!! Thanks for finishing this story! You're an extremely talented writer. I can't wait to read more from you! How about a sequel to "Dust"? I would love to read more about Julia and Evan! Thanks again for a wonderful story! - Anonymous - Jul-10-2011    ***** Spoiler Alert ***** Awesome! Loved this, and thirst for more. Thank you. This story has longevity. There is so much that is left to be told about Evan and Julia ... Marcus and Margo. Would love to see Evan and Julia get to (and beyond) the point in their relationship where their idiosyncrasies annoy each other. One rarely gets to read about this ever important (and often humorous... when it is not happening to you) hurdle. Additionally, I am thrilled that there is so much depth to the Marcus and Margo characters. I very much look forward to finding out how deep that rabbit hole goes. I am no fan of series, but I am sold on this one. I HAVE to know how this all unfolds. Well done Ann McMan. Excellent work as usual. - Anna Lei - Aug-12-2011    another great read - could have been easily published in the recent self-publishing hype! MORE, pleeeaaase ... - bookgeek - Aug-12-2011    After Jericho this is another very, very good and entertaining piece of free lesfic with great characters, super beta-reading and a very good plot. Any McMan, any time is never soon enough. Hopefully the author who is - rumor has it - going to publish soon (and deservedly so) well remember during the publishing progress that there is a difference between free fan-fiction and published books. The high quality of her fanfi gives hope. - bookgeek - Aug-21-2011    good story.. wouldn't describe it as 'romance' though.. rather as a mixture of political intrigue and thriller with a dash of feelings.. interesting read, nonetheless.. - xtra dog - Aug-25-2011    Another good story from Ann McMan. Keep on writing!! - lyneX - Aug-31-2011    Very well written! This story has a constant flow- you are always wondering what will happen next. Iwould like to see what could happpen next with these same characters. Well done! - Anonymous - Sep-20-2011    This is an absolutely wonderful story. Great dialogue. Wonderful character. Excellent pace. I am SO looking forward to reading more of this. Excellent Job! - Incognito - Sep-24-2011    This is an absolutely wonderful story. Great dialogue. Wonderful character. Excellent pace. I am SO looking forward to reading more of this. - aaguilar - Jan-09-2012    Great second novel by one of the finest authors of lesbian fiction. For those who are interested, it has recently been published and is now available for purchase online. - phoenixrising - Jan-10-2012    Amazing story. Couldn't put in down from the moment I began reading. Hope the sequal comes out soon! - Anonymous - Jan-07-2013    Excellent! This novel was surprisingly well written and consistently romantic, entertaining and even suspenseful until the very end. Highly recommendable for anyone who enjoys a good novel. - Anonymous - May-24-2013    ** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! ** This is one of the most enjoyable and well written novels that I've read in a long while. Excellent character development, great witty dialogues, great humor, tenderness, love...etc. Personally, I could not put it down until I reached the end. - Inema69 - Jun-04-2013    Loved the plot! - LC - Oct-05-2014

Falling from Grace by Ann McMan     

Original / Uber | Modern | Alternative | Drama | Short Story - 20 pages | Finished | Aug-12
this author is a word junkies wet dream. To see such intellectual dialogue... I KNEW one of the characters HAD to be from OHIO. LOL. Thats the only place I have lived where its normal to use big words and not have anybody running for a dictionary. I would love to see the characters in a follow up story as this one was so short and didnt reveal the titles message if there is a message at all in it. lol - dez - Sep-15-2012    I love the witty remarks! I can't wait for more...it is such a tease. Please keep writing! - Katie of Ohio - Sep-17-2012    What a place to leave us haning!! Of course we want to see more of these ladies. Like another reviewer said, this story is a wordie's wet dream. More, please!! - Stacia - Jan-01-2013    A sweet short story. Very witty. Would love to see a 2nd part. - Peacetat - Jan-01-2013    well, this deserves to be more than just a one-shot.. it can still go so many ways plotwise.. so, yeah.. a continuation would be much appreciated.. ;) - xtra dog - Dec-31-2012    Read Falling from Grace if you're on this site. It's on MY list of required reading and should be on yours also. - Mochamaker - May-06-2013    A great story which poses lots of intriguing questions and having tossed both lead characters into a metaphorical bear pit with the sarcasm gremlins watching from above, it would just be plain cruel to leave unanswered. Highly Recommended and whilst I am making demands please don’t neglect Rizzo. - Dark Tangent - May-07-2013

