Title: Truth in Fiction
Author's LJ/DW: cleothemuse
Categories: value of Vala, female friendship, humor, character study
Warnings: none
Author's Website: www.cleothemuse.net
Link to story: Truth in Fiction

Why this should be read: Vala discovers trashy romance novels on a shopping spree with Sam, and the two women share some unexpectedly serious reflections. Great fun, sparkling characterization, and an excellent read!


Vala strolled around the end of the aisle and began to absently trail her fingertips down the spines of the books resting on the shelf to her right. The slick feel of the covers intrigued her, and she stopped for a moment to investigate further. Instead of the heavy canvas and leather-bound volumes which littered Daniel's office, these books had glossy exteriors with bright lettering.

Pulling one out of the row to inspect it more closely, she was shocked to see a scantily clad brunette swooning in the arms of a bare-chested eyepatch-wearing hunk. The Pirate's Queen, proclaimed the cover, and when Vala flipped the book over to see if there was more to the picture, she discovered more writing on the back.

Betrothed to a widowed baron twice her age, ravishing beauty Angelique Collins is forced to leave her beloved Caribbean home for England, but her ship is attacked on the high seas! Intrigued by the spirited temptress, dashing pirate captain Blake Webb vows to make her THE PIRATE'S QUEEN.

Titillated, Vala closed the book and tucked it under her arm, then selected another from the shelf.