I Saw Xena Kissing Senticles: A Solstice Tale by Ann McMan     

Xena | Alternative | Vignette | Very Short Story - 9 pages | Finished | Feb-11
REALLY sweet and appealing story that shows a softer side of X & G. A great Christmas read! - Anonymous - Feb-18-2011    What a great Christmas story - X and G enjoying the return of Senticles and the secret Senticles through the eyes of a child - CoolNik - Mar-30-2011    Cute :-) - Silver - Jun-11-2011    really loved this short story.. very well written.. lots of humor with a definite ten on the cute scale.. - xtra dog - Aug-25-2011    This is a sweet story. I really like the twist at the end, it is unexpected. I love all work by Ann McMan! - Anonymous - Nov-07-2011    This is a really wonderful short story, one of the author's best efforts. If you want to read the latest "seasonal" offering by AM, mosey on over to that OTHER fanfic website and check it out. It's a winner! Great job, Ann. - PhoenixRising - Jan-19-2012

Jericho by Ann McMan     

Original / Uber | Modern | Alternative | Romance (alt) | Novel - 513 pages | Finished | Dec-10 Part 1 of the Jericho Series Series List: Jericho, Jericho Part II - Lost Episode, V1: A Valentine's Day Odyssey
Librarian Syd Murphy flees the carnage of a failed marriage by accepting an 18-month position in Jerichoa small town located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Intending to hide out and heal her wounds, she soon becomes drawn into the daily lives of a quirky cast of local charactersand she becomes fast friends with Maddie Stevenson, the enigmatic local physician who has returned to the backcountry community to take over her late fathers medical practice.
this novel is awesome! More please... - Anonymous - Dec-05-2010    Really love it. Great writing and a great story. Can't wait for the next update. - anonymous - Dec-05-2010    so well written--witty repartee, lovely settings. - paedagogue - Dec-06-2010    Excellent story!!! CAN"T WAIT FOR THE MOVIE! Don't wait too long to add installments. HIGHLY recommend. - WGrier - Dec-08-2010    really well written, can't wait for the next update! - squeegie - Dec-09-2010    this is an awesome novel, can't wait for it to be finish..:) - Tee - Dec-11-2010    Wow! Great read! Very well written, great dialogue. I cannot wait for the rest! - southerndrawl - Dec-11-2010    What a great story and talented author !! Loving the story. Please post all of it... it's too good to read in installments. I just want to devour the story - NOW. Thank you for sharing it with us. I hope to read many more of your stories. - x/g fanfic fanatic - Dec-11-2010    Wow. Just wow. Fantastic characters. Incredible dialogue. One of my top 5 favorite stories. Impossible to recommend this one enough. Can hardly wait for the remaining chapters. - Anonymous - Dec-15-2010    One of the best novels out there. Extremely well written, with engaging characters and a fun plot. I couldn't stop reading. I hope the author posts the continuing chapters soon. - Musoki - Dec-17-2010    This is a delightful story with likable main characters. The repartee is sometimes "spew alert" funny and the story is entertaining with pragmatic and poignant moments. I eagerly await the updates! - Cheyne - Dec-20-2010    other than Geonn Cannon's Riley Parra series, this is probably some of the best fiction I've read this year (and in a long time). These characters are real, flawed, compelling and frustrating. This writing is superb! Thank you for sharing your talent with us. i look forward to following your work and buying your books. - Anonymous - Dec-20-2010    WOW!! Maddie & Syd jump off the page and into your heart. This story is funny, exciting, sexy and a wonderful read. Thank you, Ann. - vtxsip - Dec-21-2010    Jericho is a very good read. The characters are extremely well drawn and engaging. But then everything about this story is crisp from the description of the locations, to taste of the food and wine, and the sound of the music. The author has also meticulously researched even the small details. This work is truly a word canvas brought to life. I look forward to reading much more of Ann McMan's writing. Highly Recommended. - wasabigrrl - Dec-22-2010    If you are looking for a great story, with excellent writing, compelling storylines and romance - you've found it. I can't wait for the rest of it to be posted. Highly recommended. It's been a fun holiday read - Just wish I could finish it tonight. arggghhhhh. - colorado fan - Dec-27-2010    Descriptive, engaging story. Great characterizations. Can't wait to read more! - Anonymous - Dec-29-2010    EXTREMELY well written, engaging story by a wonderfully talented author. Could spend a lot of time explaining why it's so good, but would rather just tell folks to READ IT! Superior work. - Anonymous - Jan-05-2011    Perhaps one of the most finely crafted and compelling stories I've read here or elsewhere. A new, firm, favourite. Truly well done. - Boomer - Jan-08-2011    It is unbelievable that this is the author's first effort. The characters leap off the page and the pacing and emotion are pitch perfect Can't wait for Ms. McMan's next story. - Anonymous - Jan-09-2011    BEAUTIFUL!!! a sequel please. - Anonymous - Jan-09-2011    Absolutely worth reading! So nicely written and fresh. please write a sequel! - charlotte - Jan-09-2011    What a wonderful and delightful story. Absolutely LOVED it. Wishing for a sequel. Highly recommended. Ann McMan is a very talented, fantastic writer. - colorado fan - Jan-11-2011    When I first read the teaser for part one all those weeks ago I knew I had to read the book. I waited until every part was posted and then sat down did not stop turning pages * figuratively* until it was done. And what great writing it was. I loved the characters and I can't wait (hoping and praying) for a sequel. Superb writing this can't be her first attempt. Interesting and realistic characters, great banter great interaction. All of it believable. The story was not heartfelt and kept me on the edge of my seat in places. This is definitely one for the publishers! - Lesley - Jan-12-2011    what a wonderful read, such great and very realistic characters. Sit back and enjoy the wine, the music and the laughter with these delightful characters. - vtfan - Jan-13-2011    Ann, if this is your first attempted at writting, PLEASE CONTINUE. Awesome story. - rosii59 - Jan-13-2011    WOW! I have to say this is now honestly one of my favorite fics! Please, please post all the parts so I can die happy lol. Seriously this is great so keep up the good work. I am excited for the next part! - heathstar - Jan-13-2011    incredibly well written - i just couldn't stop reading it. please continue to write more! - crv - Jan-14-2011    I was searching for another story from u 2 read,I can't believe this is your first try at writing.Please continue u r good.I loved this story hated 2 c it end. - DAB - Jan-15-2011    I loved this story .. it 3am and i just got so engrossed in this story .. the characters are aamazing .. so well written n lovable .. the plot is endearing .. leaving the reader enchanted by this beautiful love story - scorpio_2097 - Jan-16-2011    This was such a delightful story - I can't believe this was the author's first attempt at fiction. It was very well-written. Likable characters. Humorous dialogue. Don't remember when I enjoyed a story this much! - cooscarole - Jan-16-2011    this was charming and refreshingly real. conversations rang true and the story progresses gradually the way life tends to. - Anonymous - Jan-16-2011    This is an excellent story written by a very talented author. - ftcfan - Jan-17-2011    Wonderfully engaging. Memorable characters. Non obtrusive writing style, it truly did flow off the page. - Wheezie - Jan-18-2011    Great story, can't wait to see more from Ann - Anonymous - Jan-18-2011    bravissima. this novel is wondrous. the dialogue is terrifically well-written. the story is proof positive that good writing trumps dramatics. this one is a treasure. - kc - Jan-18-2011    Jericho is an amazing piece of work. The characters are diverse and enthralling. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and found myself looking for more. I believe there is more to this story and if or when the words hit paper I would love the chance to read it. - Animism - Jan-18-2011    I enjoyed this story very much. An excellent first offering. I hope to see more where this came from! - Rae D. Magdon - Jan-19-2011    great one!! would like to know how things work out with these ppl :) again grrrreat one! - lyneX - Jan-19-2011    Gorgeous. Well written and beautiful characters. Classical Uber at its best. - Ape - Jan-20-2011    A great read, one of the best. Can not wait to see more from this author. - Anonymous - Jan-20-2011    Love it!!! Great story... - blueyz - Jan-20-2011    A total gem. Please keep writing! - offhermeds - Jan-24-2011    Fantastic!!! Excellent writing. I want more - especially a closure on the father. The humor is great!!!! - Traveller - Jan-25-2011    I loved this story. Great story. - sassy123 - Jan-27-2011    Great story! Looking forward to reading more from Ann! - Kay48 - Jan-27-2011    Great characters, witty dialogue, and a good romance. I can really recommend this story to anyone looking for a good read. This story is worth your time. - filfil - Jan-29-2011    This is a wonderful story with three-dimensional characters and dialogue that is fun to read. Finally a story that didn't have the characters jump into bed together on page 2! - Jae - Jan-30-2011    I could not put this down. Wonderful wonderful story with incredible characters. Well done!! GO READ IT! :) - Di Bauden - Jan-30-2011    Loved this story. Really good. - Silver - Feb-01-2011    Excellent read. - Jackie - Feb-02-2011    Grace, passion and lots of time to explore them.Cheers - tudy - Feb-04-2011    I really loved this story. Great job writing. - sassy123 - Feb-06-2011    Good read. - D - Feb-08-2011    Great story with great characters. Highly recommended! Thank you Ann McMan. You are truly gifted writer. - pegi - Feb-09-2011    What a delightful piece of work!! Well developed characters, some very witty conversation and a slice of RL comes to life in a love story. I highly recommend this new writer and this work to you - but take note that it is hard to put down once you start so you mey have a very early morning or 2 whilst reading this!! - CoolNik - Feb-13-2011    excellent story - nicolen - Feb-23-2011    Beautiful! Fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed this story!!! - heinerway - Mar-08-2011    Amazing work! This bard did a very good and dedicaded job writting this. It shows by the quality of it all. Characterisation, development, transitions... I didn't find any flaws, any awkward parts reading this long tale. Every step seems to be where it meant to be and lead where it meant to lead. And indeed, how the heck this can be this bard's first fiction? If she hadn't already wrote dozens of literary gemmes BEFORE writing this one, then fore sure she must have read tons of them. it's the only way... - yuka - Mar-26-2011    Loved this story - I can't think of a single thing that I didn't enjoy. More, please! - Mickey - May-03-2011    What an awesome novel, very well written with great dialogue. Can't wait for more from this author!! - Jan - May-14-2011    I have no clue how I missed this story. Best story I have read all year!! I hope the author keeps writing. - Emily - Jun-07-2011    Excellent. The relationship between Maddie and Syd is beautifully written, as are all the supporting characters. The dialogue between all the characters is funny, tender and poignant. Everybody should read this story. A must read and definitely one of the best stories that I've read. Awesome:-) - Lyn B - Jun-24-2011    WOW! Beautiful story, talented writer. - Tess - Jun-25-2011    the VERY BEST I have read in ages. Loved it and the end screams: SEQUEL :=) - kiju - Jul-16-2011    do your heart, mind, and soul a favor and don't delay, just go read it now! I could not put it down! bravo!! - Anonymous - Jul-21-2011    hahaha!! laugh out loud dialogue! loved it and thank you for sharing! - Anonymous - Aug-16-2011    this story just begs for a sequel.. well, maybe not just the story but me as well.. very well written, good dialogues, nice build up.. hell, even i felt the first kiss they shared racing through my veins.. :) - xtra dog - Aug-25-2011    Great story, and beautifully written. - Anon - Aug-27-2011    Thanks to all of you for taking the time to read and recommend Jericho. I wanted to let you know that it's just been published, and is available now in ebook format (and soon in paperback) at amazon.com and barnes&noble.com. Enjoy! Ann McMan - Ann McMan - Sep-26-2011    Beautifully written. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There is a great mix of interesting characters. This author is definitely a new favorite of mine. - Kathy H - Dec-26-2011    Beautifully written. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There is a great mix of interesting characters. This author is definitely a new favorite of mine. - Kathy H - Dec-26-2011    This is an absolutely wonderful story. Wonderful character. Excellent pace. I am SO looking forward to reading more of this is autor. Excellent Job! - aaguilar - Jan-09-2012    A real fun read. Thanks for taking us on this journey! - zomerblond - Feb-26-2012    Loved this story, so glad I took the time to read. I'm greedy I want more!!! Sequel Plzz - Ashley - Mar-09-2012    Great great story, I read it over the course of about 2 weeks and enjoyed every single moment of it. The banter, the portrayal of the main characters, every single secondary character; everything just fit, and felt true. Recommended to print out and enjoy the read during a lazy summer week! - NGBlue - Mar-20-2012    This was an amazing story. well done! Oh and I wish some parents were this considering. - Anonymous - May-16-2012    I really loved this story. The banter and the witty dialogues between the main characters are superb! - Ricky - Nov-28-2012    What a well thought out, believable story!! Definitely should be published - it is that good. It has something for everyone, especially 2 very likeable main charecters and with an engaging cast. - Stacia - Dec-03-2012    Great story, it is published. Bought it together with a sequel, 2 days ago. Can't wait for books to come! - P. - Dec-03-2012    A good read. I'm hoping for more - Anonymous - Jan-07-2013    Ann wasn't kidding about years of dedicated reading until you get to good parts. yet this was an amazing, captivating story, wonderfully written and just cries for many, many sequels. - Naty - Jul-10-2014    This is one of my favourite storys on this site love to see a sequel to it can't read enough about these . sure I will come back again and read it again cant say enough about it Thanks for bringing this lovely story so well written xxxxx - SD - Sep-19-2015

Jericho Part II - Lost Episode by Ann McMan     

Original / Uber | Modern | Alternative | Vignette | Very Short Story - 6 pages | Finished | Feb-11 Part 2 of the Jericho Series Series List: Jericho, Jericho Part II - Lost Episode, V1: A Valentine's Day Odyssey
I had been working on Jericho for the better part of a year when the characters staged a mini-revolt and decided to take matters into their own&er& hands. This was the original version of a chapter in Part II that ended up on the cutting room floor. It takes place after Syd's ill-fated dinner with her husband, Jeff. I think the departure from the published narrative will be pretty clear. : Hope you enjoy it.
This just made me laugh so much. I didn't realize how much I miss this two women, thanks for bringing these characters back. - Fireaggar - Feb-07-2011    What a hoot! Hilarious insight into these two, tormented characters! - Anonymous - Feb-13-2011    Hilarious! I can't get enough of these characters! As a matter of fact...there's a Valentine's sequel located ELSEWHERE : ) on the Web!!!!. Hurry! Go find it NOW!!!!! - WGrier - Feb-14-2011    Hilarious! I can't get enough of these characters! As a matter of fact...there's a Valentine's sequel ELSEWHERE : ) on the Web. Hurry! Go find it NOW!!! - Clementine - Feb-14-2011    I laughed so hard I nearly peed my pants. Read it! - anonymous - Mar-08-2011    brilliant ^^ - yuka - Mar-26-2011    So funny. Great characters and a lovely idea - Linda - Aug-20-2011    really splendid idea.. and absolutely hilarious.. and again: very well written! - xtra dog - Aug-25-2011

Nevermore! by Ann McMan     

Original / Uber | Modern | Alternative | Romance (alt) | Short Story - 25 pages | Finished | Jan-13
I loved this! Fantastic dialogue from 2 sharp, witty, well matched characters.. - Anonymous - Jul-01-2013    nice read.. - xtra dog - Jul-19-2014

V1: A Valentine's Day Odyssey by Ann McMan     

Original / Uber | Modern | Alternative | Romance (alt) | Short Story - 39 pages | Finished | Feb-11 Part 3 of the Jericho Series Series List: Jericho, Jericho Part II - Lost Episode, V1: A Valentine's Day Odyssey
Maddie decides to leave her comfort zone and do something special for Syd on Valentine's Day. Madness, misunderstandings, and mayhem on an apocalyptic scale ensue as best intentions go horribly awry.
OMG!! This is HILARIOUS!!!! Don't read this at work! I LOVE these characters! - Anonymous - Feb-19-2011    Loved it, made me laugh out loud. - DAB - Feb-20-2011    I Can wait to read more about Jericho is a wonderful story - nicolen - Feb-23-2011    Excellent continuation of "Jericho"! Look forward to more! - Anonymous - Feb-24-2011    Wonderful - read Jericho first then this Valentine's day update. Really very well written - a must read....looking forward to the next story from Ann - CoolNik - Mar-29-2011    This is an hilarious story. I love these characters and laughed out loud at their antics. Very funny, sweet and romantic. Excellent read. - Lyn B - Jun-21-2011    what a treat.. this story ends as it starts: funny, even hilarious at times, lots of innuendo, romantic and arousing in parts,.. excellently written.. would love for this series to continue.. the two main characters have simply stolen my heart.. - xrta dog - Aug-25-2011